Best of 2017: Top 10 Films of the Year

Throughout the course of 2017, it seemed like cinema had a point to prove. As the industry struggles to stay relevant to society, many of the year's most prominent films aimed to capture the zeitgeist and assert their importance. From empowering blockbusters like "Wonder Woman" to the racial tensions underlying films like "Get Out", the word "timely" frequently came up in discussions of the year's releases.

As film critics we often like to pretend we're immune to prioritizing the perceived "importance" over the artistry. But the truth remains that art and politics will always be intertwined. My own Top 10 list reflects this, as the films seemed to be in conversation with each other, despite the varied genres and styles they represent. On reflection, it became clear that the intolerance associated with the Trump era was a issue that resonated with me, whether it be through allegorical ("War for the Planet of the Apes") or more literal ("In the Fade") means. Meanwhile, some of my other favorites ("Call Me by Your Name") were more "timeless" than "timely", reflecting filmmaking in all its glorious beauty.

Indeed, at the end of the year, I felt nothing but appreciation for an outstanding year of cinema. Here are the 10 films I loved the most, including excerpts from my reviews:

Honorable Mention: Mudbound, The Post

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Best of 2017: Top 20 Acting Performances

When I think about the year's best performances, the first word that comes to mind is "diversity". It may sound cliché, but I found it to be a banner year for inclusive stories on the big screen. In particular, American independent cinema shined a rare spotlight on underrepresented perspectives that too often have been relegated to minor supporting roles. And the movies were all the better for it. Though there's still a way to go before we can truly say that equal opportunities exist for actors of all ages, races, genders, sexualities and sizes, the Top 20 Acting Performances of 2017 show that we are heading in the right direction:

Honorable Mention: Brooklynn Prince in The Florida Project

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Best of 2017: Top 10 Foreign Language Films

In our common lexicon, we often refer to any film made outside of the United States as a “foreign” film. But this definition can be somewhat misleading, implying a certain “otherness” that deters audiences. As 2017’s best non-English language films proved however, many of the themes found in the year’s most celebrated English films are universal. Whether it be a an LGBT coming-of-age experience or a woman seeking justice for the murder of her child, the similarities are truly striking. But what is even more noteworthy about these films are there exemplary quality. World cinema is indeed the gift that keeps on giving.

As we anticipate another wonderful year of cinema, here are 10 such gems worth seeking out, as I present my Top 10 Foreign Language Films of 2017.

Read more at The Awards Circuit

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Best of 2017: Top 10 Documentaries

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” is a famous quote from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities that refers to the social climate of 18th century Paris and London. It’s a quote that can also be easily applied to today’s world.

While there seems to be no end in sight for mankind’s obsession with war and destruction on Earth, there are also many extraordinary individuals dedicated to making the world a better place. This year’s fine crop of documentary films offers a vivid reflection of this juxtaposition within humanity, drawing our attention to some of the most urgent social issues and inspiring people. From the crises in Syria to the work of activists like Jane Goodall, the subjects covered by this year’s non-fiction filmmakers were diverse and unforgettable. They prove that the medium is as important and impactful as ever.

With an increasing number of documentaries being produced each year, it’s almost impossible to watch all the films worthy of consideration. But based on my own efforts, here are my recommendations for 2017’s best in non-fiction film.

Read more at The Awards Circuit

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CONTEST: The Results!

Well, another Oscar morning has come and gone, bringing another list full of surprises. While "The Shape of Water", "Dunkirk" and "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" were the expected leaders among the nominees, it was "Phantom Thread" that turned the most heads with its impressive 6 nominees, notably grabbing unexpected slots in Best Picture and Best Director. The race is far from over. In terms of our collective predictions for this year's Film Actually Oscar Contest, none of us anticipated the nods for "Kong: Skull Island" in Visual Effects, "Victoria & Abdul" in Makeup & Hairstyling and the aforementioned directing nomination for Paul Thomas Anderson. But otherwise, there were several strong showings this year and a new champion.

THE WINNER IS...

John Gilpatrick of John Likes Movies

The Winning Post

John therefore wins the top prize of a $50 Amazon gift card. Congratulations!

Additionally, there was one bonus prize winner:

Trevor for predicting "Abacus: Small Enough to Jail" for Best Documentary Feature.

And that's a wrap! Thanks again for playing and I hope to see you all again next year.

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CONTEST: The Predictions!

The predictions are in! Good luck to all the participants in the 2018 Film Actually Oscar Contest

Click the link below to see everyone's predictions:

ALL PREDICTIONS

N.B. - A "1" indicates your prediction. If you predict correctly, you keep the point. If not, then you get 0. In Best Picture, you get -1 for every wrong prediction.

Once the nominations have been announced, the official results will be posted shortly after.

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INTERVIEW: Ildikó Enyedi

People often say love is strange, but Hungarian filmmaker Ildikó Enyedi takes it to a whole new level. In her latest film “On Body and Soul,” a pair of slaughterhouse co-workers strike up a romantic connection in their dreams, where they meet as deer in a forest. But to make things even more peculiar, these two individuals can barely even hold a conversation in their waking life. It’s a tough foundation on which to base a love story, but Enyedi somehow pulls it off. In a recent interview, Enyedi discussed the process of crafting this atypical romance, as well as her own surprise at the film’s warm reception by audiences and Oscar voters. Below is an edited version of our conversation.

Read more at The Awards Circuit

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CONTEST: See Who's Playing!

The time has come! In less than two days, this year's Oscar nominees will be announced. And as we wait in anticipation of the big day, 21 bloggers have signed up to test their predicting skills in the 6th annual Film Actually Oscar Contest. Among this year's entries are former winners Gautam and Joseph, as well as newbies like Edward Douglas from The Tracking Board. So get ready for a close competition and be sure to visit all the blogs below and show them some love. Good luck!

Me! - Film Actually
Edward - The Tracking Board
Deany - Deany Hendrick Cheng @ Medium
Heather - That Film Girl
Tony - Coogs Reviews
Stewart - Talkie Gazette
Gautam - The Cinemaholic (2014 and 2017 winner!)
Todd - All My Life I Wanted To Be a Blogster
Murtada - ME_Says (2015 runner-up!)*
Daniel - Chicago Cinema Circuit
Josh - The Cinematic Spectacle
Sam - Sam Watches Movies
Matt F. - Movie Awards Plus
Joe - The MN Movie Man
John - John Likes Movies
Joseph - For Your Consideration (2016 winner!)
Paul - Paul's Trip to the Movies
Jay - Life vs Film
Terence - Le Noir Auteur
Trevor - Trevor's View on Hollywood
Rob - MovieRob
Craig - Citizen Craig

*Winner decided on tiebreaker.

Remember:
- Your predictions are due by 6PM EST on Jan 22nd. They will then be posted here on a spreadsheet for everyone to see.
- Remember: once you have sent me the link, those will be entered as your FINAL predictions. No further changes will be accepted.

Click here for a reminder of all the rules/instructions.

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OSCAR WATCH: SAG Predictions

It's the last stop on the awards tour and it's a big one! Tomorrow night, the Screen Actors Guild will host their 24th awards ceremony and it's going to be an interesting indicator for the acting races. The 4 frontrunners - Gary Oldman, Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell and Allison Janney - could potentially seal the deal if they win again. And I think that's exactly what's going to happen. Here's how I see it playing out:

Best Cast in a Motion Picture
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Best Male Actor in a Leading Role
Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour”

Best Female Actor in a Leading Role
Frances McDormand, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Sam Rockwell, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”

Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Allison Janney, “I, Tonya”

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REVIEW: On Body and Soul

Cinematic romance is often remembered for grand gestures. A passionate kiss in the rain, a last-gasp chase at the airport, a profound declaration of love. But there are others like “In Mood for Love” which take a more restrained approach. Ildikó Enyedi’s “On Body and Soul” falls into the latter camp, telling a unique story that portrays love on a mystical level.

Read more at The Awards Circuit

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