Best Picture Nominees: Roma


Eight films have been nominated for Best Picture this year. I will be taking a look at each of the nominees leading up to the big awards on February 24.

Roma
Starring: Yalitza Aparicio and Marina de Tavira
Directed By: Alfonso Cuaron
Total Nominations: 10
Nominated For: Best Picture, Best Director (Cuaron), Best Actress (Aparicio), Best Supporting Actress (de Tavira), Best Original Screenplay, Best Foreign Film, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing
About: And we come to the final nominee for Best Picture, the Mexican film "Roma." I saved this one for last because I think there's a decent chance it is the last film standing tomorrow night. At a minimum, I'd assume it wins a few awards, including likely recognition for Cuaron. But let's consider its chances. I think it's nearly a lock to win Best Foreign Film, and I also think Cuaron will win as Best Director. Conversely, I think it's unlikely to win in the screen writing and acting categories. Cinematography is certainly possible, as it's a film with a beautiful look, as are the other technical awards. But I think those are toss ups at best. The biggest question is Best Picture. The Academy uses a weighted model of voting for the top prize. That means voters don't vote for a single film, but rather rank all eight nominees from one to eight. The winner is the one with the highest weighted score. So a Best Picture winner doesn't even have to be No. 1 on any single voters sheet. Or, it can have a legion of passionate fans and not be a film that ever lands on the bottom of people's lists. "Roma" is a movie that has consistently moved critics and audiences, and it likely has some big fans. However, it's also one that's changed the face of film since it landed on Netflix. In fact, many theater chains aren't even exhibiting it with the other Best Picture nominees. That could cost the film politically. And so, in a Best Picture race that feels the most wide open it's been in years, I could see "Roma" winning it all, but I think it's far from a lock. And that makes sense. It's a film that has some beautiful moments and some beautiful craft. It was near the top for many folks when looking at 2018 films, but not at the top.
Rating: R for graphic nudity, some disturbing images, and language.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

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