Best Picture Nominees — Hidden Figures


Nine films are vying for the title of Best Picture this year. Today I continue my look at the contenders with a historical drama that shines a light on a trio of unsung heroes.

Hidden Figures
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Jim Parsons, Kirsten Dunst, and Mahershala Ali
Director: Theodore Melfi
Total Nominations: Three
Nominated For: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Spencer), Best Adapted Screenplay (Alison Schroeder and Melfi)
About: This is one of the most enjoyable films nominated for Best Picture. It tells the story of the space race, focusing on a trio of heroes who were unsung — Katherine Johnson (Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Monae) — who helped NASA win the space race. It's a beautiful and moving film, and one that's been a hit with audiences at the Box Office, too. But it nabbed just three nominations, and it's hard to imagine it winning any of those categories. "Hidden Figures" could steal the show as Best Picture, but I don't buy it. In the Best Adapted Screenplay, I think "Moonlight" is the favorite. The best shot for the film is probably Spencer at Best Supporting Actress, though I expect that to go to Viola Davis for "Fences." In the end, "Hidden Figures" will probably be one of the more popular Best Picture nominees with fans, but it likely won't win any awards on February 26.
Rating: PG for thematic elements and some language.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.
Where to See It: "Hidden Figures" is now playing nationwide.

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