The 2011 Academy Awards will be here before you know it, which is why I’ve put together a short list of movies to watch. Several of them should receive Best Picture nominations, while others will garner nominations in categories ranging from Best Animated Film to Best Actress. While a number of Oscar-worthy movies have yet to be released, this selection should provide you with a list of must-see movies in theaters or on DVD and Blu-ray.
The way back – While not scheduled for general release until January 2011, The way back It is already receiving rave reviews from critics who have seen it at various festivals. Starring Colin Farrell, Ed Harris, Mark Strong and Jim Sturgess, the film tells the true story of the soldiers who escaped from a World War II gulag in Siberia and made the grueling journey to India and freedom. Farrell has received particular praise for his performance, and it is about time this talented actor received an Oscar. On the other hand, Ed Harris also deserves a victory equally (he has been nominated four times). Directed by Peter Weir, who made Gallipoli Y Dead Poets Society.
The kids are fine – A lesbian couple (Annette Bening and Julianne Moore) use the same anonymous sperm donor to get pregnant. Eighteen years later, her children decide they want to meet their father, who turns out to be a restaurateur with a commitment problem (Mark Ruffalo). A huge success at the Sundance Film Festival, the film made more than $ 20 million at the box office without reaching a widespread release. Expect either Bening or Moore (or both) to appear in the Oscar nominations.
toy Story 3 – It’s a given that this smash hit by Pixar will get a nomination in the Best Animated Feature category, but it could also receive a Best Picture recognition thanks to the 2010 expansion of the category. Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear ( Tim Allen) are back, and this time they have to deal with their owner moving to college and leaving them behind. When they end up in a nursery school, they must also face the tyrannical Lots-O’-Huggin’-Bear (Ned Beatty), a toy who runs the place like a prison camp. There’s something here for kids and adults alike, and Pixar continues its incredible streak of success.
Blue valentine – Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams play a married couple facing various challenges throughout several years of marriage. While the wife still wants success and a career, the husband is more than happy to dedicate himself fully to his family. This causes tension within the relationship, and the manual shooting techniques add additional realism to the narrative.
Winter’s Bone – Don’t be surprised to see Jennifer Lawrence nominated in the Best Actress category for 2011, as critics have been raving about her performance in Winter’s Bone since the film had a limited release in June 2010. Lawrence plays Ree Dolly, a 17-year-old who lives in the woods of the Ozarks. When her dad, who cooks meth, is arrested and then bails out, he puts the family farm in jeopardy. With no other options, Ree sets out on foot to find her father, defying murderers and drug dealers along the way. A stark portrait of life in rural Missouri, Winter’s Bone He also has the help of constant guidance from Debra Granik.
If you are looking for a bit of information on the 2011 Oscars race, I hope this article was helpful. While the royal ceremonies are still many months away, you will at least have a short list of movies to watch and follow.