Best movies of the year 2020

1) Mank (Netflix)

Hollywood’s most meticulous director (David Fincher) delivers his most impressive technical achievement to date. Fincher’s flawless direction is matched with superb acting (especially from Gary Oldman), crispy dialogue, beautiful production design and brilliant sound design, making Mank hypnotically entertaining. Every single moment, down to its own non-linear style of storytelling, feels tight and succinct. This for me was two hours of cinematic heaven.

2) Sound of Metal (Amazon)

An uplift and bold, exploratory portrait of identity loss and rebirth, with subtlety rather than showy dramatics. Without question, Sound of Metal is one of the most beautiful films I have seen in a few years, with a powerful message that leaves a colossal impact (like a dagger to the soul). The movie’s simple theme, that we're all overcoming handicaps, resonates powerfully, especially after watching that beautifully crafted ending scene.

3) The Father (Amazon)

Hopkins, in the twilight of his career delivers one of his most memorable performances, providing us a brief window into what living with dementia could be like. Florian Zeller (director) elegantly rubs the mental decline of an elderly man with sensitivity and insight by denying us a simple platform to make sense of what's really happening in Anthony's life.

4) Malcom and Marie (Netflix)

Terrific performances, resonating dialogue, elegant single-setting production, and beautiful photography make Malcom and Marie a fascinating look into relationships. The acute dialogue continually strikes resonant chords, which coupled with intoxicating soundtrack make Malcom and Marie of the most inventive films of the year.

5) I am thinking about ending things (Netflix)

Charlie Kaufman, the most idiosyncratic writer director in Hollywood, boldly challenges viewers to take a strangely melancholic exploration of life, death, and everything else with surrealistic imagery. As any Kaufman film, it is a mindbender with a great deal of rigor and substance, but you've got to be willing to dig for it.

6) Another Round (Amazon)

This movie is so fresh, unique and compelling; a true portrait of ambivalence that overcomes its premise with a raw honesty. Another Round is a profound, honest and liberating reflection on happiness, self-destruction, self-discovery. And the movie ends spectacularly with a beautiful, bittersweet ending.

7) Nomadland (Hulu) Though not much happens in this film, there's plenty to mull over and reflect upon on the very human need to find connections in the face of desolation. Nomadland is a haunting testimony to the forgotten communities, understated but quietly painful. A poetic and empathic journey about finding a sense of belonging and community.

8) One night in Miami (Amazon)

A terrific cast, explosive and crackling dialogue mark a triumphant directorial debut from Regina King. Electric, vital, intense, provocative, and engaging. All the acting here is remarkable, especially Leslie Odom.

9) Minari (Hulu)

A simple story, beautifully told with extraordinary delicacy, and tenderness, while making a case for hope and endurance in humanity. It is a personal story, compassionate while composed, that is universal in its understanding of humanity, decency and resiliency.

10) Soul (Amazon)

Pete Docter (Inside Out) delivers another animated masterpiece with his latest installment. This time Docter takes us through a curious examination of why we are the way we are, with deep thoughts and extraordinary imagination. Nearly everything about the film is memorable and thought-provoking, a rare thing for an animated feature.

Oscar Predictions

I. Best Picture

Who should win: MANK

Who is going to win: NOMADLAND

Comment: The Trial of the Chicago 7 might pull the upset here, due to its traditional Oscar bait themes, but I feel Nomadland is going to sweep Director and Best Picture this year.

II. Best Director

Who should win: MANK (David Fincher)

Who is going to win: NOMADLAND (Chloé Zhao)

Comment: I think Chloe did a great job here, and certainly worthy of a nomination. But Fincher far exceeded everyone in this category. I think Chloe being the first woman of color to win this award will play a role in her getting best Director. I actually think Chleo’s previous effort (The Rider) was a better example of her talents as a director than Nomadlad

III. Best Actor

Who should win: ANTHONY HOPKINS

Who is going to win: CHADWICK BOSEMAN

Comment: I think Boseman did a great job, and it was inspiring to see this great performance considering that he tragically died last year. But if we take out that element, there is no question Hopkins delivered the best performance of the year. In fact, Oldman and Ahmed delivered better performances than Boseman.

IV. Best Actress

Who should win: ANDRA DAY

Who is going to win: VIOLA DAVIS

Comment: This is the tightest race this year. It’s a battle between Davis, Day and Mulligan. Either one can get the Oscar. But Davis commands so much respect from the Oscar voters that I think she might get the award (by a nose). I do feel Andra Day delivered the best performance, and she was the only good thing about that movie.

V. Best Supporting Actor

Who should win: DANIEL KALUUYA

Who is going to win: DANIEL KALUUYA

Comment: I loved Paul Racci in Sound of Metal, but Kaluuya delivered a towering performance, worthy of this year’s Oscar.

VI. Best Supporting Actress

Who should win: YUH-JUNG YOUN

Who is going to win: YUH-JUNG YOUN

Comment: This one is the easiest category this year. No contest.

VII. Best Original Screenplay

Who should win: SOUND OF METAL

Who is going to win: PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN

Comment: I will get a lot of criticism from my friends, but I thought PROMISING was terrible, especially the writing. It is going to win because of the themes it touches, and not award-winning writing.

VIII. Best Adapted Screenplay

Who should win: ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI

Who is going to win: BORAT

Comment: Yes, unbelievably, BORAT will win this award, which it is insane, considering most of the dialogue was improvised. Compared that to the exquisite writing of One Night in Miami.