Oscar Nominated Movies 2023
With the Academy Awards ceremony airing on March 12th, there’s still time to catch of the movies you’ve missed. We’ve listed the nominated films in alphabetical order with links to our reviews.
All Quiet on the Western Front (Rating: R, Grade: C). Based on a classic novel, this movie tells the story of Paul Baumer, a young German who signs up with the army at the beginning of World War I. His idealism soon flags when faced with the horrors of the trenches and the brutality of war. Fans of the novel might be frustrated by liberties taken in the script, but the film provides impressive scenes of trench battles and wide-scale battles. Nominated for Best Picture, Cinematography, Adapted Screenplay, Production Design, International Feature, Visual Effects, Original Score, Sound, Makeup and Hairstyling
Avatar: The Way of Water (Rating: PG-13, Grade: C) This effects-heavy film returns to the planet of Pandora where Jake and Neytiri are in a battle against the rapacious Resource Development Administration. Desperate for safety, they find asylum with the Metkayina tribe, who live in the planet’s ocean reefs. The plot is thin and not terribly interesting, but the movie’s digital effects are astounding, breaking new ground in underwater scenes. Nominated for Best Picture, Production Design, Visual Effects, Sound
Babylon (Rating: R, Grade: D) Drawn to Hollywood, Nellie is convinced that she has what it takes to be a star. She runs into Manny, who also believes that there is more to life than domestic service. As they rise in the film world, they find themselves in the wild and uninhibited social life of the period. This is an excruciatingly long film that overdoses on visual maximalism and assaults viewers with repeated scenes of sex, drug use, and suicide. Nominated for Production Design, Original Score, Costume Design
The Banshees of Inisherin (Rating: R, Grade: C+) Pádraic doesn’t know what to do: his best friend, Colm has told him that he never wants to talk to him again. Colm wants to be left alone, and if Pádraic talks to him again, he’ll cut off his own fingers. This tale of a fractured relationship is a dark, dark comedy that explores loneliness, male friendship and despair. Well written and solidly acted, it’s too bleak for younger viewers (and many adults). Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director (Martin McDonagh), Best Actor (Colin Farrell), Best Supporting Actress (Kerry Condon), Best Supporting Actor (Brenda Gleeson and Barry Keoghan), Editing, Original Screenplay, Original Score
The Batman (Rating: PG-13, Grade: C+) Two years into his self-imposed role as Batman, the caped crusader finds himself trying to track down the killer of Mayor Don Mitchell. Identifying him isn’t hard: the Riddler leaves a cipher and clues, and alleges that the city’s corruption problem starts with Batman’s family charity fund. This is a brooding film that takes a hard look at the costs of trauma and the risks of vigilantism. It’s terrifying and shouldn’t be shown to young kids but mature Batman fans will be intrigued with this look at their hero’s psyche. Nominated for Visual Effects, Sound, Makeup and Hairstyling
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Rating: PG-13, Grade: B-) Dazzled by Wakandan technology, global superpowers are on the hunt for more vibranium so they can produce their own weapons. When their efforts disturb the undersea Talokan civilization, Wakanda gets caught in the middle. The only thing that can save them is a new Black Panther. This is a pretty standard Marvel movie but the Talokan civilization often feels unconvincing. Fans of the franchise will enjoy it and everyone will appreciate the gritty performance Angela Bassett puts in as Queen Ramonda. Nominated for Best Actress (Angela Bassett), Visual Effects, Original Song, Makeup and Hairstyling, Costume Deisgn
Blonde (Rating: NC-17) Based on a fictional biography of screen legend Marilyn Monroe, this movie features such high levels of negative content that we only provided a content breakdown; not a full review. Nominated for Best Actress (Ana de Armas)
Causeway: (Rating: R, Grade: C-) After suffering a traumatic brain injury in Afghanistan, Lynsey is sent stateside for rehabilitation. Recovery is difficult but Lynsey is determined – the more daunting challenge is living with her mother. As she works towards rejoining the military, Lynsey befriends a mechanic with his own traumatic past and the two become friends. This is a slow, deliberate movie that focuses on Lynsey’s readjustment to civilian life. It’s thoughtful but it also features marijuana use and frequent profanity. Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Brian Tyree Henry)
Elvis (Rating: PG-13, Grade: C+) On the lookout for the next big thing, Colonel Tom Parker is certain he’s found it when he hears Elvis Presley sing. He quickly becomes Elvis’s manager and the rock sensation becomes on of the first global superstars. Austin Butler energizes this movie as Elvis, giving high octane concert performances. Tom Hanks, on the other hand, is disappointing as Parker and his scenes slow down the film. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Austin Butler), Cinematography, Editing, Production Design, Sound, Makeup and Hairstyling, Costume Design
Empire of Light (Rating: R, Grade: C-) When theater manager Hilary meets the new employee, Stephen, she finds a new interest in life. As their friendship deepens into something more, the problems intensify. Stephen is Black, which makes their relationship risky. And Hilary has serious mental health problems. This movie raises big questions about life and love and friendship but moves slowly and is full of negative content. The brightest part of the production is Olivia Colman who imbues Hilary with fragile, hopeful life. Nominated for Cinematography.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (Rating: R Grade: C+) Evelyn leads a normal life, managing her laundromat and struggling with her family members. An IRS audit only makes things worse – and then it becomes apparent that it’s up to Evelyn to save the multiverse. This is a strange, quirky film with clever writing and brilliant acting. It also features an unexpected amount of sexual content and innuendo. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director (Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinart), Best Actress (Michelle Yeoh), Best Supporting Actress (Jamie Lee Curtis and Stephanie Hsu), Best Supporting Actor (Ke Huy Quan), Editing, Original Screenplay, Production Design, Original Song, Original Score, Costume Design
The Fabelmans (Rating: PG-13, Grade: B) Seeing a movie in the theater lights a fire in Sammy, who now spends all his time making his own films, to the concern of his father and the delight of his more free-spirited mother. A loose biopic of renowned director Steven Spielberg, this movie is a tribute to family ties, the world of film, and the power of imagination. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director (Steven Spielberg), Best Actress (Michelle Williams), Best Supporting Actor (Judd Hirsch), Original Screenplay, Production Design, Original Score
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (Rating: PG-13, Grade: C) Famous detective Benoit Blanc has accepted an invitation to a billionaire’s private island to solve his upcoming murder. Business titan Mile Bron has scheduled a mystery game, but a dead body soon demonstrates that someone’s playing for keeps. This sequel has the same strengths and weaknesses as the original film. There is an intriguing plot and excellent cast but the pacing lags in the middle and profanity is excessive. Nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (Rating: PG, Grade: A-) When his son becomes a civilian casualty in the Great War, the carpenter Gepetto is overwhelmed with grief. One night, he drunkenly hacks a boy out of wood, only to pass out when he’s done. A wood sprite brings the wooden boy to life – but Pinocchio, as Gepetto names him, has much to learn about being human. This is not Disney’s Pinocchio, thank heavens. It’s still too scary for young viewers, but this version is set in a historical context that will interest adults, who will also appreciate the brilliant stop motion animation. Nominated for Best Animated Feature
Living (Rating: PG, Grade: B) When Rodney Williams is told by his doctor that he is going to die in a matter of months, the civil servant realizes that he has never really lived. Going AWOL from the office, he sets off to find some meaning in his life before realizing that meaning can be found in unexpected places. A quiet, character-driven film, this is an acting masterclass by legendary thespian, Bill Nighy. It’s also a reminder of how well the British make emotionally understated, thoughtful dramas. Nominated for Best Actor (Bill Nighy), Adapted Screenplay
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (Rating: PG, Grade: A) When Dean moves into an Airbnb, he discovers that it’s already occupied. Marcel the Shell lives there along with his pet lint and his grandmother Nanna Connie. Marcel misses the other shells who used to live there but were taken away by a human tenant so Dean decides to help. This stop-motion animated film doesn’t have much in the way of a story but it’s full of cheerful, uplifting moments and touching, emotionally sincere lines from the little shell. It’s whimsical and just avoids being unbearably saccharine. Nominated for Best Animated Feature
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (Rating: PG, Grade: A-) Ada Harris is a widowed cleaning lady whose life finds a new direction when she sees a Dior dress belonging to one of her employers. Smitten with the beauty of the dress, Ada decides that she needs one of her own. After much scrimping and saving, Ada eventually makes her way to the City of Light – only to discover that buying a Dior dress isn’t as easy as she thinks. This is a sweet film about kindness, unselfishness, and good-neighborliness and it is chock full of mid-century couture dresses that will make any fashion afficionado drool. Nominated for Costume Design
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (Rating: PG, Grade: B+) Puss in Boots has used up eight of his nine lives, and with a bounty hunter on his tail, the clock is ticking. When he has a chance to find the magical Wishing Star and wish for more lives, he heads out on the quest with his old friend Kitty Softpaws and a wannabe therapy dog named Perro. Full of jokes and blessed with distinctive animation, this movie also has an unusually thoughtful script that will appeal to adults as much as kids. Nominated for Best Animated Feature
The Sea Beast (Rating: PG, Grade: A-) Jacob Holland is a monster hunter who sails the seas to protect cities and ships from sea monsters. On a dangerous voyage searching for a gigantic monster known as the Red Bluster, he’s horrified to discover a young girl named Maisie Brumble, who has stowed away on board. There’s more drinking than is normal in a kid’s movie (hey, these are sailors) but the story carries great messages about differences, biases, learning from mistakes, evaluating information, and being kind. It’s also full of swashbuckling adventure so it will keep viewers of all ages focused on the screen. Nominated for Best Animated Feature
Tár (Rating: R, Grade: B-) Lydia Tár is an illustrious composer and conductor of classical music but a past relationship threatens to undo her successful life. A former colleague with whom she had a relationship, is hounding her; threatening to reveal their past to Lydia’s wife. This is not a cheery, family-friendly film. What it is instead is an overlong, thought-provoking film featuring a peerless performance by Cate Blanchett in the lead role. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director (Todd Field), Best Actress (Cate Blanchett), Cinematography, Editing, Original Screenplay
Top Gun: Maverick (Rating: PG-13, Grade: C+) Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell is living his best life as a test pilot until he’s reassigned back to the Navy Fighter Weapons School. He’s tasked with teaching the school’s best grads – including the son of his late wingman. Their upcoming mission is incredibly dangerous and most of the aviators will die, unless Maverick can teach the pilots some new tricks. This film is equal part Hollywood thrill ride and military recruitment ad and it does well at both. The visual effects are impressive, the aerial shots are exciting – but the script could use some help. Nominated for Best Picture, Editing, Adapted Screenplay, Visual Effects, Original Song, Sound
Triangle of Sadness (Rating: R, Grade: C) Woody Harrelson stars as captain of an ill-fated superyacht that carries the uber-rich on sybaritic journeys over turquoise waters. But when a storm scuttles the ship, things get very, very ugly. This is a poorly paced film with an interminable first half that should be ruthlessly edited. Its incisive social commentary is unfortunately overwhelmed by strong profanity, heavy drinking, fatal violence, and graphic sexual dialogue. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director (Ruben Ostlund), Original Screenplay
Turning Red (Rating: PG, Grade: A-) As if puberty weren’t challenging enough, Meilin (known as MeiMei) discovers that she has inherited a family trait: when she feels strong emotions, she transforms into a giant red panda. This film is Disney/Pixar at its best. It features solid animation, fast-moving action, believable relationships, and plenty of humor. The script empathizes with the challenges of early adolescence and its tender treatment of MeiMei’s relationship with her controlling mother will strike a chord with anyone who ever struggled to assert their independence. Nominated for Best Animated Feature
The Whale (Rating: R, Grade: C) With his weight topping 600 pounds, Charlie has barely left his apartment in years. His medical problems are going critical and he needs to be hospitalized but he refuses to go. The one thing he wants to do is reconnect with his 17 year old daughter, who he hasn’t seen in nine years. Brendan Fraser delivers a moving performance as Charlie but this is not a cheery, heartwarming film. Yes, it’s emotionally powerful, but it’s also distressing and should be avoided by anyone with body image issues or eating disorders. Nominated for Best Actor (Brendan Fraser), Best Supporting Actress (Hong Chau), Makeup and Hairstyling
Women Talking (Rating: PG-13, Grade: C+) For years, women on a remote Mennonite colony have been drugged and raped in their sleep. They have been rebuked and gaslit but now they have captured the men responsible for their pain. To their disbelief, their religious leaders are bailing the men out of prison and have told the women to either forgive the rapists or leave. Over a two day period, female representatives gather together to make a decision on behalf of their sisters: stay and fight, stay and forgive, or leave on their own terms. This is a wrenching film to watch; it’s an excavation of female pain and rage and a call for dignity, security, equality and respect. There is no explicit content but here are disturbing scenes of bloody injuries and blood-stained clothes. A deeply thoughtful movie, this is worth a watch by mature viewers – although anyone with a past history of sexual trauma will want to think twice. Nominated for Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay
If you want to know what movies our critics raved about last year, check out our articles, Best Films of 2022: Part 1 (which focuses on shows for kids) and Best Films of 2022: Part 2 (directed at older audiences).
