I have worked hard on my favorite post of the year—the overstuffed Oscar prediction thread with every possible contender—but, frankly, 2020 happened. With constantly changing movie release dates and other difficulties, I’m just not going to be able to do it this year. Besides, the field of contenders has narrowed. Both the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild have announced their nominations. (So have the Film Independent Spirit awards but they have less bearing on the Oscars.) Here is your guide to what’s been nominated so you can get caught up ahead of the Oscars and be in the know when the Oscar nominations are announced on March 15. .
Another Round
This film from Denmark is competing at the Globes for Best Motion Picture -- Foreign Language. It’s about a group of friends who begin experimenting with alcohol until it gets out of hand. Like most Americans, I became aware of Mads Mikkelsen when he played the villain in Casino Royale. And I’ve enjoyed him in many films since. This may be the most interesting film about alcoholism since Leaving Las Vegas. This was also shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars. Available on demand.
Borat Subsequent Movie Film
Did Sacha Baron Cohen’s comedy affect the outcome of the election? We may never know. Actress Maria Bakalova is nominated for both a Golden Globe (Best Actress in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy) and a Screen Actors Guild award (Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role). So she’s probably a shoo-in for an Oscar nomination. The film itself is running for Best Musical or Comedy and Cohen is nominated for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy. While the Oscars generally tend not to honor comedies, who knows? Maybe this one will snag some nominations. The movie has been shortlisted for Best Original Song for “Wuhan Flu” at the Oscars. Available on Amazon Prime.
The Croods: A New Age
This movie is nominated for Best Motion Picture -- Animated at the Globes. Released in November in time for Thanksgiving, the movie has had a healthy box office return. A rare thing during the pandemic. I remember enjoying the first one with my girlfriend. I look forward to catching up with the sequel. The Croods experience culture shock when they meet a more modern family. Available to rent and own online. Available on DVD and Blu-ray February 23.
Da 5 Bloods
Mark Hughes of Forbes speculates that Chadwick Boseman could be nominated for Best Supporting Actor for this film and Best Actor for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. A double Oscar nomination (and possible win) would be a fitting tribute to the late actor. He did score a SAG nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role. Other SAG nominations for the film include Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture. Many have speculated that Delroy Lindo will get a Best Supporting Actor nomination from the Academy. Spike Lee, fresh off an Oscar win for Best Adapted Screenplay for BlacKKKlansman, may have another shot at Best Director. The movie has been shortlisted for Best Original Score at the Oscars. Five soldiers return to Vietnam decades after the war to search for treasure and the remains of their friend. This is a complex film about greed and the casualties of war, the cost of war, the long-lingering effects of war. Be forewarned: there are several emotional gut punches in this one. I was glad to see the entire cast nominated. This is a film where every one of the main actors gives a hell of a performance. Available on Netflix.
Emma
Anya Taylor-Joy is wonderful in everything. I’m so glad to see her get a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy. 2020 was a great year to be a Taylor-Joy fan with the release of The New Mutants and Netflix’s series The Queen’s Gambit. Emma is a fun, romantic adaptation of the Jane Austen novel. I’ve loved Taylor-Joy ever since The Witch and would love to see her get an Oscar. The picture will probably also get nominations for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. It has been shortlisted for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the Oscars. Available on HBO Max or to own digitally.
The Father
This one looks like a hard, emotional watch. Olivia Colman plays a woman trying to care for her father as he he succumbs to dementia. Anthony Hopkins looks amazing in this. The movie has been nominated for Screen Actor Guild awards for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role and Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role. It has been nominated for Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture -- Drama, Best Screenplay, Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture, and Best Actor in a Motion Picture -- Drama. Opens in LA and NY on February 26. Opens nationwide on March 12. Available for $19.99 on PVOD starting March 26.
French Exit
Michelle Pfeiffer looks elegant and funny in this comedy nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes. Plus, it’s always good to see Lucas Hedges in something. The plot is about a widowed New Yorker and her son who try to start over in Paris after she spends the last of her inheritance from her husband. Opens in NY and LA on February 12. Open nationwide on April 2.
Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip hop, multiracial musical about the life of founding father Alexander Hamilton is one of my two favorite musicals of all time. (The other is Rent.). One of the few bright spots of 2020 was Disney releasing this recording of the original cast. Unfortunately, Hamilton has been disqualified from the Oscars because it’s a recording of a show. (When someone eventually adapts it into a feature film, it will probably sweep the Oscars.). However, it has been nominated for Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy and Best Actor in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s performance. Available on Disney+.
Hillbilly Elegy
Despite being roasted by the critics, Ron Howard’s film Hillbilly Elegy is doing well this awards season. Glen Close has been nominated for her supporting role for both a SAG award and a Golden Globe. Amy Adams has been nominated for a SAG award for her lead performance. The movie has also been shortlisted for an Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. The plot is about a Yale law student who is drawn back to his Appalachian hometown. Available on Netflix.
I Care a Lot
I loved Rosamund Pike in Gone Girl and A United Kingdom. I can’t wait to see her in this dark comedy. Diane Wiest is going to be fun in this one. And Peter Dinklage playing a villain should be awesome. A legal guardian who commits her charges to nursing homes and then sells their houses finally meets her match. Pike has been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy. Available on Netflix.
Judas and the Black Messiah
This is a powerful film that is not to be missed. It’s one of the few films to live up to the power and promise of its trailer. LaKeith Stanfield plays Bill O’Neal who infiltrated and betrayed the Black Panthers. Stanfield gives an Oscar-worthy performance. But it’s Daniel Kaluuya as Black Panther chairman Fred Hampton who is getting all the (well-deserved) recognition for his supporting role. He has been nominated for both a SAG award and a Golden Globe. The song “Fight For You” has been nominated for a Golden Globe and has been shortlisted for an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. In theaters and on HBO Max until March 14.
La Llorona
This horror film (not to be confused with 2019’s The Curse of la Llorona) is about a former dictator and his family who are haunted by victims of genocide. It’s rare for a horror film to get awards attention. This one has been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture -- Foreign Language and shortlisted for an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film. Available on Shudder.
The Life Ahead
This is Sophia Loren’s first feature film in eleven years. It’s about woman who takes in a child with nowhere left to go. Foreign films with this type of plot often seem to get Oscar nominations (For example, 1997’s Kolya). The movie has been nominated for Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture—Foreign Language and for Best Original Song for “IO SI (Seen).” It has also been shortlisted for Best Original Score and Best Original Song at the Oscars. Available on Netflix.
The Little Things
This disappointing crime drama has managed to nab SAG and Golden Globe nominations for Jared Leto’s supporting role. The movie has also been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Original Score. Denzel Washington plays a deputy haunted by a cold case he’s been trying to solve for five years. In theaters and on HBO Max until February 28.
Mank
Director David Fincher’s biopic about screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz and the making of Citizen Kane has garnered several nominations. Gary Oldman has been nominated for a SAG award and a Golden Globe for his performance of the title role. The Golden Globes have also nominated the film for Best Motion Picture -- Drama, Best Screenplay, Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture (Amanda Seyfried), Best Director, and Best Original Score. The movie has also been shortlisted in three Oscar categories: Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Original Score, and Best Visual Effects. Available on Netflix.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
This is the second play from August Wilson’s 20th Century Cycle to be adapted for film (after Fences). The late Chadwick Boseman’s lead performance has been nominated for both a SAG award and a Golden Globe. Viola Davis has also been nominated for both awards for her performance of the title role, blues signer Ma Rainey. I’m glad to see that the Screen Actors Guild nominated the film for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The unsung supporting actors are part of what really brings life to this film. The movie has been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Available on Netflix.
The Mauritanian
Mauritania is a country in Africa. This movie is the true story of a detainee in Guantanamo who was suspected of being involved with 9/11 but was never charged. The film has been nominated for Golden Globes for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture (Jodie Foster) and Best Actor in a Motion Picture -- Drama (Tahar Rahim). In theaters February 12.
The Midnight Sky
Why are all the recent space movies such downers? (I’m looking at you, Ad Astra and Lucy in the Sky.) One of the last survivors on Earth after an apocalyptic event tries to contact a crew of astronauts returning home. This film has a strong first half but ultimately disappoints. Still, it got a Golden Globe for Best Original Score and has been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects . Available on Netflix.
Minari
Minari won both the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize and the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award at last year’s Sundance Film Festival. The movie is about a Korean family in the 1980s trying to make it in rural America. The Golden Globes made a controversial decision to place the film in the Best Motion Picture -- Foreign Language category even though it’s an American film. The Screen Actors Guild has nominated the movie for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role (Steven Yeun), Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (Youn Yuh-Jung), and Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The movie has been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for “Rain Song.” In theaters February 12 and available to rent digitally starting February 26. A24 is also streaming the move in its screening room but all current showings have sold out.
Mulan
The live-action remake of the ‘90s Disney classic has been nominated for a SAG award for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture. The Oscars have shortlisted the movie for Best Original Score, Best Original song for “Loyal Brave True,” and Best Visual Effects. Available on Disney+.
Music
Singer Sia’s controversial directorial debut about autism garnered Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy and Best Actress in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy (Kate Hudson). The film has come under fire for starring a neurotypical actor as a nonverbal autistic girl and for scenes depicting the use of restraint on autistic people. Sia has promised to recut the film to remove the restraint scenes. Available on demand.
News of the World
In Tom Hanks’ first western, he plays a man who travels from town to town to read the news to packed houses. When he discovers a girl in the wilderness, he is tasked with returning her to her family. Actress Helena Zengel has been nominated for her supporting role for both a SAG award and a Golden Globe. The Screen Actors Guild has also nominated the movie for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture. The Golden Globes nominated the film for Best Original Score. The movie has also been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Original Score. In theaters and available to rent online.
Nomadland
This movie is based on a non-fiction book and several real life people play versions of themselves. The movie is about a woman who suffers a major loss. She chooses a lifestyle of the modern nomad, people who live out of RVs and vans and travel the country doing seasonal work. This is the type of movie where a trailer can’t really do it justice. I was prepared to be let down after all the hype the film has received. I was pleasantly surprised to find it an engaging character study with subtle performances. Why David Strathairn isn’t a part of this year’s awards conversation I don’t know. The film shows the beauty and struggle of a lifestyle most of us probably would not choose, Frances McDormand has been nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award and a Golden Globe for her lead performance. The Golden Globes have also nominated the movie for Best Motion Picture -- Drama, Best Screenplay, and Best Director. In theaters and on Hulu February 19.
One Night in Miami
Oscar-winning character actor Regina King’s directorial debut is about a historic event when Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown were all together for one night. This is a film where all four actors deserve to be nominated. Kingsley Ben-Adir (playing Malcolm X) was the critical favorite predicted to get a nomination. But so far it’s been Leslie Odom Jr. as Sam Cooke that has racked up nominations including from SAG and the Golden Globes. I’m curious if the Academy would consider all four performances as supporting or if Ben-Adir would be seen as the lead. If all four filled the Best Supporting Actor category at the Oscars, it would be a pleasant surprise. I like that the movie shows a more vulnerable side to Malcolm X than we are used to seeing. The movie has been nominated for a SAG award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The Golden Globs have nominated the movie for Best Original Song for “Speak Now,” and Best Director. The movie has been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Original Song. Available on Amazon Prime.
On the Rocks
It’s nice to see Sophia Coppola and Bill Murray working together again. (Their 2003 movie Lost in Translation is one of my favorites.) Murray plays the father to Rashida Jones. The two follow her possibly cheating husband. Murray has been nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture at the Golden Globes. Available on AppleTV+.
Onward
Onward is set in a fictional world of fantasy creatures. It is about two elf brothers who go on a quest to spend one last day with their late father. It’s a Pixar film so of course it’s a shoo-in for an Oscar nomination. It’s been nominated by the Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture -- Animated. Available on Disney+.
Over the Moon
For a non-Disney animated film, this movie is pretty decent. It has original songs. It has a story about family. It has adorable sidekick creatures (see the bunny below). It has been nominated by the Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture -- Animated. Available on Netflix.
Palm Springs
This comedy was my #4 movie of 2020. If you’re a fan of Groundhog Day, you’ve got to see this one. It puts a fun spin on the whole time loop genre. Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti make a cute couple as two wedding guests who are forced to relive the wedding day over and over and over. J. K. Simmons is excellent in a supporting role. This is one of the few digital releases to get a commentary track. (I really hope this becomes a trend.). The Golden Globes have nominated the film for Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy and Best Actor in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy. Available on Hulu.
The Personal History of David Copperfield
This is a fun adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens novel. I had hoped Hugh Laurie might get some Best Supporting actor love. His eccentric character was my favorite thing about this movie. The Golden Globes have nominated Dev Patel for Best Actor in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy. Available to rent or own digitally.
Pieces of a Woman
This movie is a character study about a woman in the aftermath of losing her baby. It looks to be a difficult watch. Vanessa Kirby has been nominated for a SAG Award and a Golden Globe for her leading performance. Available on Netflix.
The Prom
Meryl Streep made a movie this year. So an Oscar nomination is almost inevitable. Surprisingly, James Corden is the only actor from the entire ensemble to receive a Golden Globe nomination. It’s a shame Jo Ellen Pellman didn’t get nominated for her lead performance. This is an adaptation of the Broadway musical and has several great songs. It’s about four Broadway performers who come to a small town to bring justice when the local prom is cancelled to prevent a lesbian student from bringing her girlfriend to prom. The Golden Globes have nominated it for Best Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy. Available on Netflix.
Promising Young Woman
I don’t want to say too much about this thriller because part of its effectiveness is the surprising plot. Cary Mulligan plays a woman bent on revenge. I’ll leave it for you to find out how, why, and who for. She has been nominated for her lead performance by the Screen Actors Guild and the Golden Globes. The movie has also been nominated for Best Motion Picture—Drama at the Golden Globes. Emerald Fennell wrote and directed the film and has been nominated for Best Screenplay and Best Director. In theaters and available to rent digitally.
Soul
Pixar’s second release of the year will most likely get an Oscar nomination and is more likely to win than Onward. The movie features Pixar’s first black main character. Jamie Foxx voices Joe, a music teacher who dies in an accident on the day he is about to get his big break as a musician. With the help of a defiant soul who refuses to be born, he attempts to return to his life. The movie has been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture—Animated. It has also been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects. Available on Disney+.
Sound of Metal
Riz Ahmed has been getting rave reviews for his performance as a heavy metal drummer losing his hearing. He’s been nominated for a SAG award and a Golden Globe for his lead performance. The movie has been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Original Song for “Green.” Available on Amazon Prime.
Tenet
This was my #1 movie of the year. I had hoped it would get a ton of Oscar nominations and Christopher Nolan might finally win his Best Director Oscar. Early signs are not positive. The Golden Globes only nominated it for Best Original Score. The Oscars have shortlisted it for Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects. I’m still hoping John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Chris Nolan all get some Oscar love for this sci-fi epic. Available to rent or own digitally.
The Trial of the Chicago 7
If I had caught this last fall instead of last week, it wold have made my top 10 list for 2020. Aaron Sorkin’s latest film features a great ensemble cast in the true story of protestors at the 1968 Democratic National Convention who were prosecuted by the government. Sacha Baron Cohen is sure to get an Oscar nomination for his turn as activist, comedian, and all around smartass Abbie Hoffman. He’s been nominated for a SAG award and a Golden Globe for his supporting turn. The movie has also been nominated for SAG awards for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture. The Golden Globes have nominated the movie for Best Motion Picture -- Drama and Best Original Song for “Hear My Voice.” Aaron Sorkin was nominated for Best Screenplay and Best Director. The movie has been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Original Song. Once again, I’m glad to see the entire cast nominated. This is a movie that is full of amazing performances, any of which deserve to be signed out. Joseph Gordon Levitt averages about one amazing, must-see movie a year. For 2020, it was The Trial of the Chicago 7. Available on Netflix.
Two of Us
This one looks heartbreaking. It’s about a lesbian couple in old age. It has been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture -- Foreign Language. It’s also been shortlisted by the Oscars for Best International Feature Film. Available to rent digitally.
The United States vs. Billie Holiday
Singer Andra Day plays famous jazz singer Billie Holiday. She has been nominated for a Golden Globe for her lead performance. The movie has also been nominated for Best Original Song for “Tigers & Tweed.” Available on Hulu February 26.
Wolfwalkers
An apprentice hunter arrives in Ireland with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack. She befriends another girl, a member of a tribe rumored to turn into wolves by night. This is the third and final film in Tomm Moore’s Irish Foklore Trilogy which also consists of The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea. The movie has been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture—Animated. Available on AppleTV+.
Wonder Woman 1984
A lot of critics and audiences were disappointed with Wonder Woman’s sophomore effort. Still, the movie managed to get a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture.
In theaters and available to rent digitally.
There you have it. Everything that’s been nominated in two of the major awards races. Of course, a nomination by either of these bodies or even both of them does not guarantee an Oscar nomination. Oscar nominations will be announced on March 15 and I’m sure there will be plenty of snubs and surprises. Look for my upcoming blog posts on RunPee about the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, many films from which I’m hoping will have a shot at next year’s Oscar glory. You can find all my past RunPee blog posts here.