The nominations for Oscars 2023 are literally much closer than they appear and the predictions have already started surfacing on the internet. Even though there is no guarantee that your favourite flick will make it to the final list, the utmost anticipation about its fate, is exactly what get’s us in the first place. Therefore to elevate your level of intrigue, here are 8 Movies which I feel are worthy of the 95th Academy Awards.
Check Out 8 Movies That are Worthy of Oscars 2023
1. Top Gun Maverick
There is not an inch of doubt in my mind that Tom Cruise’s epic action sequel Top Gun Maverick, absolutely revived Cinema this year. In fact, it was one of those movies which made us fall in love with the experience of going to the big screen, once again. I still remember the complete state of awe, that I was in, after watching the grand sequel. And the kind of impact that it had on me.
I am up for all the critically acclaimed features receiving nominations, but it’s time that we give Tom Cruise and his movies the long overdue academy award that they deserve. If you are yet to witness the hardcore representation of cinema, then you can catch it in the theatres for the coming two weeks, before it streams directly on Paramount Plus (P.S. I literally beg you to watch in cinemas, if you can).
2. Everything Everywhere All at Once
I’ll agree this list is becoming much more demanding, and my hopes are going to get crushed soon. But I still believe that if there is a God, and if he is just, then this absurd comedy-drama from the Daniels is bound to shift tables at the OSCARS this season.
There are no amount of words that can describe the conventional breaker hit of the year, that made us feel the thrust of raw and experimental cinema. Michelle Yeoh’s mind-bending performance itself deserves a separate nomination for making us root for the most badass action role in recent times. You can stream it on Hulu.
3. Aftersun
Now, we are talking about some connoisseur picks. Jokes aside, this A24 production with a heart of gold, made even A O Scott vulnerable with words, and to a great extent, all of us. This powerful essay on the relationship between a father and a daughter is a sure-shot contender for the biggest awards night and deserves its fair share of praise.
The film has the power to generate all sorts of emotions in a stipulated time period, without a fraction of complexity. The entire feature is an example of the remarkable beauty of simplicity and makes for a definitive nomination. You can rent the movie on Apple TV+ or Youtube.
4. The Fablemans
Going by the decorated track record of Steven Spielberg and the magnificent film itself, The Fablemans is one of the strongest movies of the year with a perfect chance of landing that OSCARS nomination. I can’t help but remember that quote by Bong Joon-Ho at the 92nd Academy Awards (which in turn was a Martin Scorcese reference), The most Personal is the most Creative.
Regarded as one of the most intimate works of the director, the film works like a semi-biographical ode to his childhood fascination for movies. You can still catch it on the big screen.
5. The Whale
If there was a combination of words for “most hyped” and a “grand return”, then it would simply be The Whale. I don’t want to take anything away from the critic’s darling of the year and silently root for Brendan Fraser to receive his much-deserved nomination (God I hope I don’t Jinx it). And also wish that the Academy voters ignore the minute flaws (subjective), and advance the feature for the award season.
That being said, we have seen such festival favourite films getting snubbed more than often, and maybe it will be a good thing no attach all my emotions to this one.
6. The Banshees of Inisherin
If New York Film Critic’s Circle award is any proof, then we might see The Banshees of Inisherin having its day at the 95th Academy Awards. Colin Farrel has already solidified his chances at the best actor nod with the win, and maybe go all in for the golden trophy.
This is one of those movies that has received an equal amount of love from both the critics and the fans. Which, is definitely a good sign for its any film to achieve the OSCARS nod. You can watch the film on Hulu.
7. Tár
Perhaps, there is no argument about Cate Blanchett’s name inside the Best Actress envelope card (Yes, I am that sure). Along with the feature film’s fair share of nominations this season. Based on the true story of a musician’s rise and fall, the electrifying film is not only a goosebumps raiser but also a cinematic achievement.
It is also the only movie on this list, for which I can give a personal guarantee (obviously with terms and conditions) of a pretty fine trajectory at the Academy Awards. I guess you’ll have to wait a bit longer for its streaming destination.
8. RRR
Believe me, when I say that I have zero personal bias here. If you have, by any chance, followed the award season buzz this year, then you might be aware of the fandom that RRR has created among professional critics. The sheer amount of passion with which the western cine-goers have praised the movie is almost in the same volume as the Desi cheer.
It can not only end India’s dry run at the OSCARS but also drench us in a couple of golden trophies this year. Perhpas, RRR is our strongest contender after Shaunak Sen’s magnificent documentary All That Breathes. You can stream the historical epic on Netflix.
Let us know your favourite contender for the OSCARS season in the comment section below.
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