To continue on the Oscars, Here are some of the top ten films that they missed when handing out the nominations about a month ago.
Here are the rules: If a film is nominated already for something I cannot use it. Even if it’s that the film wasn’t nominated for the proper award. Therefore I can only nominate films that have completely omitted from the list at this year’s awards ceremony.
10. Public Enemies
Here’s one of the small omissions of the year. With a tight story about the end of one of America’s greatest bank robbers of all time, Johnny Depp gives us a performance that’s hard to forget. It’s a stellar film and definitely one that deserves a second look by all, including the Academy.
What it should have been nominated for: Johnny Depp for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
9. Sin Nombre
I could be blowing this one out of my ass, mainly because I haven’t seen all of the foreign films that have been nominated but it seems odd that this film be overlooked. A film about people trying to escape their lives and move onto better things. A great redemption tale that I can’t believe was left off the Foreign Film shortlist.
What it should have been nominated for: Best Foreign Film.
8. Away We Go
Sam Mendes returns after his successful Revolutionary Road to give us another story of a relationship that’s so interesting that you can’t help but get dragged into this road trip. This couple is as if all those indie romantic duos actually stayed together after a decade and were about to have a baby. Quite possibly the most real indie couple you’ll ever meet on screen.
What it should have been nominated for: Best Lead Actress: Maya Rudolph
7. Watchmen
One of those films that are made just for the comic book geeks. Just like last year’s The Dark Knight , which got snubbed in all of the technical awards, this film is completely ignored. Watchmen may not have revolutionized the world of cinema like how Avatar has, but it definitely wows you with its beautiful look and very true to life alternate reality that is completely immersive.
What it should have been nominated for: Art Direction, Best Adapted Screenplay, Costume Design, Visual Effects.
6. The Informant!
As much as I disliked the film there are definitely great things about it. One of which is Soderbergh‘s wonderfully beautiful filmmaking and Matt Damon‘s great performance. How Matt got the nomination for his role in Invictus over this astounds me.
What it should have been nominated for: Cinematography, Actor in a Leading Role: Matt Damon.
5. The Brothers Bloom
Now I may just be fanboying here. This is definitely one of those gems of 2009 that not enough people have seen and I don’t know why. It’s a magnificent film that needs to be seen. It’s a beautiful story and is filled with lovable performances.
What it should have been nominated for: Best Original Screenplay, Actor in a Supporting Role: Mark Ruffalo.
4. Where the Wild Things Are
This is one of the most spellbinding films of 2009 that was ignored. It not only has the story but the imagery to boot. Spike Jonze was able to perfectly meld puppetry and computer generated imagery to bring the Wild Things to life like you can’t imagine. It feels almost like your imagination was put on screen and you sometimes would be fooled into thinking that you’re dreaming.
What it should have been nominated for: Visual Effects, Art Direction.
3. Bronson
With a performance like this ignored I can understand why people keep telling me to ignore the awards. It’s just a bunch of fools patting each other on the back rather than actually going out there to find the real great films and performances for the year. It’s a beautiful film and definitely one of THE omissions that will be talked about by all cinephiles across the web.
What it should have been nominated for: Cinematography, Art Direction, Actor in a Leading Role: Tom Hardy.
2. Antichrist
If you’ve ever seen a film and just had no response when it was over and were just stuck to your seat in genuine shock, and liked it, then this is the film for you. Not for the tame or those who get queasy easily, but definitely one of the films of 2009 that needs to be recognized. Willem Dafoe‘s performance alone is something to be amazed by.
What it should have been nominated for: Art Direction, Actor in a Leading Role: Willem Dafoe, Best Director: Lars von Trier, Best Picture.
1. Moon
This is the movie that the entire internet is buzzing about. Sony Picture Classics deemed it too costly to have a proper Oscar campaign for the film and Sam Rockwell‘s outstanding one-man performance. In a film that has basically one man on set alone for the entire run time, it’s amazing that you’re never bored or drawn away. The film is a great achievement in independent science-fiction filmmaking and something that the Academy should be beating themselves over.
What it should have been nominated for: Best Original Screenplay, Actor in a Leading Role: Sam Rockwell, Best Picture.
Are there any films you think were over looked?