The nominations for the 91st Academy Awards are set to be unveiled tomorrow, ahead of the awards show in Los Angeles on February 24th. We've already had the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs are still pending, but everyone knows the Oscars are the big boys. Which critically acclaimed masterpieces will be nominated for Best Picture this year?
A Star Is Born / Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Roma
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
This semi-autobiographical flick about the director's upbringing in Mexico City has already won awards for Best Director and Best Motion Picture (Foreign Language) at the Golden Globes. It's been praised for being thoroughly engrossing and for its personal nature, and it definitely deserves an Academy Award nod.
A Star Is Born
Director: Bradley Cooper
It lost out on the Best Motion Picture prize to Bohemian Rhapsody at the Globes, but will it fare any better at the Oscars? It's an iconic story and it's almost certain to receive a nomination for Best Picture, and hopefully some Best Actor/Actress nods for Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.
Green Book
Director: Peter Farrelly
A comedy biopic about a bouncer and driver for an African-American musician in the 60s, named after The Negro Motorist Green Book which was a guide for black people on which motels and diners they were allowed to visit. A powerful story which came to our screens at an important time, it was also the winner of Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) at the Golden Globes.
The Favourite
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
This hilarious royal romp was a real tour de force for British actress Olivia Colman. It follows two women who are determined to be Queen Anne's favourite, and will literally do anything to put the other out of the running. Colman has already won Best Comedy Actress at the Globes so an Academy Award nomination is looking likely.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Director: Bryan Singer
Few things are more certain than the fact that the acclaimed Freddie Mercury biopic starring Rami Malek will most definitely be making the rounds for this years Oscar nominations. It's had its fair share of controversy for alleged queer erasure, but generally audiences have found it a spectacular piece of entertainment about an iconic piece of musical history.
BlackKKlansman
Director: Spike Lee
Another film exploring race issues, this one is based on the memoirs of retired police officer Ron Stallworth. He was the first black officer in the Colorado Springs Police Department in the early 70s, and embarked on a bid to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan. Equal parts comedy and drama, it's a cert for a Best Picture nomination.
Black Panther
Director: Ryan Coogler
This iconic piece of cinema isn't just any superhero movie. The fact that African culture was being dealt with for the first time in a capacity of huge popularity that is the Disney-Marvel franchise has marked a turning point in the film industry. Whether it wins the Best Picture Oscar or not, it will forever be cited as a movie of cultural significance.
Vice
Director: Adam McKay
Yet another biographical drama that has gripped audiences this year was this story of Dick Cheney's tenure as Vice President under George W. Bush. Christian Bale plays the politician in probably his most transformative role yet. It's the second film about Bush's presidency following Oliver Stone's 2009 film W - and has received as much acclaim.
If Beale Street Could Talk
Director: Barry Jenkins
Based on James Baldwin's novel of the same name, this is another story dealing with issues of race from the director of Moonlight. A black man is arrested for rape despite evidence to the contrary, and it's up to his partner to unveil the truth and prove that he's not a criminal. It's an important tale that bears some similarities to To Kill a Mockingbird.
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