2021 Oscar Nominee Recommendations
The 93rd Academy Awards are in a little over a week, but if you didn’t spend your quarantine obsessively tracking and watching new release films, you may find yourself in a position where you haven’t seen many of this year’s nominees. (You also probably live a much healthier lifestyle than I do!) If you want to catch some of the movies before the big night but are unsure of where to start, have no fear! I have decided to put my ridiculous little hobby to good use and toss some recommendations your way.
I’ve organized all 56 nominated films into six tiers: Just a Taste, Minimal Investment, Moderate Investment, Maximum Investment, Collin-Esque Insanity Investment, and Actual Collin Level Insanity Investment. Within each tier, the films are ordered by how much I would recommend them, and ideally the tiers would be stacked. In other words, I would argue that you should watch everything in Just a Taste before starting on anything in Minimal Investment. Having said that though, we’re still in a pandemic, and in the year of our COVID, who am I to tell you how to live your life? Do what makes you happy, and if that means ignoring my arbitrary rules about a subjective medium, more power to you!
As you’ll see, I’ve noted how to watch the films. All of the nominees are available via some sort of streaming platform, so you shouldn’t have to risk your life to venture into a movie theater, no matter which tier you’re aiming for. (However, if you’re Fully Vaxxed™, several of these films are in theaters as well, and I will always recommend a theatrical experience over a home viewing experience if possible!) In terms of the streaming options, most of them are the standard ones, but I did want to highlight a few that are relative newcomers. First is “PVOD,” or Premium Video on Demand. Anything that’s PVOD should be available through any digital rental service (Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, etc.), it will just be a little more expensive than traditional VOD. (Typically PVOD is around $20, whereas VOD is usually between $4 and $7.) The second, slightly obscure streaming option that I want to mention is Virtual Cinema. This is a thing that popped up during quarantine last year that has, thankfully, held on even though theaters are reopening. Essentially, it allows you to rent new releases directly from an independent theatre, and the money from your rental is shared evenly between the theatre and the film studio. While I would personally endorse giving your money to my beloved Music Box in Chicago, there are many theatres across the country that have a Virtual Cinema option, so this would be a fantastic way to support your local independent film scene!
Now then, the recommendations...
Just a Taste
Our first tier is for those of you who just want to watch a small number of films so that you have at least some vested interest in this year’s ceremony. With that in mind, this tier is simply comprised of my favorites of the bunch. Luckily, if you just decide to stick with these films, I think you’ll be happy on Oscar night, as I feel like they’re going to be fairly well rewarded.
Nomadland (Best Picture, Director, Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, and Editing) - Available on Hulu
Simply put, this was one of the best films I saw last year. Chloé Zhao has been on my radar since I saw her last film (The Rider (also excellent, also recommended)), and this did not disappoint.
Minari (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actress, Original Screenplay, Original Score) - Available via PVOD
This was the other best film I saw last year. Basically, you can consider these two tied for top billing. They are, in my opinion, far and away the best films of this awards season, and I cannot recommend either highly enough.
Soul (Best Animated Feature, Original Score, Sound) - Available on Disney+
While I didn’t love this as much as I loved Inside Out, it’s another very worthy entry into the “technically a children’s movie but mostly for adults to process some feelings” genre that Pixar has mastered oh so well.
TENET (Best Production Design, Visual Effects) - Available via VOD
Look, I chose my words carefully up top by saying “favorite” and not “best.” There are certainly better movies than TENET that got nominated, but this was one of the most purely fun movie watching experiences I had last year. I will always be sad that I couldn’t see this ridiculous/beautiful nonsense on an IMAX screen, but since 2020 robbed us of a big, dumb, action blockbuster season, I was extremely happy to have at least this little reminder of better times.
Minimal Investment
This next tier (in combination with the previous one) would be my specific recommendation for anyone reading this to try and accomplish before the ceremony. Between the two, it’s only 10 films, and it encompasses the entire Best Picture field. As I mentioned in my last post, the Academy usually does something dumb with the Best Picture category, but every nominee this year is worth your time. Plus, watching all 10 films means you will have seen at least one film in 18 of the 23 total categories. A lot of bang for your buck here!
Mank (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actress, Original Score, Cinematography, Production Design, Costume Design, Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound) - Available on Netflix
David Fincher and company clearly had a lot of fun with this old school Hollywood homage, so if that doesn’t sound like your thing, feel free to move it down the list a bit, but I really enjoyed this one. (Slight caveat: If you’ve never seen Citizen Kane, you should watch that first. You don’t have to, but I think you’ll appreciate this more. Besides, it’s considered an all-time classic for a reason: it’s genuinely great!)
The Father (Best Picture, Actor, Supporting Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Editing, Production Design) - Available via PVOD
This movie is often quite difficult to watch, but it’s incredibly effective at what it’s trying to do, and it tells a story I’ve seen several versions of before in a way that is totally unique.
Promising Young Woman (Best Picture, Director, Actress, Original Screenplay, Editing) - Available via VOD
Here’s another film that is challenging, but, again, intentionally so. This is one where the ending will stick with you for a long time.
Judas and the Black Messiah (Best Picture, Supporting Actor, Original Screenplay, Original Song, Cinematography) - Available via PVOD
While it occasionally falls into the traps of traditional biopics, this film has an undeniable energy that is centered on two, truly outstanding performances.
Sound of Metal (Best Picture, Actor, Supporting Actor, Original Screenplay, Editing, Sound) - Available on Amazon Prime Video
Similar to The Father, this movie does an incredible job of making you feel like you are living this story. I’m not as high on this as a lot of others are, but it is very good.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Best Picture, Supporting Actor, Original Screenplay, Original Song, Editing, Cinematography) - Available on Netflix
I liked this movie, in spite of the Sorkin-ness of it all. His schmaltz doesn’t work for everyone, but it generally works for me, and this film is no exception.
Moderate Investment
This tier builds on the previous one by expanding to look at the other “major” Oscars categories: Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Adapted Screenplay. If you’ve watched everything thus far, you’ve already seen a lot of nominees in those categories, but here are a few more of my favorites. (Also, while they’re not traditionally considered part of the major categories, I’m including some picks from Best Animated Feature, Best International Feature, and Best Documentary Feature.)
Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay) - Available on Amazon Prime Video
I was a little hesitant when I first heard this was happening, but I also wasn’t going to turn down new content during a pandemic. Luckily, the final product was still outrageously funny, while somehow being shockingly sweet? I’m just as surprised as you are.
Crip Camp (Best Documentary) - Available on Netflix
Just a feel-good documentary produced by the Obamas. What more could you want?
My Octopus Teacher (Best Documentary) - Available on Netflix
I thought this was a joke when I first heard about it, but it’s a genuinely moving story that made me cry. (In a good way!)
Another Round (Best Director, Best International Feature) - Available on Hulu
Mads Mikkelsen is fantastic in this film. I thought it was good-not-great for the better part of the movie, but the last 15 minutes or so… Wow.
Collective (Best Documentary, Best International Feature) - Available on Hulu
A fascinating look at a group of Romanian investigative journalists who uncover corruption in their government and healthcare system and publish their findings in a *checks notes* sports journal? Wild.
One Night in Miami… (Best Supporting Actor, Adapted Screenplay, Original Song) - Available on Amazon Prime Video
This movie has strong performances and an interesting story, and, for the most part, it is able to transcend feeling like it was just a filmed version of a play.
Onward (Best Animated Feature) - Available on Disney+
This was one of the last movies I saw in theaters before the pandemic, and I thought it was quite good, while definitely a lesser Pixar entry. It still made me cry though!
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Best Actor, Actress, Production Design, Costume Design, Makeup and Hairstyling) - Available on Netflix
Unlike One Night in Miami…, this film never felt like anything more than a filmed adaptation of a play to me. But, when you’ve got performances like this, and you’re adapting August Wilson, the floor is still pretty high.
Time (Best Documentary) - Available on Amazon Prime Video
A heartbreaking look at how one family is affected by the American justice system. Told primarily through home videos, it brings you into the story in a way that many similar documentaries don’t.
Wolfwalkers (Best Animated Feature) - Available on AppleTV+
This was honestly a bit of a letdown for me after absolutely loving this director’s previous film (Song of the Sea), but it’s still a fun story with unique animation.
Maximum Investment
At this point, you’ve seen 20 films, and you’ve seen every film in six of the 23 categories. Well done! If you’re somehow looking for more, this next tier ups the ante considerably. Not only does it bring the total up to 40, but it will also mean you’ve seen at least one film from each award category. Think of how well prepared you’d be for your company’s Oscars pool!
News of the World (Best Original Score, Cinematography, Production Design, Sound) - Available via VOD
This is a pleasant little Western with a solid Tom Hanks performance and gorgeous cinematography.
Love and Monsters (Best Visual Effects) - Available on Netflix
While this may not be a great movie, it is fun, and I liked it way more than I anticipated based on its title alone. (Think Zombieland meets Annihilation, but slightly less fun than the former, and significantly less horrific than the latter.)
Da 5 Bloods (Best Original Score) - Available on Netflix
This movie is way too long, and the score isn’t that noteworthy, but it does have an excellent performance by Delroy Lindo, and there’s a sequence in the middle that is as tense as anything else I saw last year.
Two Distant Strangers (Best Live Action Short Film) - Available on Netflix and through Virtual Cinema
An extremely powerful short film that puts a dark spin on the time-loop genre. (While you can watch just this one via Netflix, all of the Live Action Short Film nominees are packaged together as a 2-hour block through Virtual Cinemas. If you’ve gotten this far on the list, I say you just go for them all!)
A Love Song for Latasha (Best Documentary Short Film) - Available on Netflix and through Virtual Cinema
This documentary tells a frustratingly familiar story, but does so in an interesting style that blends animation, still photography, seemingly unrelated visuals, and traditional narration. (Also available as a package with the other nominees through Virtual Cinemas.)
Burrow (Best Animated Short Film) - Available on Disney+ and through Virtual Cinemas
Unlike most short films that usually get nominated for Oscars, this is just a cute and funny story of a rabbit trying to find a home. (Also available as a package with the other nominees through Virtual Cinemas.)
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (Best Original Song) - Available on Netflix
While this movie is kind of bad, it does have its moments, and it has easily the strongest (or at least most worthy) original song nominee.
Greyhound (Best Sound) - Available on Apple TV+
I’ve seen plenty of WWII films, but I’d never seen a WWII naval battle film quite like this. Unfortunately, that’s pretty much the only truly noteworthy thing about this movie.
Collin-Esque Insanity Investment
While I don’t think it’s actually possible for someone to watch all of the preceding films before Oscars night while also working/sleeping/doing other life things, if you are somehow able to accomplish the feat and still have time left over, come get crazy with me. This tier doesn’t have all of the remaining nominated films, but it has the ones that I feel like I can recommend in at least moderately good conscience.
Better Days (Best International Feature) - Available via VOD
A stylish Hong Kong movie that feels a little preachy at times.
The Mole Agent (Best Documentary) - Available on Hulu
Have you ever wanted to see a 90-year old go undercover in a nursing home? Well, this is the film for you!
Emma. (Best Costume Design, Makeup and Hairstyling) - Available on HBO Max
This movie is fine, but it mainly just made me want to watch Clueless instead.
Pieces of a Woman (Best Actress) - Available on Netflix
An okay Netflix movie with a great Vanessa Kirby performance.
The White Tiger (Best Adapted Screenplay) - Available on Netflix
An okay Netflix movie with a great Ardash Gourav performance.
The Life Ahead (Best Original Song) - Available on Netflix
An okay Netflix movie with a good Sophia Loren performance.
The Midnight Sky (Best Visual Effects) - Available on Netflix
An okay Netflix movie with an okay George Clooney performance.
The One and Only Ivan (Best Visual Effects) - Available on Disney+
This is just a feel-good Disney movie, nothing more and nothing less. Then again, given the state of the world these days, you could do a lot worse!
Quo Vadis, Aida? (Best International Feature) - Available on Hulu
While I was unaware of the real life story covered in this film, it didn’t make the experience of watching it any more pleasant. (Viewer beware: the ending is deeply upsetting.)
The Man Who Sold His Skin (Best International Feature) - Available via VOD
The whole time I was watching this movie, I kept thinking of The Square, another satire of the art world from a few years ago. I mostly hated that movie, but at least it was interesting enough to provoke a reaction.
Mulan (Best Costume Design, Visual Effects) - Available on Disney+
I was, frankly, pretty disappointed in this. There are some interesting ideas here, but rather than explore those, they just ripped off the original.
Actual Collin Level Insanity Investment
The movies in this final tier are bad. I can’t actually endorse anyone watching them, but if you, for some frightening reason, really want to get a peek into my Oscars-addled brain, check out these last five films so you can say you’ve seen all of the nominees. (Worth it? Certainly not.)
The United States vs Billie Holiday (Best Actress) - Available on Hulu
Andra Day is very good in this movie, but that’s literally the only good thing.
A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (Best Animated Feature) - Available on Netflix
At least I liked this a little better than the last Shaun the Sheep movie?
Pinocchio (Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling) - Available via VOD
The best thing I can say about this movie is that it’s super weird, even for a story of a wooden puppet who magically turns into a human child.
Over the Moon (Best Animated Feature) - Available on Netflix
I actively hated this movie for most of its run time.
Hillbilly Elegy (Best Supporting Actress, Best Makeup and Hairstyling) - Available on Netflix
Yikes. Amy Adams deserves better.
There we have it: all 56 Academy Award nominees, subjectively ranked for your upcoming media consumption needs. Feel free to leave a comment or tweet at us (@anotherfilmpob) to let us know which films you check out and/or how much you disagree with my ordering.
Happy watching!