The nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards were finally announced on January 13th, 2020. While there were many movies nominated, it’s likely that even movie buffs haven’t seen them all. This list is here to help direct your binging efforts before the Oscars premiere on February 9th.
While some definitely deserve every nomination they got, there are some that might be a bit overrated. Of course, there are also some that only scored a few nods that should definitely be binged immediately. Without further ado, here are 5 movies to watch ASAP, and 5 that might be okay to skip.
Skip: The Two Popes
This movie popped up on the nominations list 3 times, for acting roles for Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins, as well as Best Adapted Screenplay for Anthony McCarten. These men are all legends, and this biography comedy is a wholesome and entertaining tale of bridging ideologies between two popes at the Vatican.
However, this movie is likely not much more than that. While it’s an uplifting and interesting watch, this is one that’s probably okay to skip if you’re short on time for binging before the big day.
Binge: Marriage Story
This is the most authentic movie nominated. Directed by Noah Baumbach, this movie stars Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, and Laura Dern (all who received acting nominations). This movie tells the story of a couple enduring a coast-to-coast divorce, all while trying to keep their little family together.
The acting is phenomenal, and the screenplay is genuine and relatable. With laughs, drama, and romance, this Best Picture nominee is perfect for anyone and should be binged immediately on Netflix.
Skip: Richard Jewell
This is Clint Eastwood’s newest directing project and is based on the true story of an American security guard, Richard Jewell. This story is an important one to be told, but it only received one nomination, for Kathy Bates and her role as Bobi Jewell.
While this movie should probably be watched eventually, it shouldn’t be at the top of your viewing list. Best Actress is a tough category, and there are higher-rated movies to be seen.
Binge: Little Women
This classic film adaptation is directed by Greta Gerwig. With 6 Oscar nominations, including one for Best Picture, this movie is stacked with incredible actors (including Laura Dern, Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Timothee Chalamet). This romance drama is hilarious, wholesome, and totally uplifting.
In what is probably the best adaptation of this story yet, this is a movie that is definitely worth watching before the awards ceremony. It will likely fill every inch of your soul and is stunning to watch.
Skip: Rocketman
This movie only received one nomination, but it did make waves at the Golden Globes awards. In case viewers are torn, this movie can probably wait until a later date. While Elton John’s story is fascinating, and Taron Egerton’s portrayal of him was phenomenal, this movie is definitely cheesy and flat.
It’s certainly entertaining but is probably worth waiting for a night that viewers need a musical pick-me-up with incredible costumes and all the Elton John songs you could ever ask for.
Binge: The Irishman
Most movie buffs have probably seen this Martin Scorsese directed film. However, if Netflix users are ho-humming over sitting down for a whopping 3 1/2 hours, this list promises that it’s worth every second.
With Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, this movie gives insight into Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance and the Kennedy administration, all from the perspective of real-life hitman, Frank Sheeran. The acting, story, and overall directing is masterful, and this movie is also leading this year’s awards with the most nominations, sitting at 10.
Skip: The Lion King
This live-action Disney movie only received one nomination this year, but it has been apart of a few other awards ceremonies. While you’re probably already seen it, it’s probably best to save the re-watch. Or if you haven’t, this movie should likely be on the bottom of your binging list.
While it is perfect for nostalgia and a live creation of our favorite Disney flick, this movie doesn’t offer much more than that, and there are certainly other artistic treats to binge before the Oscars.
Binge: 1917
Nominated for 10 Oscars, this movie is certainly making waves during this year’s award season. Directed by Sam Mendes, this war drama follows two young British soldiers during WWI, who must embark on a journey into enemy territory in order to save 1,600 men from a deathly trap.
While it may seem overrated, this is one movie that deserves immediate binging. With stunning visual effects, incredible acting, and a riveting story, this war movie is a front-runner for this year’s Oscars, and definitely shouldn’t be missed.
Skip: Judy
This biography drama tells the real-life story of Judy Garland in 1968. While we all love this legend, this movie also scored 2 Oscar nominations, including Best Actress for Renee Zellweger.
While this movie is uplifting and a musical inspiration, it can also probably wait until after the Academy Awards. Comparatively, this movie didn’t score as high with the critics as most of the other nominated films and is simply perfect for a musical treat. With no disrespect to Judy Garland, this is a movie to probably skip.
Binge: Parasite
This Korean film is nominated for 6 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Directing for Bong Joon Ho. While this movie received a smaller release, many moviegoers might be on the fence about watching a foreign language film. This list completely supports binging this film immediately. An impoverished, unemployed family stumbles upon a wealthy family, and they quickly infiltrate their naive household with deception and greed.
In their clash for power, nothing goes quite as planned. This dark, twisted, and totally honest tale about family and class is absolutely mesmerizing and deserves mass amounts of recognition. Brilliantly written and filmed, this is one movie that must be watched by all movie lovers before February 9th.
