5 Movies that Deserved an Oscar Nomination
Written by Angela Manci
As I reviewed my favorite movies of 2018, I hoped that several of my Top 10 would be recognized during awards season. While three of my favorites (BlacKkKlansman, A Star Is Born, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) all received nominations, five of my picks were passed over (likely because they didn’t launch large campaigns). I’ve attempted to review the merits of each without spoiling key moments for the benefit of anyone who has yet to see these gems. Here are five incredible movies from 2018, each paired with their Rotten Tomatoes score and the Oscar nomination they deserved.
Annihilation
RT Score: 89%
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime
Deserved Nomination: Best Adapted Screenplay
Though it easily stands on its own, Annihilation was loosely adapted based on writer-director Alex Garland’s memory of its namesake novel (written by Jeff VanderMeer). Both are deeply entrenched in “The New Weird”—a branch of science fiction horror that leans on surrealism and subversion. While the book reads more like unsettling biological poetry, the film attempts to fashion a dramatic arc, as well as answer several of the bigger questions left unexplained by its source material. The result is a hero’s journey into the unknown for Lena, a cellular biologist who has been tasked with studying an alien landscape (along with several other female scientists). Still, don’t see Annihilation for the plot. Instead, enjoy the visceral exploration of decomposition and mutation. Stay for the symbolic discussions of grief, change, and the destruction of the ego. While the story may have changed, the beating heart of the novel was preserved. This quietly terrifying film left me completely shaken; it’s my favorite of 2018.
Sorry to Bother You
RT Score: 92%
Where to watch it: Hulu
Deserved Nomination: Best Director
Sorry to Bother You sold itself as an urban workplace comedy with a violent streak and a secret. And boy, did it deliver. Every aspect of this film was carefully crafted and fresh, from casting and dialogue to transitions and coloring. This is Boots Riley’s debut for both directing and screenwriting, and it’s absolutely criminal that he wasn’t nominated. The story (set in modern-day Oakland) ambitiously tackles race relations, corporate oppression, and political disaffection, and remains sharply funny throughout. The result is graphic, psychedelic mania. Elements of insanity are injected into what initially feels like the “real world”. As dissonance mounts, this stylized alternate reality reveals itself to be a full-blown dystopian nightmare. Here, Riley joins rank with the likes of Jordan Peele in ushering a new wave of perspective-driven science fiction—a genre I hope to see more of in the coming years. Riley is set to direct another feature, though details have yet to be revealed.
Eighth Grade
RT Score: 99%
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime
Deserved Nomination: Best Original Screenplay
Along with many others in my generation, I had the pleasure of watching Bo Burnham grow from a piano-playing YouTuber to a Netflix-famed stage comedian. When I heard he was writing and directing a movie, I was thrilled, but a little afraid. Would this be a stretch for him? Apparently not! Eighth Grade stands as the most honest portrayal of young life I’ve ever seen, both in writing and in acting. It lays bare the horrors of adolescence—most importantly, the things we tend to forget as adults. The paralyzing anxiety of entering a pool party; the heart-pounding rush of seeing your crush; the desperate need to drown the world in music. It also tackles the things adults may remember, but would rather forget, like the terror of an older teen’s advances turning from flattery to harassment. It’s a solid reminder that adolescents need as much support as we can give. Bo Burnham and Elsie Fisher are unstoppable, and the tears come easily.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
RT Score: 98%
Where to watch it: Amazon/Target DVD
Deserved Nomination: Best Documentary
Just in time for the renaissance of wholesomeness, Mr. Rogers has returned to remind us that love conquers all. This touching film reduced the entire theatre to tears within the first twenty minutes. Much of the film relies on clips and quotes from the man himself, which is effective, as words don’t do him justice. It sheds light on his beliefs, his mission, and his impact as a revolutionary in the world of children’s television. He was desperate to teach love to the rising generation. He articulated tenderness and compassion, especially in the face of such serious episode subjects as death and divorce. The film carries the message that we need more of his spirit, especially in times such as these. Overall, a wonderful documentary of an exemplary man and his life’s work.
Paddington 2
RT Score: 100%
Where to watch it: HBO
Deserved Nomination: Best Production Design
Paddington 2 is such a delightful treat of a film, it’s a shame that it doesn’t fit neatly into the Oscars. It’s not quite animated or visual effects’d enough to qualify for those categories, and currently, there isn’t an Oscar for “best children’s film”. Still, I believe it deserved a nomination for its incredible production design. In the words of Nerd Critic’s Jordan Peterson, “It’s high-craft whimsy. You’re looking at something gorgeous and lovely.” The pop-up book sequence alone deserves an award, as does the pink prison musical. In this film, character motivations are simple (and touching): Paddington wants to get his aunt a beautiful birthday present, and the dastardly villain just wants to finance his own one-man show. Emotional sweetness is garnished by a wealth of color and detail as we explore the ups and downs of London. Buildings, dresses, decor, lighting—everything is handled with a thoughtful eye. All told, it’s winning film for any age.
What do you think? Do you agree with this list? What are your favorite Oscar snubs from 2018? Share your thoughts on the Reel Contender Facebook page!