Top 5 Best Picture Nominees 2023
Ranking our Top 5 Films nominated for best picture at the Oscars this year
Here we are, in the last few hours before yet another star-studded year at the Oscar's (hopefully with a little less conflict this time round). The Oscar's will be streaming on Now TV and Sky Cinema here in the UK from midnight (early hours of 13th March). We've ranked our Top 5 favourite films in the Best Picture category.
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5. Avatar: The Way of Water
Directed by James Cameron
"The way of water has no beginning and no end."
Perhaps a rogue choice considering the films nominated this year, but there is no denying what this epic has done for cinema's survival over the past few months. With a compelling family narrative and that mesmerising CGI, this is one that in our opinion deserves it's place in the conversation. And how often does a sequel make it in the best picture race? Not very often! It's chance of winning though is very slim.
4. The Fabelmans
Directed by Steven Spielberg
"You do what your heart says you have to, because you don't owe anyone your life."
It's a film so charming and so elegant, you can tell that the man behind it is responsible for some of the biggest films in cinema history. Although there's a handful of films above it that we believe are better, that doesn't mean this doesn't deserve the win. It's way more subtle than anything else in the category, and full of excellent performances and of course cinematography like no other.
3. Everything Everywhere All at Once
Directed by Daniels
"I would have really liked just doing laundry and taxes with you."
On its release, this barmy, multiversal tale was received exceptionally by both critics and movie fans.
Now, with awards season in full swing, the film has for some reason fallen victim to Oscar snobbery, with frankly idiotic Twitter users claiming its win would be a massive joke.
The film is still a triumph, and gets better on every watch. A win for this mega-hit would be truly iconic.
2. The Banshees of Inisherin
Directed by Martin McDonagh
"I do worry sometimes I'm just entertaining myself while I stave off the inevitable."
Before the quality of the film, or its direction or its performances, it would just warm our hearts to see this win. To see those incredibly humble people standing on the stage together receiving the award would feel triumphant and a perfect end to its story of a reunited cast and personal tale. Then pair that with its brilliance and it absolutely deserves the number 2 position.
1. Top Gun: Maverick
Directed by Joseph Kosinski
"Trust your instincts. Don't think, just do!"
Avid readers of Focus Film will perhaps remember that Top Gun: Maverick was our favourite film of 2022. It's everything cinema should be, and although it's probably towards the bottom of the list of possibilities of a win, it definitely deserves it. Spielberg himself said that Tom Cruise "saved cinema" with this Summer, Action blockbuster, so in our opinion there aren't many films more deserving of the award.
Worthy Contenders
Films that came close, but for whatever reason, didn't quite make the cut
All Quiet on the Western Front
We've got a suspicion this might win, but as the list shows we'd prefer a different outcome
Triangle of Sadness
It meanders along perfectly, it's another fantastic nominee this year
Top Gun: Maverick available now on NowTV & Sky Cinema