Omnia Essawy
It’s almost time for the most star-studded night of the year. On 13 March, viewers and movie-buffs all around the world will tune in for Hollywood’s biggest night: The 95th Annual Academy Awards, AKA The Night of the 2023 Oscars. While everyone is throwing their hats into contention, with ten nominations vying for the Oscar for Best Picture, only one film can take home this prestigious award which serves as the ultimate testament to the success and cinematic excellence.
From dramas full of suspense to comedies that keep us laughing until our sides hurt, this award season has a wide and impressive selection in store. As members of The Academy make their decision on who takes top honours at this highly-coveted ceremony, it is only fitting we explore all potential contenders vying for Best Picture and discover what makes each one worthy enough to receive such prestigious recognition!
1. Everything Everywhere All at Once
Everything Everywhere All at Once has made a huge splash in the film world. This highly acclaimed movie earned an impressive 11 nominations for this year’s Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and rightly so! Directed and written by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, this science-fiction comedy-drama story follows the thrilling journey of Evelyn Wang, a Chinese-American woman who is forced to connect with other versions of herself in a parallel universe to prevent the destruction of the multiverse. Along her travels through multiple spaces which entangle realities within each other, she takes viewers on one wild ride with captivating visuals along every step, leaving audiences completely awe-struck!
Everything Everywhere All at Once takes you on a thrilling journey; with its heart-racing sci-fi action and emotionally resonant narrative, this nominee delves into themes of love, loss, and identity. Captivating right from the start with its unique blend of genres and powerful storytelling, this is one movie-watching experience that you won’t be able to forget long after the credits have rolled! Although Everything Everywhere All at Once has dazzled critics and audiences alike, earning it numerous nominations for Best Picture, some argue that the film lacks enough narrative depth to fully resonate with Academy voters —could this be a detriment in the race towards Oscar glory?
Nonetheless, with its 11 nominations at the Oscars 2023, Everything Everywhere All at Once is setting a new benchmark for cinematic excellence. Whether or not it wins Best Picture, it’s clear that this unique movie has already made an everlasting impact on viewers. A viewing experience like no other, Everything Everywhere All At Once is expected to continue to delight audiences around the world in years to come!
2. The Banshees of Inisherin
The Banshees of Inisherin, directed by the highly acclaimed Martin McDonagh and starring Colin Farell and Brendan Gleeson, is an emotionally charged drama that has captivated audiences worldwide. It tells a powerful story about two lifelong friends who must navigate through difficult circumstances when one abruptly ends their relationship with no explanation. This gripping film is sure to continue its success as it earns recognition on this year’s Academy Award nominations list for Best Picture!
The film’s stunning cinematography captures the beauty and isolation of the remote island setting during the Irish Civil War era while highlighting the emotional turmoil of its characters. The acting performances are nothing short of outstanding, and the storytelling flow engages viewers from start to finish.
With nine nominations, The Banshees of Inisherin may be considered a runner-up for the most nominated film at the 95th Academy Awards. This recognition is well-deserved, given the film’s exceptional storytelling and technical aspects. However, it may not be seen as a frontrunner for Best Picture due to its relatively specific niche appeal and potentially heavy subject matter.
Despite this, The Banshees of Inisherin remains an important addition to this year’s nominees for its ability to tackle difficult themes with sensitivity and nuance. It offers an unflinching look at grief and guilt while also celebrating the resilience and strength of small communities in times of tragedy. Regardless of whether or not it wins Best Picture, Banshees of Inisherin has certainly left an impact on audiences and will continue to do so in years to come.
3. All Quiet on the Western Front
Over a century since its groundbreaking debut, Erich Maria Remarque’s iconic novel All Quiet on the Western Front has made a triumphant return to dominate this year’s Academy Awards. Written in 1929 as an eye-opening exploration of people affected by World War I, the story remains deeply relevant today, evidently seen through its recognition at one of Hollywood’s most celebrated events.
With nine nominations, including Best Picture, All Quiet on the Western Front represents an enduring reminder of the timelessness of war and stands as one of 2022’s most acclaimed films. Directed by Edward Berger and starring Felix Kammerer and Daniel Brühl as German soldiers during WWI, this powerful drama explores life in wartime through their experiences, from enlisting full of hope only to confronting nightmarish realities first-hand while fighting just for survival.
All Quiet on the Western Front is a powerful testament to war, featuring outstanding performances and cinematography that brings forth both horror and beauty. Despite its controversial subject matter, the film’s poignant exploration of war’s impact on individuals renders it one of this year’s most thought-provoking contenders for Best Picture. All Quiet on the Western Front provides an essential glimpse into the psychological effects of warfare often overlooked in mainstream media, offering us all a much-needed reminder about the cost paid by those who fight.
All Quiet on the Western Front is an extraordinary cinematic experience, lauded for its profound narrative and notable technical accomplishments. Whether or not it takes home an Oscar at this year’s ceremony, this war epic’s impact has resonated with viewers, securing it a place in cinema history for decades to come.
4. Avatar: The Way of Water
Avatar: The Way of Water is the long-anticipated sequel to James Cameron’s groundbreaking 2009 film Avatar. Making history with record-breaking numbers at its opening weekend, this universe-bending adventure has already become an undisputed cultural phenomenon. Moreover, it also earned huge recognition for its technical achievements and storytelling prowess, earning itself a Best Picture nomination at the 2023 Oscars.
Directed once again by Cameron and starring Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana, Avatar: The Way of Water takes audiences back to the vibrant world of Pandora and its mythical nature. This epic film breaks conventional filmmaking boundaries and captures viewers with a spellbinding cinematic experience, combining mesmerizing landscapes and daringly intricate underwater shots.
Beyond its visual spectacle, Avatar: The Way of Water also offers a compelling story that explores important themes such as environmentalism and indigenous rights. It balances action-packed set pieces with moments of introspection and emotional depth.
While it may be expected for Avatar: The Way of Water to win Best Picture, given its commercial success and critical acclaim, it faces stiff competition from other nominees with more niche appeal or artistic merit. Nevertheless, it remains an impressive achievement in filmmaking that deserves recognition for pushing the boundaries of technology while still delivering a compelling story.
5. The Fabelmans
Steven Spielberg takes the audience on a journey through his past with The Fabelmans, an insightful film that paints a picture of the director’s early years growing up and discovering his passion for filmmaking. An intimate look at one Hollywood icon’s story, this semi-autobiographical portrait is sure to leave viewers fascinated by Spielberg’s life experiences as he seeks out success in show business.
Featuring an all-star cast including Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, and Seth Rogen, delivering riveting performances, The Fabelmans seamlessly navigates between humour and heartbreak to explore more significant societal issues as well as the complexities of family dynamics set against a nostalgic backdrop. With its masterful direction from Spielberg himself, this captivating coming-of-age tale is sure not to disappoint!
The Fabelmans has achieved high acclaim for its thoughtful storytelling and remarkable technical achievements, making it a formidable contender in the Oscars’ Best Picture category. Its ability to illustrate both relatable day-to-day moments as well as intricate societal matters gives audiences an emotionally resonant film experience that will remain with them long after awards season is over, despite the potential competition from other nominees of greater popularity or prestige.
6. Elvis
From his humble beginning in Tupelo, Mississippi, to worldwide fame as the undisputed “King of Rock & Roll,” Elvis Presley’s life story is vividly brought to life in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic Elvis.
Starring Austin Butler as The King himself and with electrifying musical sequences that showcase both his range as an actor and performer, this film offers a fresh perspective on what drove him forward throughout success—from personal struggles behind the scenes to iconic show-stopping performances onstage. With its innovative style modernizing the classic sound of the early Rock & Roll era while capturing every detail along Elvis’ journey toward becoming one of music’s most beloved figures, Elvis stands out!
Elvis is a powerhouse of technical achievement and narrative craft, offering an emotionally powerful story which examines themes like identity, family dynamics, and how legacies are established. The balancing of lighthearted joy with heartbreaking moments draws viewers into the life experience of legendary entertainer Elvis Presley.
The film’s combination of entertainment value plus artistic merit ensures it stands out as a strong contender for Best Picture despite facing competition from more overtly political or controversial works, especially among fan audiences already familiar with Presley’s music legacy!
This highly acclaimed film pays tribute to one of the most remarkable and iconic figures in music history. Its captivating insight into Elvis’ life dynamically brings together his incredible influence on pop culture and entertainment, showing why he remains an inspiration for generations today. Even if Elvis doesn’t take home the top honours, there’s no denying that this remarkable cinematic achievement will go down in history as a defining Hollywood production!
7. TÁR
Todd Field’s TÁR is a must-see cinematic event of 2022, starring Oscar winner Cate Blanchett. This critically acclaimed film tackles the sensitive issue of sexual abuse and harassment in the music industry with poignancy and insight.
Audiences are guaranteed an emotionally powerful performance from Blanchett as she brings the complexities of this difficult subject matter to life. Additionally, the film’s fascinating cinematography, captivating musical score, and immersive editing take viewers on a journey through time, exploring themes such as love, loss, and redemption—all brought together by Todd Fields’ exceptional direction creating one truly remarkable movie experience.
Featuring an all-star lineup of talent and tackling relevant themes, this captivating work of film art promises high entertainment value and thought-provoking moments that will stay with viewers long after they watch it. While only time will tell whether or not its accolades include an Academy Award win, one thing’s for sure—TÁR won’t be forgotten any time soon!
8. TOP GUN: MAVERICK
Top Gun: Maverick was a resounding success in 2022, both commercially and critically. The beloved sequel to the 1986 classic sees Tom Cruise reprise his role as the iconic Captain Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell, who is now an ageing Navy pilot that must reflect on his past while mentoring a new generation of pilots. Audiences were treated to a powerful narrative combined with adrenaline-filled action scenes that encapsulated what makes great cinema; it is no surprise, then, that Top Gun: Maverick earned itself an Academy Award Best Picture nomination as well as a place among the highest-grossing films of 2022!
Top Gun: Maverick proves that even big-budget action films can provide unforgettable experiences. It touches on many relatable themes like legacy, sacrifice, and redemption, which creates a powerful emotional connection with viewers. The stellar performances of Tom Cruise alongside Jennifer Connelly and Miles Teller have been widely praised by both professional critics and moviegoers alike for creating an outstanding cinematic experience for all ages!
This year, Top Gun: Maverick looks set to soar among frontrunners for the prestigious Best Picture award at the Oscars. With its impressive visuals and gripping storyline, it’s no surprise that this action-packed blockbuster is making waves among Hollywood’s most acclaimed films. Certainly, there are many other equally worthy nominees in contention; however, you can’t ignore that Top Gun has as much of an opportunity to take home Academy Awards glory on 13 March.
9. Triangle of Sadness
Swedish director Ruben Östlund’s darkly comedic movie Triangle of Sadness is creating a buzz with its three Oscar nominations for the 95th Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This cinematic masterpiece undoubtedly has pushed boundaries in storytelling and left a lasting impression amongst viewers, cementing itself as a can’t-miss film this awards season.
Following a group of wealthy individuals who are left stranded on an island after a freak accident, Triangle of Sadness presents viewers with a biting critique of privilege and class struggles within society. While many have had mixed reactions to its content, critics generally agree that Östlund crafted something special in his work. Some even consider Triangle Of Sadness to be essential viewing for anyone interested in further exploring wealth inequality and human nature topics through film.
It remains unknown if this groundbreaking movie is going to fetch Best Picture, but one thing is certain: its impact cannot be denied or forgotten any time soon!
10. Women Talking
Sarah Polley’s acclaimed adaptation of Miriam Toews’ celebrated novel, Women Talking, has been wowing moviegoers ever since its debut. This drama is more than worthy of the recognition it has received, earning an Oscar nomination and praises from both devoted fans and critics alike. Its compelling storytelling makes it a must-watch for viewers who appreciate captivating cinema.
Set in the isolated Mennonite community of Manitoba Colony in Bolivia, this compelling film experience follows a group of women who discover they have been victims of sexual assault and mass abuse for years.
The powerful performances, coupled with an emotionally resonant story, have earned this film critical acclaim alongside Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay nominations at the 95th Academy Awards— a recognition that speaks volumes about its capacity for tackling complex topics with sensitivity and insightfulness. As one of the most talked-about films in 2022, its Oscar prospects look highly promising, but only time will tell if this prediction becomes a reality!
This year’s Academy Awards are obviously gathering a whopping array of outstanding contenders for the illustrious Best Picture award. Boasting no shortage of powerful and captivating films, this upcoming ceremony is sure to be an unforgettable show honouring some truly exceptional stories brought to life through excellent filmmaking! From emotional dramas to mind-blowing action sequences and comedic masterpieces, it looks like Hollywood is about to deliver another monumental award show, regardless of which movie takes home top honours.
If you are done watching all ten Best Picture nominees of the 2023 Oscars and are looking for more stellar movies to enjoy, check out our list of 5 films with the most Oscar wins.