With the Oscars coming up on Sunday, February 9th (and the amount of controversy garnered around the mostly male and Caucasian nominees), most American audiences are rushing to catch up on the lengthy list of films nominated for the honor of Best Picture in order to make their predictions. This year's Oscar nominees are particularly special considering that they are mostly movies that have premiered in movie theaters and are well recognized by audiences rather than other art-house indie films.
Here is everything you need to know about the movies nominated for Best Picture, as well as each film's chances of earning that coveted award.
The Irishman
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1302006/mediaviewer/rm2039251969
The latest mob movie starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci was released on Netflix to an outstanding reception (and was even showed in select movie theaters due to high demand). However, the fact that it is featured on a streaming service makes it less likely to be taken seriously by the Academy.
CHANCE OF WINNING: Low
Joker
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7286456/mediaviewer/rm2365162497
This movie centered around the origin story of one of DC Comic's most infamous villain has garnered heaps of controversy from its release to its 11 Oscar nominations. Many expressed disdain for the movie's message and the fact that DC's Joker already received an Oscar with Heath Ledger's rendition of the character. Whatever your opinion of the movie may be, it seems likely the film will snag one or two Oscars from its many nominations, but not for Best Picture.
CHANCE OF WINNING: Low
Parasite
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6751668/mediaviewer/rm814318337
Parasite garnered a fair amount of buzz, as it is the only foreign film on the list of nominations for Best Picture. With its flurry of awards at the Golden Globes and the fact that its sudden spike of popularity (thanks to the Oscar nom) has made it available currently in American theaters, more people are likely to give it attention over the more predictable films on this list.
CHANCE OF WINNING: High
Ford v Ferrari
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1950186/mediaviewer/rm311593473
Honestly, I don't remember this movie coming out in theaters or anyone I know going out to watch it. Judging by the title, I'm guessing this is for car fanatics. In all seriousness, public reception of this movie was highly favorable and might make it a viable candidate for serious Academy consideration.
CHANCE OF WINNING: Medium
Little Women
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3281548/mediaviewer/rm2279316993
Greta Gerwig's latest adaptation of the classic novel about the March sisters' coming of age story stars lovable young actors Timothee Chalamet, Saoirse Ronan, and Emma Watson and is sure to be a hit with classics lovers as it remains true to history, but with a fresh contemporary feel. However, it might be a hit in niche markets rather than a mainstream phenomenon.
CHANCE OF WINNING: Low
1917
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8579674/mediaviewer/rm3188822529
If you have watched any Oscars telecast before ever, you know the Academy loves a good war movie. There is no doubt that this latest story of two soldiers' bravery and perseverance in the face of danger during World War One would be a hit with the Academy, especially due to its poignant intensity.
CHANCE OF WINNING: High
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7131622/mediaviewer/rm4190670081
Any Tarantino movie is bound to dazzle both audiences and the Academy. His latest film taps into the disenchantment in Hollywood around the time of the Manson cult attack on Sharon Tate, and stars fan favorites Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey, and Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate.
CHANCE OF WINNING: High
Marriage Story
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7653254/mediaviewer/rm4085219841
The star power in this film alone (Adam Driver, Scarlett Johanssen, Laura Dern, Ray Liotta) would've been enough to propel this movie to the Oscars. Another Netflix release, this film centers around the intimacy and hardships of a family struggling to remain together even when the parents separate, and showcases a tenderness both audiences and the Academy loves.
CHANCE OF WINNING: Medium
Jojo Rabbit
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2584384/mediaviewer/rm3804792577
Jojo Rabbit is yet another war film which differs with its Moonrise Kingdom vibes in which a child's innocence is our society's salvation. However, making light of WWII and the Holocaust isn't something the Academy would like to award, no matter how well done it is (see 2009's Inglorious Basterds).
CHANCE OF WINNING: Low
