I make a point to see all the Best Picture nominees every year, but I fully acknowledge that most people are not completionists like me and instead would rather pick and choose what they like. To help you decide which Oscar films you’d like to check out, I’ve made this handy guide. Listing each film from most likely to win to least likely to win come Oscar Sunday, I’ve described the type of person who might like each of the films.
Which ones sound like you?
You’ll find links to fuller reviews I’ve written in the titles, as well as where/how you can watch each film.
THE POWER OF THE DOG (Netflix)
Image Credit: Netflix
You take trips to National Parks but John Wayne movies never really speak to you. You love Benedict Cumberbatch, especially when he’s being a total jerk. You thrive on tension and drama but also don’t mind a quiet, slow burn story. You like Hitchcock’s films. You belong to a book club and appreciate juicy subtext. Films that expect you to work out what’s going on don’t frustrate you; they delight you.
CODA (Apple TV+)
Image Credit: The New York Times
You were in a choir or a cappella group in high school. You’ve seen every episode of Glee or regularly tune in to singing competitions like The Voice or American Idol. You’re a teacher who just wants to see talented young people succeed. You prefer your films heartwarming, with happy tears only. You’d like to better understand the experience of the deaf community. You’re a sucker for a family fumbling to connect. You can tolerate awkward teenaged romance. You still remember how amazing Marlee Matlin was on The West Wing.
KING RICHARD (Now available to rent or buy digitally. Returns to HBOMax on March 24.)
Image Credit: Forbes
You were glued to your TV during the Olympics. Or you’re just in the mood for a really great sports movie. You remember how amazing it was to watch Venus and Serena Williams absolutely dominate. You’re a Will Smith fan (that’s everyone, right? RIGHT?). You think short tennis shorts look good. The phrase “based on a true story” makes your ears perk up. You love to see what people will do when the chips are down. You’d like to become more aware of your own privilege and open your eyes to systemic racism in sports. You had parents that pushed you to achieve and wanted more for you than they had. You’d like to see Aunjanue Ellis rock your screen with truth bombs.
BELFAST (Available to buy or rent digitally.)
Image Credit: Slate
You have any connection to or affinity for Ireland whatsoever. You’ve always wondered what Kenneth Branagh’s childhood was like. You don’t mind black and white films. You watch a lot of The History Channel but wish the shows had more intimate, personal stories. You can handle having complicated feelings about violence as a form of political protest. You really like Motown and other genres of American music from the 60s. You have grandchildren or grandparents. You’re weak to plucky, precocious children. You watch Outlander for Caitriona Balfe. Ever since 50 Shades of Gray, you’ve been waiting for a chance to see Jamie Dornan again.
DUNE (HBOMax)
Image Credit: The New York Times
You like The Lord of the Rings and got excited when you found out there was an extended edition. Or maybe you like Star Wars, but more serious. Or Mad Max, but less edgy. You live for hard dystopian sci-fi. You don’t mind learning a lot of weird names for things that don’t exist. You prefer brutalist architecture. You want to gaze into Oscar Isaac’s eyes and marvel at his luscious beard. Jason Mamoa makes you smile or laugh every time you see him. You liked Rebecca Ferguson in the Mission Impossible movies and are curious about how far her acting ability can stretch. You fell in love with Timothée Chalamet in Little Women. (Maybe I should have just said you appreciate a strong ensemble cast.) You’ve never heard a Hans Zimmer score you didn’t like.
WEST SIDE STORY (Disney+ and HBOMax)
Image Credit: Vanity Fair
Uh…you like the original West Side Story? You like musicals, but somehow have never seen West Side Story? You think gosh, why don’t they make movies with a capital M like Steven Spielberg used to make them. (They do! He did!)
LICORICE PIZZA (Available to buy digitally.)
Image Credit: The New Yorker
You wear aviator glasses and listen to David Bowie on vinyl. You own a lava lamp, but enjoy it ironically. You like your love stories with a heaping dose of will they/won’t they. You feel or felt adrift in your twenties. You love a good hustle. You will be able to view the offensive fake Asian accent in that one scene as a part of a larger commentary on racist attitudes in the 70s.
DRIVE MY CAR (HBOMax)
Image Credit: The New York Times
You go for long drives in your car to relax. (Yes, the title is very apt.) You’ve been to Japan and want to go back. You were an English, Comp Lit, or Drama major in college. You like a good show within a show movie that breaks down a craft or art form. You’re pretty good at picking up on metaphors. You don’t mind reading subtitles for three hours. (And even if you do, you should try to challenge yourself!) You don’t mind tasteful nudity and intimacy on screen. You’re open to processing your own grief.
DON’T LOOK UP (Netflix)
Image Credit: Boston Globe
You frequently get into political arguments in the comments on Facebook. You’re full of rage over conspiracy theorists, anti-vaxxers, climate change deniers, media illiteracy, social media, and capitalism. You like absurdist, nihilistic satire that will make you squirm and nervously chuckle more than laugh out loud. Your’e willing to mock your own political leanings, but you also wear them like a badge of honor. You’ve missed Jennifer Lawrence. You didn’t get enough of Timothée Chalamet in Dune and The French Dispatch. (Wow, he was in a lot of movies this year.) I’m sorry to say it, but you probably drive a Prius.
NIGHTMARE ALLEY (HBOMax)
Image Credit: The Guardian
You thought the best season of American Horror Story was Freak Show. Your favorite Christmas movie is The Nightmare Before Christmas. You think Bradley Cooper is an underrated actor. You mostly shop at vintage consignment shops. A night out means dressed to the nines, in satin and pearls. Everything is better with anything from the 1930s and 40s. You like Guillermo del Toro’s films, especially when he gets creepy. You wish everyone around you acted like they were in a film noir.