Oscar Best Picture Nominees 2019: A Deep Dive

by Alex Braham 46 views

Hey guys! Let's take a trip down memory lane and dissect the Oscar Best Picture nominees from 2019. It was a year packed with incredible films, each vying for the ultimate recognition in the movie industry. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let’s explore these cinematic masterpieces!

A Stellar Lineup: The 2019 Nominees

The 2019 Academy Awards showcased a diverse and compelling array of films, each bringing its unique narrative and artistic vision to the forefront. From historical dramas to contemporary stories, the nominees reflected the multifaceted nature of storytelling in cinema. The nominees included:

  • Black Panther
  • BlacKkKlansman
  • Bohemian Rhapsody
  • The Favourite
  • Green Book
  • Roma
  • A Star Is Born
  • Vice

Each of these films brought something special to the table, sparking conversations and capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. Let's dive into what made each of these movies stand out.

Black Panther: A Superhero Revolution

Black Panther wasn't just another superhero movie; it was a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Ryan Coogler, this Marvel masterpiece broke barriers by presenting a predominantly Black cast and a storyline deeply rooted in African culture and identity. The film tells the story of T'Challa, the king of Wakanda, a technologically advanced African nation hidden from the world. When a new enemy threatens Wakanda's security, T'Challa must embrace his destiny as the Black Panther and defend his home.

What made Black Panther so special? First off, the representation was groundbreaking. Seeing a superhero movie with a Black lead and a strong ensemble cast of Black actors was incredibly empowering for many. The film also delved into themes of identity, colonialism, and the responsibility of powerful nations, making it more than just a typical action flick. The visual effects, costume design, and world-building were top-notch, creating a vibrant and believable world of Wakanda that captivated audiences. The soundtrack, curated by Kendrick Lamar, added another layer of depth and cultural resonance to the film. Its nomination for Best Picture was a testament to its cultural impact and its ability to transcend the superhero genre. The movie's success proved that diverse stories could resonate with a global audience, paving the way for more inclusive representation in Hollywood. Black Panther's influence extends beyond the screen, inspiring conversations about race, culture, and identity, making it a truly significant film in cinematic history.

BlacKkKlansman: Unmasking Hate with Satire

Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman is a daring and provocative film based on the true story of Ron Stallworth, a Black police officer who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s. With the help of his white colleague, Flip Zimmerman, Stallworth manages to gain access to the inner circles of the Klan, exposing their hateful ideologies and disrupting their plans.

Lee masterfully blends humor and horror, using satire to expose the absurdity and danger of racism. The film doesn't shy away from showing the ugliness of hate, but it also finds moments of levity in the unlikely partnership between Stallworth and Zimmerman. The performances are outstanding, with John David Washington delivering a powerful portrayal of Stallworth and Adam Driver shining as Zimmerman. BlacKkKlansman is more than just a historical drama; it's a timely commentary on the persistence of racism in America. The film draws parallels between the Klan's rhetoric and contemporary political discourse, reminding us that the fight against hate is far from over. Lee's signature directorial style is on full display, with dynamic camera work, sharp dialogue, and a pulsating soundtrack that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film's ending, which features footage of the 2017 Charlottesville white supremacist rally, is a chilling reminder of the real-world consequences of hate. BlacKkKlansman challenges us to confront our own biases and to stand up against injustice, making it a powerful and important film.

Bohemian Rhapsody: A Rock 'n' Roll Saga

Bohemian Rhapsody celebrates the life and music of Freddie Mercury and the iconic rock band Queen. The film follows Mercury's journey from a shy baggage handler to a global superstar, capturing the band's rise to fame and their legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985.

The film is a visual and auditory feast, with Rami Malek delivering an Oscar-winning performance as Freddie Mercury. Malek embodies Mercury's charisma and energy, capturing his stage presence and his personal struggles. The film's soundtrack is packed with Queen's greatest hits, from "Bohemian Rhapsody" to "We Are the Champions," creating a nostalgic and exhilarating experience for fans. While the film takes some liberties with the timeline of events, it captures the spirit of Queen's music and the bond between the band members. Bohemian Rhapsody is a crowd-pleasing film that celebrates the power of music and the importance of staying true to yourself. The movie resonated with audiences worldwide, becoming a box office smash and introducing Queen's music to a new generation of fans. The film's success is a testament to the enduring appeal of Queen's music and the captivating story of Freddie Mercury's life.

The Favourite: A Royal Game of Power

The Favourite is a dark and witty period drama set in the court of Queen Anne in 18th-century England. The film explores the complex relationship between Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) and her two closest confidantes, Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) and Abigail Hill (Emma Stone), as they compete for the Queen's affection and influence.

Director Yorgos Lanthimos brings his signature style to the film, with unconventional camera angles, sharp dialogue, and a darkly comedic tone. The performances are exceptional, with Colman, Weisz, and Stone delivering nuanced and captivating portrayals of their characters. The Favourite is not your typical historical drama; it's a story about power, manipulation, and the lengths people will go to get what they want. The film subverts traditional period drama tropes, presenting a more complex and morally ambiguous view of the past. The costumes and set design are stunning, creating a visually rich and immersive world. The Favourite is a thought-provoking and entertaining film that challenges our perceptions of history and the nature of power. The movie's critical acclaim and numerous awards nominations are a testament to its artistic merit and its ability to engage audiences with its unique storytelling.

Green Book: Driving Towards Understanding

Green Book tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), an Italian-American bouncer, and Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), a Black classical pianist, as they tour the Deep South in 1962. The film is inspired by the true story of their journey, during which they confront racism and prejudice while forming a deep bond.

Green Book is a feel-good movie that celebrates the power of human connection. The performances are outstanding, with Mortensen and Ali delivering nuanced and heartfelt portrayals of their characters. The film tackles important issues of race and class with sensitivity and humor, offering a message of hope and understanding. While the film has been criticized for its portrayal of race relations, it has also been praised for its positive message and its ability to spark conversations about diversity and inclusion. Green Book is a crowd-pleasing film that reminds us of the importance of empathy and the potential for friendship to bridge divides. The movie's success at the box office and its win for Best Picture at the Academy Awards demonstrate its broad appeal and its ability to resonate with audiences.

Roma: A Poetic Masterpiece

Alfonso Cuarón's Roma is a semi-autobiographical film that tells the story of Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a young domestic worker in 1970s Mexico City. The film is a love letter to Cuarón's childhood and to the women who raised him, offering a poignant and intimate portrait of family life amidst social and political upheaval.

Roma is a visually stunning film, shot in black and white with meticulous attention to detail. Cuarón's masterful direction creates a sense of realism and intimacy, drawing us into Cleo's world and making us feel like we are right there with her. The film is a celebration of the resilience and strength of women, particularly those who work as domestic laborers. Aparicio's performance is remarkable, conveying a range of emotions with subtlety and grace. Roma is a deeply personal and moving film that transcends cultural boundaries, offering a universal story of love, loss, and resilience. The movie's critical acclaim and its numerous awards, including Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards, are a testament to its artistic merit and its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.

A Star Is Born: A Timeless Love Story

A Star Is Born is the fourth remake of the classic Hollywood story about a rising star and a fading one. Bradley Cooper directs and stars as Jackson Maine, a country rock musician struggling with addiction, who discovers and falls in love with Ally (Lady Gaga), a talented but insecure singer. As Ally's career takes off, Jackson's declines, putting a strain on their relationship.

A Star Is Born is a powerful and emotional film that explores themes of love, fame, and addiction. Cooper and Gaga deliver stunning performances, with Gaga proving her acting chops and Cooper showcasing his musical talent. The film's soundtrack is filled with original songs that capture the raw emotion of the story, including the Oscar-winning song "Shallow." A Star Is Born is a crowd-pleasing film that resonates with audiences of all ages, reminding us of the power of music and the importance of staying true to ourselves. The movie's box office success and its critical acclaim are a testament to its enduring appeal and its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.

Vice: A Satirical Look at Power

Vice is a biographical comedy-drama film about Dick Cheney, the former Vice President of the United States. The film follows Cheney's career from his early days as a White House intern to his rise to power under President George W. Bush, exploring his influence on American politics and his role in shaping the modern world.

Director Adam McKay brings his signature satirical style to the film, with fast-paced editing, quirky humor, and a willingness to take risks. Christian Bale delivers a transformative performance as Dick Cheney, gaining weight and mastering Cheney's mannerisms. Vice is a controversial film that has been praised for its bold and unflinching portrayal of Cheney, but it has also been criticized for its political bias. The film is a thought-provoking and entertaining look at power, politics, and the legacy of one of the most influential figures in American history. Vice challenges us to question our assumptions and to think critically about the decisions that shape our world.

The Winner: Green Book

In the end, it was Green Book that took home the Best Picture award. While its win was met with some controversy, the film's heartwarming story and strong performances resonated with many Academy voters. It sparked conversations about race, friendship, and the power of understanding, reminding us that even in the face of prejudice, human connection can prevail.

Final Thoughts

The 2019 Oscar Best Picture nominees were a diverse and compelling collection of films, each offering a unique perspective on the human experience. From superhero epics to historical dramas to personal stories, these movies captured our imaginations and sparked important conversations. Whether you agree with the Academy's choices or not, there's no denying the impact these films had on the cinematic landscape. So, which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!