10 Great Films With Single Oscar Nominations This Year (That Deserved More)
While it’s encouraging to know the Academy didn’t completely ignore these outstanding films from last year, it’s also clear that the attention they deserved didn’t match the nominations they received. For animated feature and foreign language films, getting recognized for achievements outside their two main categories is a rare feat, but one that should occur more often given the quality of the productions nominated. As the ceremony rapidly approaches, take a look at 10 films that earned a single Oscar nomination, but that surely deserved more mentions.
“20th Century Women” (Best Original Screenplay)
Channeling memories of his mother and growing up in Santa Barbara, writer-director Mike Mills’ crafted a screenplay that serves as vehicle for marvelously nuanced performances from an ensemble led by Annette Bening.
Nominations it Deserved: Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Supporting Actress.
“Captain Fantastic” (Best Actor in a Leading Role)
As a father who decides to raise his numerous children off the grid and away from frivolous comforts, Vigo Mortensen exploits Matt Ross’ touching and ingenious story to deliver one of the best performances in his career.
Nominations it Deserved: Best Original Screenplay
“Elle” (Best Actress in a Leading Role)
Transcending mere provocation, Verhoeven leads his incomparable lead actress through a maze made out of dark humor, violence, and empowerment. Huppert deserves to be an Oscar winner.
Nominations it Deserved: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score.
“Land of Mine” (Best Foreign Language Film)
Proving that the qualities that separate villains from heroes can easily be blurred, Martin Zandvliet’s visually econimical and incredibly tense war drama offers a complex look at revenge and compassion.
Nominations it Deserved: Best Cinematography
“The Lobster” (Best Original Screenplay)
Loneliness and forced companionship are equal vices in a realm where those without a partner must find one or become an animal of their choosing. One of the most unique and intelligent films about love ever made.
Nominations it Deserved: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Supporting Actress, Best Production Design.
“My Life as a Zucchini” (Best Animated Feature)
Meet the blue-haired boy that has stolen Hollywood’s heart. Dealing with childhood trauma, abandonment, and death in a warm and truthful manner, this stop-motion marvel is on its way to become an animated classic.
Nominations it Deserved: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Foreign Language Film
“The Red Turtle” (Best Animated Feature)
Without a single word, an animated poem captures the simple divinity of life in a fable about nature and its cycles as only supreme force. A loving prayer without religious denomination. Tears are merited
Nominations it Deserved: Best Original Score, Best Original Screenplay
“The Salesman” (Best Foreign Language Film)
A master once again elicits unbelievable tension from commonplace situations, enhanced by the moral code of a religious society, to create a nerve-racking result that feels brand new. Unrivaled storytelling.
Nominations it Deserved: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor in a Leading Role.
“Tanna” (Best Foreign Language Film)
Shot entirely in the island nation of Vanuatu and with a cast comprised of native people who not only had never acted, but also had never seen a film before, this South Pacific love story uses stunning settings and accomplished performances to show an unseen world.
Nominations it Deserved: Best Cinematography
“Toni Erdmann” (Best Foreign Language Film)
Wearing an outrageous disguise, a father infiltrates his daughter’s career-driven life seeking to build a bridge between them with his silly antics. Avoiding trite sentimentality, a tonally-fascinating delight unfolds.
Nominations it Deserved: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Leading Role
