My Golden Globe nom favorites and what to watch this weekend

Well, we are already into December and neck-deep in awards season. The Golden Globes nominations were announced yesterday and the internet has been buzzing with debates about what the HFP (Hollywood Foreign Press) got right and what they got wrong. 

I was personally happy to see a few of my favorites make the cut. Most notably, Roma, my favorite film of the year, continues on the path to charming the pants off everyone as Alfonso Cuaron took a Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematography nomination. The film also was nominated for Best Foreign Film.

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I was happy to see Crazy Rich Asians made a big impression on voters with a Best Actress nomination for Constance Wu and a Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy nomination. The adorable Elsie Fisher made a delightful appearance in the Best Actress category for her performance in Eighth Grade - sharing a nomination with some of the greats like Glenn Close and Nicole Kidman. 

I can't really say I understand it since the film's storyline is literally contingent on its characters' silence, but A Quiet Place landed in the Best Original Score category. I'm not complaining since John Krasinski's directorial debut is one of my favorite films of the year, but I'm surprised nonetheless. Isle of Dogs, the newest and one of my favorites from Wes Anderson, showed up in the Best Animated Film category.

BlacKkKlansman received some love with a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Adam Driver and to my surprise and delight, a Best Actor nomination for John David Washington (those Washingtons. It's in the blood). Spike Lee also received a nomination for Best Director. 

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Finally, though I'm sad it has to compete against my favorite film for Best Foreign Film, I was glad Shoplifters made an appearance on the list. Speaking of Shoplifters, this beautifully crafted story is currently in theaters and it's my first recommendation on what to watch this weekend. You should also check a few other titles that didn't do too shabby with some nominations of their own.

In Theaters

Shoplifters

Shoplifters made a big impression at the Sundance Film Festival at the beginning of the year where it won the top prize and has since received love from critics associations and now a Golden Globe nomination. It's no surprise this film is leaving such an impression on people. It's a beautifully told story and exceptionally shot film about an impoverished family in Tokyo. 

The film explores what it means to be a family and dances around some morally gray areas that will leave you thinking about it long after watching. You can ready my full review here. If it's not in a theater near you yet, keep your eyes peeled. This one is worth the price of admission.

The Favourite

The Favourite nearly leads the pack with 5 Golden Globe nominations this season. It received nominations for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and Best Screenplay (co-written by a woman screenwriter!). All three leading ladies, Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz, received well-deserved Best Lead and Best Supporting Actress nominations respectively. 

The film is a trip and not for everyone, but it's an achievement nonetheless. You can read my full review here and check it out on the big screen. The production design alone is deserving of a trip to your local theater.

Can You Ever Forgive Me?

You've never seen Melissa McCarthy like this before. Based on the true story of disgraced author turned forger, Lee Israel, Can You Ever Forgive Me? is one of the best works from a female writer/director duo this year (Nicole Holofcener and Marielle Heller) and its two leads, McCarthy and Richard E. Grant, received Golden Globe nominations for their performances. It's a great pick for your weekend watching.

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Streaming

Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

After sweeping at the Emmy's earlier this year, the comedy from Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino continues on the path to being one of the best shows in recent memory. The show followed up its second season debut on Wednesday with Golden Globe nominations yesterday for Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy and acting nominations for its stars Rachel Brosnahan and Alex Borstein.  

The show follows a vibrant, budding stand-up comedian who faces all of the challenges you would expect from trying to break into an industry that isn't exactly friendly to women, especially in the 1950s. You can watch the show's first and second seasons on Amazon Prime and trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Black Panther

If you haven't seen Black Panther yet, you should really be ashamed of yourself. But even if you have, now's a great time for a rewatch since the film received a Best Picture nomination!

After all of the drama with the now nixed "Best Popular Film" category announcement from the Academy, which Black Panther was at the center of since it lands firmly in the "blockbuster" category (a category that the Academy was trying to acknowledge), I'm glad its Golden Globe nominations (two total including Best Original Score) can serve as a reminder that good storytelling (usually) transcends awards season politics.

Black Panther is currently streaming on Netflix.

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What to watch this weekend: Grief in space and true stories of terror

I would be lying if I said that I've been impressed at the theater these past couple of weeks. The usual hustle that comes with trying to keep up with all of the awards season movies has left me a little bit disappointed so far this year. BUT. There are a lot of great films on the horizon as some of my most anticipated films roll out in the coming weeks. I've been more impressed sitting on my couch at home watching Netflix than I have in a movie theater seat. Private Life, a family drama about infertility is currently streaming on Netflix and it's well worth your time.

Whether you plan to catch a movie at your local theater this week, or you're looking for something to stream, here are a few recommendations to carry you into the weekend.

First Man

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While I can't say I was blown away by this film like I was hoping, I did find Damien Chazelle's take on Neil Armstrong's story compelling. Following the success of La La Land, Chazelle continues to impress with his elevated approach to storytelling.

Honing in on the personal life of Armstrong rather than the moon landing event itself, this film is beautifully crafted from a technical standpoint and gives a unique glimpse into the life of a man who has left such an important mark on our country's history. It's worth your time at the theater this weekend.

A Star Is Born

I had mixed feelings about this film. It's stunning, but thematically problematic. It's hard to deny the swoon-worthy quality of Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga and Cooper gives his audience a lot to look at, listen to, and process in his version of this well-worn story. 

Despite its conclusion, the film is a great cinematic experience and I would recommend making time to see it. You're going to be hearing a lot about it as awards season picks up.

22 July

Netflix continues to push out great content in this banner year for the platform. Currently available to stream and in select theaters is the true story of the worst terrorist attack in Norway's history. Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips) does a phenomenal job capturing the terror that those impacted by the attack must have experienced.

Excellent performances all around from Anders Danielsen Lie who is quite literally the face of terror in this film to Jonas Strand Gravli who embodies what it's like to be a survivor in light of such a horrific event.

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

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Foodies will rejoice when they come across this show on Netflix. The premise is based on Samin Norsat's belief that a good meal is comprised of four basic components: salt, fat, acid, and heat and her book by the same name.

Her joy of cooking is contagious and she pays as much respect to the cultures represented as the food itself. The show is educational, but also gives you a chance to take a deep breath and be swept away. Be prepared to drool a little (or a lot) when you see the delicious Ligurian focaccia and homemade pasta and pesto. And that's just the first episode.

Whether you are going to cozy up on your couch this weekend or venture out, happy watching!

Private Life is a painful and beautiful story about infertility

Despite the proliferation of programming, quality doesn't necessarily come at the cost of quantity when it comes to Netflix. This year is a benchmark year for the streaming service with the acquisition of Roma and the fact that it snatched up Annihilation, which isn't available on the U.S. version of the platform, but was released in theaters earlier this year.

Though it was screened in a handful of theaters and debuted at Sundance in early 2018, Private Life is one such example of an award-worthy film that's easily accessible for Netflix subscribers. In fact, the movie was nominated for Best Screenplay and Kathryn Hahn received a well-deserved nomination for her performance by the Gotham Independent Film Awards.

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Tamara Jenkins, who wrote and directed Private Life following her highly praised 2007 film, Savages, draws from deeply personal experiences to tell her stories. She accomplishes what alludes many filmmakers by giving us a great gift: empathy. Having our eyes opened to someone else's experience is one the most important functions of a film.  

Jenkins helps her audience experience empathy in a variety of nuanced ways. She juxtaposes the intimacy that is supposed to go along with trying to have a baby with the pain that many couples experience during the ups and downs of fertility treatments. She paints an honest portrayal of a couple going through the emotional upheaval of trying to get pregnant. She communicates the struggle of infertility in a way only a woman who has walked the same path can.

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Watching this film came at a poignant time for me as Rachel (Kathryn Hahn) and Richard (the brilliant Paul Giamatti) navigate life in the East Village and squeeze into their Manhattan apartment with their two dogs. A recent New York transplant myself, I couldn't help but smile about what my new big city life might hold for me. The couple captures the career-focused New Yorker perfectly. They have been consumed with their art and hit mid-life with the panicked realization that it might be "too late" to have a family just when they want to more than anything else.

The process of trying to have a baby while struggling with infertility is an experience that so many couples face, and Jenkins has the creative dexterity to capture both the pain and even humor that can go hand in hand. Jenkins tells their story in an honest and beautiful way and she presents an unflinching look at questions that need to be wrestled through, especially when it's not always black and white.

The complexity of their situation is best portrayed when their niece, Sadie (Kayli Carter), comes to visit. Sadie is an undergraduate student trying to find her way and discover her purpose. When Richard and Rachel are looking at "last resort" options to get pregnant their doctor recommends embryo donation. What better person to go on this wild ride with them than someone they know and trust like family (though, thankfully is not technically related to them).

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Sadie is sweet and well-intentioned, though naive. She's the stereotypical undergrad student who knows a little bit about a lot and is not afraid to share her opinions with the world. She is a breath of fresh air in Rachel and Richard's life and she just might be the key to helping them fulfill their longing to have a baby. Sadie's parents (played by Molly Shannon and John Carroll Lynch) and are not such big fans of the idea and their concerns are well-founded, but the film doesn't shy away from discussions around the "best" or most conventional ways to start a family and it gives us an opportunity to wrestle with that as well.

If you're looking for a feel-good movie, this isn't it. If you're looking for an affecting story that is brutally honest and carries a twinge of hope throughout, Private Life is a good pick as you're browsing Netflix. It's one of my favorite family dramas of the year. Hopefully we don't have to wait so long for another gem from Tamara Jenkins.

What are the best films of 2018 so far?

It's hard to believe it's the last day of August. While we still have a ways to go until the Academy Awards, 2018 has had a strong start and thrown us a few films up for award contention with Black Panther opening the year, some great Indie films sprinkled in between the summer blockbusters, and a strong mid-point with films like BlackkKlansman closing out the summer lineup.

As we enter fall awards mania, you might want to catch up on some of these films that have been released this year so far...

Isle of Dogs

While stop motion might not be everyone's cup of tea, Wes Anderson delivers an unprecedented achievement in the genre to date and an endearing story to go along with it. Despite the controversy around Anderson's handling of the Japanese culture, the imagery alone is worth the watch.

A Quiet Place

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John Krasinski's directorial debut is nothing short of phenomenal. The marketing and trailers may have turned some viewers off because of the jump scares, but this film is so much more than the thriller/horror genre can contain. I can't say much more without spoiling it, but you'll just have to trust me and see the film. I promise it's not too scary :)

Mission Impossible 6: Fallout

I know, I know. It seems like six Mission Impossible movies is too many. Well, that's where you're wrong my friend. With the strongest offering to date, Fallout gives a thrill that reminds us why we go to the movies. As usual, Tom Cruise does most of his own stunts and the action sequences are phenomenal. But what makes this movie standout in the genre is the exceptional storytelling and continued development of a character we have come to know and love. Try to see this one in theaters if you can!

BlackkKlansman

SO many great conversations about the relationship between racism and our country's history have come from this film. Spike Lee handles these weighty topics with a deftness that only he can pull off and the performances, screenplay and direction all point to Oscar nominations. Go see this movie. Not just because it's an achievement in filmmaking, but because it's important.

Hearts Beat Loud

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Not many people saw this movie and it's a damn shame. Whoever said Ron Swanson...ehh.. Nick Offerman couldn't lead an Indie drama was mistaken. To be fair, I'm a sucker for music movies, especially ones with a good dose of coming-of-age tropes and family drama, but hey, I think this movie has something for everyone.

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Fred Rogers inspired a generation to strive for greater kindness and humility. Why wouldn't they make a movie about him? For those of us who grew up watching Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, it's hard to hold back the ugly cry while learning more about him. For anyone who wants to be inspired by a life and legacy that impacted a generation, this film is a must watch.

Death of Stalin

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Another film that flew under the radar, this movie, helmed by the creator of Veep is one of the best comedies of the past decade. The satirical humor might not be for everyone, but the physical comedy and performances are some of the best of the year. You don't want to miss it.

Incredibles 2

After a 14-year-break from adventures with the Parr family, the incredibles are back with an important message for our current cultural environment. The film subverts expectations and takes us on a wild ride in the process. Brad Bird delivers another animation classic for the Pixar vault.

Black Panther

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To say that this film had an impact is an understatement. One of the best received stories from Marvel to date, there's hope yet for more representation and diversity in the entertainment industry. The story is helmed by the supremely talented Ryan Coogler who continues to be a director to watch.

Eighth Grade

I wasn't initially interested in seeing Bo Burnham's feature directorial debut because the trailer alone was so full of awkward moments. I wasn't sure if I could sit through two hours reliving my middle school years. After finally accepting that the hype was real, I decided to catch a showing with a Q&A live stream with Burnham and the cast afterwards. This film is affecting and deftly executes on themes that anyone can relate to, regardless of whether you've been a 13-year-old girl or not. You can read my review over at Reel World Theology.

Leave No Trace

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I didn't find out until afterwards that this film is based on a true story about an actual father and daughter in Oregon. I watched this movie right before taking a trip to the area that serves as the setting for this story, which caused me to think about it long after viewing. You probably won't get to take a trip to Oregon, but Debra Granik's interpretation of the story will give you plenty to digest afterwards. 

Lean on Pete

While there weren't any major stunts or action sequences to get my heart rate up like Mission Impossible: Fallout, I still sat at the edge of my seat during this film about a young boy trying to find home. It's a beautiful story and not your typical horse movie. While the relationship between Pete and Charley is endearing, Charlie Plummer's performance ensures you'll ultimately feel invested in him and his well-being. This is a tough watch, but so worth it in the end.

What to watch this holiday weekend

I've been in a theater seat quite a bit since the beginning of the year. 

Here are my recommendations for what to watch this holiday weekend and a few reviews to nudge you in that direction (don't worry, most of them are bite-size!)

In Theaters

1. Isle of Dogs

2. A Quiet Place

3. Solo: A Star Wars Story

Enjoy a cheap date night and stop by the dollar theater or catch these on Video On Demand:

4. Game Night: My review for Reel World Theo

5. Black Panther

That's right. Black Panther is still in theaters. That's over 14 weeks running. If you haven't seen it yet. It's worth it.

Streaming

6. Patti Cake$ (Netflix)

7. Faces Places (Netflix)

14 classic films and the problem with a short attention span...

Last year year I set out to watch 16 iconic films so that I could learn more about the art and science of storytelling through film. It was ambitious considering my life was already busy, but then I got laid off from my job and my schedule freed up. The losing the job part sucked, but the extra free time really helped me get through that list! 

Alas, I was still only able to watch 14 on my list, (remind me to never try to blow through 16 movies and keep up with awards season at the same time ever again) but I did learn a lot and had a ton of fun doing it. The award show season just wrapped up a few weeks ago, so in honor of Oscar nominated films of the past, here are some recent classics I've watched along with my impressions and a few observations about old films in general:

Jaws - What ever happened to the art of suspense?

Awards: Best Film Editing, Best Music (Dramatic Score), Best Sound

If there's any genre that "shows its age" horror is definitely at the top of the list. The outdated special effects combined with over the top acting and clichés like half-naked women wandering into barns at night with machetes hanging on the wall while a deranged man is on the lose, all point towards old horror fare. The genre has mostly evolved.

All that to say, Jaws is one of the expertly executed horror films from yesteryear about a great white shark on the prowl in a small beach town. The film is a master class in suspense. Spielberg is able to build tension without showing much of anything. Budget constraints forced Spielberg to show victims being attacked with most of the action happening underwater with pulleys and wires yanking the actors around to simulate attacks. Necessity is the mother of invention as they say.

All About Eve - Melodrama can be a good thing.

Awards: Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Director, Best Writing (Screenplay), Best Costume Design (Black and White), Best Sound, Best Picture

In of her most iconic roles, Bette Davis plays an aging actress who is trying to stay relevant in this classic story about jealousy and revenge. When Jones is upstaged by an unassuming girl (played by Anne Baxter) who is an aspiring and cunning actress herself, things get shall we say, melodramatic. Clearly the melodrama worked in this film's favor with 6 Oscars under it's belt including best picture.

2001: A Space Odyssey - Why are classic films so long?

Awards: Best Effects, Special Visual Effects

Maybe it had to do with the sparse dialogue or confusing plot, but I had a hard time sitting through this film. I know that it was unprecedented for its time and I did appreciate the beautiful cinematography, but I can't help but think that in an age where people's attention spans are alarmingly short, we won't be seeing many of these types of films anymore. 

Alien Trilogy - Outdated special effects can be redeemed by great storytelling.

Awards: Best Effects, Visual Effects (Alien), Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing (Aliens), Best Effects, Visual Effects (Aliens) 

When you watch the first Alien film it's hard not to chuckle at the outdated special effects and awkward actions sequences, but when you put it in context of the time it was released, it was in fact a groundbreaking film for the technology that was available. When compared to the souped up action-packed movies of today, this film falls fall short, but somehow it still holds up. 

These films aren't only classics because of the innovation for their time, the writing has made it a story that can resonate with any generation. Not to mention the fact that Ridley Scott and James Cameron created a badass female protagonist (which wasn't common in that era).

Seven Samurai - Painters turned directors are a really good thing

Awards: None (which is a tragedy, really)

Legendary Akira Kurosawa was a professional artist turned filmmaker. His artistic touch is all over this beautiful film. Each shot is carefully crafted to compliment the story in a way that I've very rarely experienced. It's a shame this film didn't win any awards when it debuted in 1954.

Casablanca - Where's the political romance we've been waiting for?

Casablanca is a beautiful love story to be sure, but the fact that it is framed by such important political themes makes it all the more poignant. I love this movie and it's not hard to see why generations before me and after me will continue to love it. I wrote about the film last year and learned some fun facts about what was going on at the time historically. Revisit this film over and over again, you won't be disappointed.

Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Writing (Screenplay)

Lawrence of Arabia - Sweeping epics seem like a thing of the past

Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography (color), Best Art Direction - Set Decoration (color), Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Music (score)

People's time wasn't nearly as divided when this movie was released. Now a days it's a struggle to sit through 3 hour movie with our busy lives calling to us. Going to the movies used to be a communal experience, but now you can stream most anything at home. It feels as if something has been lost, but if I'm honest I could've done without SO much wandering in the dessert in this film.

The Godfather - No one does it like Marlon Brando 

That's pretty much the most important thing you need to know about this movie. Marlon Brando is a legend. That's all.

Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Writing (Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium)

Citizen Kane - Is it possible years of hype can inflate a film to earn the title "best of all time"?

Don't get me wrong. This film is impressive. I really enjoyed following the well-crafted narrative of the life and eventual demise of a publishing tycoon. Orson Wells has contributed a lot to the world of film. But the best film of all time? I'm just not convinced. 

Awards: Best Writing (Original Screenplay)

Psycho - Old movies can definitely give you nightmares.

Awards: None

I was expecting to watch Psycho and walk away unaffected by the outdated effects and the fact that it's black in white. "How scary can it be?" I thought. Well, I was sorely mistaken and 3 sleepless nights of me trying to get the image of Anthony Perkins' disturbing, smug face out of my head is proof. 

I can't not recommend this film. It's twisted and brilliant and Hitchcock really is a master of psychological horror.

12 Angry Men - Turns out society hasn't changed all that much 

Awards: None

I was simultaneously inspired and discouraged when I watched this film. It's amazing that during the entire hour and thirty six minutes of 12 men sitting in a room talking was so enrapturing, but as the 12 jurors debated the innocence of a young Puerto Rican man, I was reminded that over sixty years later, we're still faced with so many of the same societal problems that we did back then.

This film is excellent and I'm sad that it didn't win any awards.


Did I miss any "must see" classic films? Add to my list in the comments below!

Who will win, who should win? My Oscar Predictions...

2017 was a great year for film. It gave us a story about a black man whose nightmare becomes reality when he meets his girlfriend's family for the first time, the beautiful journey of a young boy following his dream of becoming a musician in the afterlife, a girl trying to survive Catholic high school and discover who she is in a west coast town, and much more. 

Predicting the Oscars isn't an easy task for anyone. Even if you watch every film on the nomination list, track trends from previous years, and read every article you can find making a case for why one pick should win over another, the voting process is complex and the voting body continues to evolve each year as more people join the Academy.

Regardless, it's always an exciting moment when something you really love and want recognized takes the most prestigious prize in Hollywood. And let's be honest, the anticipation and drama is part of the fun. So, even though I never feel 100% confident about anything when I make my predictions, I'm throwing my hat in the ring.

Here's who I think will win and wish would win at the Academy Awards this year...

Writing (Original Screenplay)

Will win
Get Out

Should win
Get Out

Why? 
Get Out is a genre-bending deeply personal story that took years to develop. It's relevant, fresh, and clever with excellent character arcs and a well-paced, intriguing plot. 

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

Will win 
James Ivory, Call Me By Your Name

Should win
Virgil Williams and Dee Rees, Mudbound

Why?
Mudbound tells a poignant story about racism. It's set in post-WWII and narrated from 6 different perspectives. You'd think the multiple voiceovers would make it feel too busy, but instead Virgil Williams and director Dee Rees were able to deliver an excellent adaptation from a book with every character fairly represented - weaving together a beautiful narrative that inspires empathy.

Visual Effects

Will win 
War for the Planet of the Apes

Should win 
War for the Planet of the Apes

Why?
Andy Serkis and his collaborators have been pioneering motion capture that has revolutionized the world of visual effects for more than a decade. The film is stunning and the technology continues to improve. It doesn't make sense for anything else to take the award.

Music (Original Song)

Will win 
Remember Me from Coco, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

Should win 
Mystery of Love from Call Me by Your Name, Sufjan Stevens

Why?
While the song Remember Me is in some ways the heartbeat of Coco that propels forward plot and themes, Mystery of Love is a unique piece from an artist who sings from his soul. It's a striped down, simple song, but it would be a welcome change of pace from what normally wins.

Music (Original Score)

Will win 
Alexandre Desplat, The Shape of Water

Should Win
Hans Zimmer, Dunkirk

Why?
There was some beautiful music that elevated the stories at the movies last year, but none helped to build suspense like Hans Zimmer's work on Dunkirk. The score genuinely enhanced my experience of the film.

Makeup and Hairstyling

Will win 
Darkest Hour

Should win 
Darkest Hour

Why?
Gary Oldman is utterly transformed by the expert prosthetics that took several hours to apply on each day of shooting. I can't see anyone else taking the award, nor should they.

Best Film Editing

Will win 
Dunkirk

Should win 
Dunkirk

Why?
The non-traditional storytelling and multiple timelines in Dunkirk makes it a master class in film editing. I don't think there's much debate around how groundbreaking the editing is in this film.

Best Documentary

Will win 
Icarus

Should win 
Icarus

Why?
Especially in an olympic year, this film is as important as ever. It's revelatory and takes some twist and turns that proves that truth really is stranger than fiction.

Best Directing

Will win 
Guillermo Del Toro, The Shape of Water

Should win 
Guillermo Del Toro, The Shape of Water

Why?
Guillermo Del Toro was able to package some incredibly poignant themes in beautiful imagery and still stayed true to his quirky ways. All of his previous work points to this great achievement from a filmmaker who is deeply invested in his fairytales.

Costume Design

Will win 
Mark Bridges, Phantom Thread

Should win 
Mark Bridges, Phantom Thread

Why?
It seems appropriate that the award for best costume design should go to a film that centers around high fashion. But besides the subject matter, the handmade dresses are stunning and an excellent nod to the era. 

Cinematography

Will win
Blade Runner 2049

Should win 
Blade Runner 2049

Why?
It's a known fact that Roger Deakins is overdue for this award. From Fargo to Skyfall, this film really is his crowning achievement. 

Animated Feature Film

Will win 
Coco

Should win 
Coco

Why?
Coco was a visual achievement with its incredible animation, but it's also a landmark film in representing the Mexican culture in a way that is accurate and honors the traditions of a rich history that doesn't typically get much screen time. 

Actress in a Supporting Role

Will win 
Allison Janney, I, Tonya

Should win 
Lesley Manville, Phantom Thread

Why?
Lesley Manville's subdued performance in Phantom Thread embodies exactly what a supporting role should add to a film. I don't see her winning the award, but it would be a nice surprise.

Actor in a Supporting Role

Will win 
Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards outside Ebbing Missouri

Should win 
Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project

Why?
As with Lesley Manville's performance in Phantom Thread, Dafoe's understated and compassionate performance in Sean Baker's film graces the story. His character doesn't covet the screen time or attention, but the film wouldn't be the same without him. 

Actress in a Leading Role

Will win 
Frances McDormand, Three Billboards outside Ebbing Missouri

Should win 
Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water

Why?
Frances McDormand is an amazing actress, there's no question, but Sally Hawkins is able to deliver an amazing performance with no speaking lines. The emotion in her expressions, her body language, and her demeanor make more of an impact that any performance I've seen in a long time.

Actor in a Leading Role

Will win 
Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour

Should win 
Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour

Why?
Gary Oldman embodies the best and the worst that Winston Churchill was. Oldman carries the film and portrays the power and vulnerability of a man who is the stuff of legend.

Best Picture

Will win 
The Shape of Water

Should win 
Get Out

Why?
2017 was a year when the entertainment industry was able to make great strides in empowering underrepresented voices to have a voice, and unconventional stories to be told. What better way to celebrate that than by recognizing Jordan Peele's groundbreaking film?

I'm excited to see how things shake out tomorrow. Happy watching!