The nominations for this year's Oscars are out, which you can check out here. We've created an Oscars 2017 Shortlist of our favourite picks from this year and why you should see them. With fierce competition this year, it took us a while to whittle down the total list, but we're fairly confident and happy that these are the best of the best from the Academy's picks this year.
Arrival
Denis Villeneuve's Arrival wowed audiences this year by giving us a cerebral sci-fi drama about humanity's first contact with alien lifeforms. Although Arrival's plot is about aliens landing on Earth, the tale that it tells is irrevocably human. Featuring stellar performances from Am Adams as the lead, with Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker in supporting roles. Arrival won't just pique your interest on how society would react if aliens landed tomorrow, but it also gives us insight into the pain of loss and mourning. With Villeneuve currently directing Blade Runner: 2049 and an upcoming DUNE project, he's definitely a director to keep your eyes on.
La La Land
La La Land is one of those films that Hollywood loves to watch. It's referential of the industry itself and harkens back to a style of filmmaking that we don't often see anymore. This film is set to sweep this year's awards. Directed by Damien Chazelle, La La Land stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as the 'will they or won't they' couple that break out into song every time a thought enters their head. La La Land is proving popular with general audiences, with the musical stylings of the film seemingly not shaking the opinion of many people. Musicals are often thought of as a forgotten genre of film, and La La Land perfectly captures the vibe and feeling.
Moonlight
Moonlight is a feat of cinematic storytelling. Showing us the growth of a shy, introverted child at different stages in his life. Rather than go the Linklater route of following one actor for years, Moonlight has 3 different actors playing the lead role. This story is one that shows us repressed sexuality in a less than stable environment, and ultimately a story of unrelenting truth and harshness. Every single ugly little moment is there on-screen. The human heart of this story makes it one that is definitely worth watching.
Hacksaw Ridge
Set during World War II, Hacksaw Ridge isn't your usual war movie. Centered around a pacifist who refuses to hurt anyone, Hacksaw Ridge is another unrelenting film which doesn't shy away from showing its viewers the horrors of war. Anyone who knows any of Mel Gibson's movies will know that this director doesn't shy away from harsh visuals. Yet, beyond the gut-wrenching horror of war is a tale that needs to be seen on the biggest screen you can find. Andrew Garfield's transition of mature roles has transitioned fantastically to more mature roles post Spider-Man, as his chops in 'Never Let Me Go' displayed. Hacksaw Ridge is mature, gripping and a real return to form for director Mel Gibson.
Manchester by the Sea
Manchester by the Sea is our last flick in our Oscars 2017 Shortlist, although you might not boast with excitement at the name, the film is a quiet reflection on the struggles of life. Focusing on character drama and relationship dynamics, it's quickly become a favourite of critics and The Academy. With multiple nominations this year, and it's easy to see why.
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