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With 2019’s Oscars around the corner, we’ve picked five of our favourite award-worthy films set for nomination…
A Star Is Born
Directed by Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born is a remake of the 1937 film directed by William A. Wellman, following the story of a hard-drinking country musician (played by Cooper) who falls in love with a young waitress set for stardom (Lady Gaga). Not only is the story a tug at the ol’ heartstrings, but Lady Gaga’s first starring role and Bradley’s directorial debut have both been generating buzz in the box office.
First Man
Ryan Gosling portrays the personal account of astronaut Neil Armstrong in man’s first trek to the moon on the Apollo 11 mission. Not only did the director Damien Chazelle receive an Oscar for his previous film, La La Land in 2017, but he also cast First Man with best actor nominee for La La Land, Ryan Gosling, too. Could 2019 be Gosling’s year to rack the trophy?
Green Book
Green Book stars Oscar winner Mahershala Ali and nominee Viggo Mortensen. It’s a feel good comedy drama based on accounts of real-life pianist Don Shirley and his driver-bodyguard Tony Lip, on a tour of the Deep South in a racially-charged pre-civil-rights-era of the 1960s. The movie made waves at the International Toronto Film Festival, where it was scoped alongside other titles like A Star Is Born and First Man. Could this be a contender?
The Favourite
If you’re a fan of Yargos Lathimos’s other films, like The Lobster or The Killing of a Sacred Deer, the gripping absurdity he’s known for certainly won’t be lost on this one. It’s a dark comedy loosely based on a true story surrounding Queen Anne’s (Olivia Colman) 18th century reign, and the feud between her confidants, Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) and Abigail Hill (Emma Stone) to win the monarch’s favours. The film won best feature at 2018’s Gotham Awards nominations, and with stunning performances by a trio of award-winning actresses, the film practically screams Oscar nominee.
Destroyer
In this heavily compelling crime thriller, Nicole Kidman stars as Erin Bell, an undercover cop working alongside her partner (Sebastian Stan) to infiltrate the Silas gang. When the operation fails horribly and Erin loses her partner, she works her way through a 17-year long case, while grappling with her own personal demons. Worlds away from the roles Kidman has played before, this film shows the scope of her abilities, definitely an Oscar-worthy performance!
By Features Writer Savanna Douglas
