While it may seem pointless to begin talking about the Oscars or the Golden Globes before it’s even Thanksgiving or Christmas, the fact is the limited number of films that will be selected for this year’s awards season are either in theaters now or will be in the upcoming weeks. From musicals to war drama, to alien invasions and historical biopics, this year’s awards season is one compiled of vastly different movies and a broad range of stories. There are so many reasons why we love to go to the movies. Here are five of them.
1. “Hackshaw Ridge”
One of the few Oscar contenders that are out in theaters now, “Hackshaw Ridge” depicts the biographical true story of United States Army medic Desmond T. Doss during his service in World War II, where he refused to bear any type of arms. Fresh out of “The Amazing Spider-Man” series, Andrew Garfield returns to the serious drama genre to showcase his lead acting chops amongst a star-heavy cast. While the Golden Globe and Academy voters may be unforgivingly reluctant to award director Mel Gibson an acknowledgement for his talent in storytelling due to his past personal controversies, Garfield’s performance along with that of the surprisingly serious supporting role by Vince Vaughn may be promising bets as a lock for an acting nomination.
2. “Loving”
Another historical drama that is in theaters now, “Loving” stars Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga as Richard and Mildred Loving, a husband and wife that were sentenced to prison in Virginia in 1958, because their interracial marriage violated state laws. Written and directed by Jeff Nichols in his first film based on historical events, the true story of the 1967 U.S. Supreme Court decision of Loving v. Virginia, is one that has surprisingly never been told on film. Nichols, famous for Sundance and Cannes Film Festival hits, “Take Shelter” and “Mud,” has proven himself to be one of today’s most promising directors.
3. “Arrival”
Alongside with Nichols as one of today’s promising directors, stands Denis Villeneuve, the directing mind behind such thrillers as “Incendies,” “Sicario” and “Prisoners.” His newest film starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner is Villeneuve’s first science fiction thriller. When multiple mysterious, extraterrestrial spacecraft touch down across the globe, a linguist, played by Adams, and a mathematician, played by Renner, are recruited by the government to find out why the aliens have come to Earth. The film, which is released next week, has already been met with glowing reviews, which is a sure sign that it may be in competition at the Oscars later this year.
4. “Moana”
The only animated film on the list, “Moana” comes to theaters at the end of this month to tell the story of young princess Moana, from Motunui Island who sets sail with legendary demigod Maui to explore an island of mysterious secrets. “Moana” marks as the 56th Disney animated feature film, and with the vast record animated feature awards that Disney has under their belt, it would be no surprise if “Moana” added to the collection.
5. “La La Land”
Not in theaters until the beginning of December but still worthy to catch over winter break, “La La Land” is currently a predicted frontrunner on all accounts from directing and acting nominations to a possible best picture. Premiering at last month’s Chicago International Film Festival, the film was praised for its originality and heart, as director Damien Chazelle of 2014’s “Whiplash” returns for his first musical feature. Taking place in L.A., the film chronicles the love story between a starving musician, played by Ryan Gosling, and an aspiring actress, played by Emma Stone. “La La Land” is easily this year’s best bet for a locked nomination for Best Picture Oscar.