The Best Picture Nominees of the 2017 Oscars: A Retrospective Review
Hello, movie buffs! Buckle up as we embark on a cinematic journey through the best picture nominees of the 2017 Oscars. We're going to dive deep into each film, exploring what made them stand out and why they were nominated for Hollywood's most prestigious award. So, grab your popcorn and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and best picture nominees 2017 oscars.
Arrival
Kicking off our list is Arrival, a thought-provoking science fiction film that left audiences spellbound. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this movie masterfully explores themes of language, time, and love. Amy Adams delivers a powerhouse performance as Dr. Louise Banks, a linguistics professor recruited by the military to communicate with alien beings who have landed on Earth.
Arrival was praised for its unique take on the alien invasion genre, focusing more on the human experience and emotions rather than action-packed sequences. The film's slow burn and atmospheric tension kept viewers on the edge of their seats, while its mind-bending twist ending left them questioning their own perception of reality.
Fences
Next up, we have Fences, a powerful drama directed by and starring Denzel Washington. Adapted from August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fences tells the story of Troy Maxson, a sanitation worker in 1950s Pittsburgh who struggles with the harsh realities of racial inequality and his own personal demons.
Washington's commanding performance earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, while Viola Davis took home the trophy for Best Supporting Actress for her heart-wrenching portrayal of Troy's long-suffering wife, Rose. Fences is a poignant exploration of family, forgiveness, and the American Dream, delivered with raw emotional intensity.
Hacksaw Ridge
Hacksaw Ridge is a gripping war drama directed by Mel Gibson, telling the true story of Desmond T. Doss, a World War II medic who saved 75 lives without carrying a weapon. Andrew Garfield delivers a stirring performance as Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist who enlists in the army as a combat medic, refusing to bear arms due to his religious beliefs.
Hacksaw Ridge is an unflinching portrayal of war's brutal reality, interspersed with moments of profound humanity and heroism. The film's stunning battle sequences and powerful emotional core earned it six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Hell or High Water
Hell or High Water is a tense neo-Western crime thriller directed by David Mackenzie, following two brothers – Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster) – who embark on a series of bank robberies to save their family's ranch from foreclosure. As the brothers evade both the law and a ruthless debt collector, they cross paths with a determined Texas Ranger (Jeff Bridges) hot on their trail.
Hell or High Water is a gripping exploration of family, morality, and the American economic crisis, all wrapped up in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase. The film's dark humor, memorable performances, and tense atmosphere earned it four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Jeff Bridges.
Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures is an inspiring biographical drama directed by Theodore Melfi, telling the true story of three brilliant African-American women – Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) – who played pivotal roles in NASA's early space missions during the 1960s.
Hidden Figures is a triumphant celebration of intelligence, perseverance, and sisterhood, shining a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women and people of color in the fight for equal rights. The film's heartwarming performances, engaging storytelling, and powerful message earned it three Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Octavia Spencer.
La La Land
La La Land is a magical musical romantic comedy-drama directed by Damien Chazelle, starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling as an aspiring actress and a dedicated jazz musician who fall in love while pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles. With its enchanting score, stunning cinematography, and captivating performances, La La Land is a love letter to classic Hollywood musicals, updated for modern audiences.
La La Land swept the 2017 Oscars, winning six awards – including Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Original Score – and tying the record for the most wins by a single film. Despite its infamous Best Picture mix-up, La La Land remains a beloved and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Lion
Lion is a heartrending true story directed by Garth Davis, about a young Indian boy named Saroo who gets lost on a train and ends up thousands of miles from home. Adopted by an Australian couple, Saroo (played by Sunny Pawar as a child and Dev Patel as an adult) grows up in a loving family but remains haunted by his past. As an adult, Saroo embarks on an emotional journey to reunite with his lost family using Google Earth.
Lion is a powerful exploration of identity, family, and the human capacity for resilience. The film's stunning visuals, evocative storytelling, and powerful performances earned it six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Dev Patel.
Manchester by the Sea
Manchester by the Sea is a deeply moving drama directed by Kenneth Lonergan, following a grief-stricken man named Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) who returns to his hometown of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, after his brother's sudden death. As Lee struggles to come to terms with his past and reconnect with his family, he must also face the challenges of caring for his teenage nephew (Lucas Hedges) and navigating the complexities of small-town life.
Manchester by the Sea is a raw and emotionally devastating exploration of loss, guilt, and the human capacity for redemption. Casey Affleck's powerful performance earned him the Oscar for Best Actor, while the film itself received six nominations, including Best Picture.
Moonlight
Rounding out our list is Moonlight, a poetic and deeply moving coming-of-age drama directed by Barry Jenkins. The film follows Chiron, a young African-American man growing up in Miami's inner city, as he grapples with his identity, sexuality, and the challenges of masculinity. Divided into three chapters – childhood, adolescence, and adulthood – Moonlight explores Chiron's journey with raw emotional honesty and visual beauty.
Moonlight made history as the first film with an all-black cast to win Best Picture, as well as the first LGBTQ+ film to do so. The film's powerful storytelling, stunning cinematography, and unforgettable performances earned it eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali and Best Supporting Actress for Naomie Harris.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! Our whirlwind tour through the best picture nominees of the 2017 Oscars. From thought-provoking sci-fi to powerful dramas and everything in between, these films showcased the best that cinema had to offer in 2016. Which of these fantastic films is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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