Best picture rankings for the 2024 Oscars
For the past seven years, I have watched every movie nominated for best picture at the Oscars. Below are my rankings for the 2024 Oscars. I’m very late this year because I only watched American Fiction yesterday!
Best Picture
Oppenhiemer 9/10
Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, is a riveting biographical drama that delves into the complex life of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the monumental creation of the atomic bomb, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and the profound impact on humanity. Will likely sweep many of the technical awards (Cinematography, Score, Editing) as well as Best Director for Christopher Nolan. The sum of its parts (including storytelling, performances, thematic depth) makes it is a worthy frontrunner to win Best Picture, although does lack an emotional punch. It is too long - could have cut 15-20 minutes.
The Zone of Interest 9/10
The Zone of Interest, directed by Jonathan Glazer, is a chilling and thought-provoking drama set within the confines of Auschwitz, offering a disturbingly intimate glimpse into the lives of the camp's commandant and his family, juxtaposed against the backdrop of one of history's darkest periods. This is an excellent example of showing rather than telling as it explores the evil perpetuated by ordinary people. The use of sound is exceptional (forshoadowed by a long introduction of a blank screen with sound only), and would be a worthy winner of the award of Best Sound. The themes of this movie are as relevant as they have ever been. Should win Best International Film.
Poor Things 8.5/10
Poor Things, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a wildly inventive tale that reimagines the life of Belle Baxter, a woman brought back to life by an eccentric scientist, blending elements of feminist critique, humor, and surreal adventure. I love being surprised by a movie and this one was strange, absurd and unusual in the best way. Standing out for its imaginative narrative, its humor and critique, this film offered great storytelling and execution.
Barbie 8/10
Somehow Director Greta Gerwig (should have been nominated for best director) managed to expertly critique and celebrate Barbie at the same time - a very difficult feat to pull off. This was an enjoyable movie with excellent costumes, production design and music and important things to say about toxic masculinity and gender. Until I saw Poor Things I thought it was a slam dunk for Best Production Design (how great was the travel sequence with the rocket!), but Poor Things might pip it a the post. Should win best song.
The Holdovers 8/10
The Holdovers, directed by Alexander Payne, is a heartfelt drama that captures the unlikely friendship between a curmudgeonly teacher and a troubled student over a holiday break, set against the backdrop of the 1970s. This is a crowd pleaser and if there is a shock Best Picture win, it might be this one. A very enjoyable film, with great acting, script, recreation of 1970s America and emotional depth (which was somewhat lacking in quite a few of the nominees this year). Da'Vine Joy Randolph should win for best supporting actress.
Past Lives 8/10
A slow, contemplative film (the kind of I often like) that takes you on a nostalgic and introspective journey. It explores themes of love, destiny, and the intricate paths our lives can take through the lens of childhood friends who are reunited after many years. The film delves into the deep connections and what-ifs that define our existence, weaving a narrative that's both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Anatomy of a Fall 7.5/10
Did she or didn’t she? You might argue this one with your friends for a long time. a gripping courtroom drama that intricately unfolds the complexities of a marriage and the elusive nature of truth. The film navigates the nuances of the French legal system and personal relationships, challenging the audience's perceptions and inviting a deeper reflection on justice and human connections. Sanda Huller is excellent (she also plays a lead role in The Zone of Interest)!
Killers of the Flower Moon 7.5/10
Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a haunting historical crime drama that illuminates the chilling series of murders targeting the Osage Nation in the 1920s, revealing deep-seated racial injustice and greed. This is a really good movie and could have been an excellent movie if it was 45 minutes shorter. 3.5 hours is indulgent and will put many people off watching it - which is a shame. A tighter edit would have driven the plot forward. A powerful and important story with great acting by the whole cast (Lily Gladstone will likely win Best Actress, beating Emma Stone).
American Fiction 6/10
A sharp and witty exploration of identity and stereotypes within the context of a Black intellectual's life, offering insightful commentary on contemporary culture and media. Enjoyable? Yes. Best Picture Oscar worthy? No.
Maestro 6/10
Maestro, directed by Bradley Cooper, is a biographical drama that offers a deep dive into the complex relationship between Leonard Bernstein, one of America's most renowned conductors and composers, and his wife Felicia Montealegre, set against the backdrop of Bernstein's career and closeted sexuality. The movie should have been called “Bernstein” as it was as much (if not more so) Felicia’s story as Leonard’s. Good acting and moments of brilliance, but there were better films in 2024.
All of Us Strangers (8.5/10 - Not nominated!)
All of Us Strangers, a compelling narrative that delves into the intricate web of human connections and the profound impact of chance encounters, showcases the unpredictable ways in which our lives intertwine and the shared experiences that bind us. Similarities with Past Lives. This movie haunts you long after watching and was worthy of a nomination for best picture.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (9/10 - Not nominated!)
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse expands the multiverse saga with dazzling animation and deep emotional resonance, following Miles Morales as he teams up with a new cast of Spider-People to face a threat that spans across multiple dimensions. Will likely win Best Cartoon, but was deserving of also being noninated for Best Picture.
