2022 Oscars: Best Picture Nominees Ranked!

Hey guys! The 2022 Oscars were a rollercoaster, right? But one of the biggest highlights is always the Best Picture category. So, let's dive into the nominees from that year and rank them! We'll break down what made each film special, why it was nominated, and ultimately, how it stacks up against the competition. Get ready for some opinions, insights, and maybe a little bit of controversy!

A Deep Dive into the 2022 Best Picture Nominees

The 2022 Best Picture lineup was incredibly diverse, showcasing a range of genres, themes, and filmmaking styles. From heartwarming dramas to intense thrillers and everything in between, there was something for everyone. Let's take a closer look at each nominee, exploring what made them stand out and why they earned their place in the spotlight. Remember, this is all subjective, but we'll try to be as objective as possible while highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each film. We will explore themes of family, societal issues, and personal growth which were prominent, reflecting the diverse perspectives and experiences that cinema aims to capture. The nominations prompted discussions about representation, storytelling, and the evolving landscape of the film industry. Each film brought unique artistic and technical achievements, contributing to a vibrant and competitive awards season. Let's get started!

1. CODA

CODA is a coming-of-age story that centers around Ruby Rossi, the only hearing member of a deaf family. This heartwarming film explores Ruby's passion for singing and her struggle to balance her dreams with her family's reliance on her. CODA won Best Picture, and it’s not hard to see why. The film's strength lies in its authentic portrayal of the deaf community and its universal themes of family, identity, and pursuing one's dreams. The performances are outstanding, particularly Emilia Jones as Ruby and Troy Kotsur, who won Best Supporting Actor for his role as her father. The film's emotional resonance and feel-good nature resonated with audiences and critics alike. CODA made history as the first film with a predominantly deaf cast to win Best Picture, marking a significant milestone for representation in Hollywood. Its success highlights the importance of telling diverse stories and providing opportunities for underrepresented communities. However, some critics argued that the film's narrative was somewhat predictable and formulaic. Despite this, CODA's heartfelt storytelling and powerful performances made it a deserving winner. The film's impact extends beyond the awards season, raising awareness about deaf culture and inspiring conversations about inclusivity in the entertainment industry. CODA serves as a reminder that stories about marginalized communities can resonate with a wide audience and achieve critical acclaim. In conclusion, CODA's victory was a testament to its universal themes, authentic representation, and heartwarming narrative. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, reminding us of the importance of family, dreams, and the power of inclusivity.

2. The Power of the Dog

The Power of the Dog, directed by Jane Campion, is a psychological drama set in 1920s Montana. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Phil Burbank, a charismatic but cruel rancher who torments his brother's new wife and her son. This intense and visually stunning film explores themes of masculinity, repression, and hidden desires. Campion's direction is masterful, creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the film. The performances are exceptional, with Cumberbatch delivering a career-defining performance. The Power of the Dog was a frontrunner for Best Picture but ultimately lost to CODA. While some found the film to be slow-paced and ambiguous, others praised its complexity and thematic depth. The Power of the Dog is a challenging but rewarding film that stays with you long after you've seen it. Its exploration of toxic masculinity and repressed emotions is both timely and relevant. The film's cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the vastness and beauty of the Montana landscape. The score is equally haunting, adding to the film's atmosphere of dread and suspense. The Power of the Dog is a film that demands attention and rewards multiple viewings. Its layers of meaning and symbolism invite analysis and interpretation. In short, The Power of the Dog is a cinematic masterpiece that will be studied and discussed for years to come.

3. Belfast

Belfast, directed by Kenneth Branagh, is a semi-autobiographical film that tells the story of a young boy growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. This black-and-white film is a nostalgic and heartfelt look at family, community, and innocence in the face of conflict. The film's strength lies in its intimate and personal perspective. Branagh's direction is assured, and the performances are uniformly excellent, particularly Jude Hill as the young protagonist, Buddy. Belfast was a critical darling and a crowd-pleaser, but it ultimately fell short of winning Best Picture. Some critics found the film to be overly sentimental and simplistic in its portrayal of the Troubles. Despite this, Belfast's charm and emotional resonance made it a popular choice among audiences. The film's black-and-white cinematography adds to its nostalgic feel, evoking a sense of time and place. The soundtrack is also effective, featuring classic songs from the era. Belfast is a film that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of family in times of adversity. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. In conclusion, Belfast is a personal and affecting film that captures the essence of a specific time and place. Its universal themes of family, community, and resilience make it a film that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.

4. West Side Story

West Side Story, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a remake of the classic 1961 musical. This vibrant and energetic film tells the story of two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, and the forbidden love between Tony and Maria. Spielberg's direction is masterful, bringing a fresh and modern sensibility to the beloved musical. The choreography is stunning, and the performances are excellent, particularly Ariana DeBose, who won Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita. West Side Story was a critical success, but it didn't quite capture the hearts of the Academy enough to win Best Picture. Some critics felt that the remake didn't add enough new to justify its existence. Despite this, West Side Story's visual spectacle and timeless story made it a worthy nominee. The film's production design is lavish, recreating the look and feel of 1950s New York. The musical numbers are energetic and infectious, showcasing the talent of the cast. West Side Story is a film that celebrates the power of love and the importance of understanding and acceptance. It's a reminder that even in the face of prejudice and violence, there is always hope for a better future. In conclusion, Spielberg's West Side Story is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant remake that honors the legacy of the original while bringing its own unique perspective. Its timeless themes and vibrant performances make it a must-see for fans of musicals and classic cinema.

5. Dune

Dune, directed by Denis Villeneuve, is a science fiction epic based on Frank Herbert's novel. This visually stunning and immersive film tells the story of Paul Atreides, a young man who is destined to lead his family and his people to a new world. Villeneuve's direction is masterful, creating a sense of scale and grandeur that is rarely seen in science fiction films. The visual effects are breathtaking, and the performances are excellent, particularly Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides. Dune was a critical and commercial success, but it ultimately lost out on the Best Picture award. Some critics felt that the film was too slow-paced and that it focused too much on world-building at the expense of character development. Despite this, Dune's visual spectacle and epic scope made it a deserving nominee. The film's production design is incredible, creating a believable and immersive world. The score is also effective, adding to the film's sense of scale and grandeur. Dune is a film that demands to be seen on the big screen, where its visual and aural impact can be fully appreciated. It's a reminder that science fiction can be both intellectually stimulating and visually stunning. In conclusion, Dune is a cinematic achievement that showcases Villeneuve's vision and talent. Its epic scope, breathtaking visuals, and immersive world-building make it a must-see for fans of science fiction. It is a groundbreaking film that pushes the boundaries of the genre and sets a new standard for visual storytelling.

Other Nominees

• Don't Look Up
• Drive My Car
• King Richard
• Licorice Pizza
• Nightmare Alley

Final Thoughts

The 2022 Best Picture nominees were a diverse and impressive bunch. While CODA ultimately took home the top prize, each of these films made a significant contribution to the cinematic landscape. They sparked conversations, challenged perspectives, and entertained audiences around the world. And that, guys, is what great cinema is all about!