Best Oscar Films Of 2017: A Year In Review

Hey guys! Let's dive into the amazing world of the Oscar films of 2017. It was a year packed with unforgettable stories, stellar performances, and groundbreaking filmmaking. We’re going to break down some of the biggest winners, the critically acclaimed masterpieces, and those hidden gems that might have slipped under your radar. Get ready for a nostalgic trip through a year that truly celebrated the art of cinema!

The Big Winners at the 2017 Oscars

When we talk about the Oscar films of 2017, it's impossible not to start with the major winners. The 89th Academy Awards ceremony highlighted some truly exceptional movies that captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Let's explore some of the standout films that took home the golden statues and left a lasting impact on the film industry.

Moonlight: A Groundbreaking Triumph

Moonlight undeniably stands out as one of the most significant Oscar films of 2017. Directed by Barry Jenkins, this coming-of-age drama tells the story of Chiron, a young African-American man, as he grapples with his identity and sexuality across three defining chapters of his life. The film's poetic narrative, coupled with its stunning visuals and emotionally resonant performances, made it an instant classic.

What made Moonlight's victory so special was not just the film itself, but also the controversy surrounding the announcement. In a moment that will forever be etched in Oscar history, La La Land was initially announced as the winner for Best Picture due to a mix-up with the envelopes. However, the error was quickly corrected, and Moonlight was rightfully declared the winner. This dramatic turn of events only added to the film's legacy, highlighting its importance and impact.

Moonlight's win was a watershed moment for representation in Hollywood. It showcased a story that had rarely been told with such sensitivity and authenticity, paving the way for more diverse voices and stories to be recognized in the film industry. The film's success demonstrated that audiences were hungry for narratives that reflected the complexities and nuances of the human experience, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.

La La Land: The Musical Spectacle

Despite the Best Picture mix-up, La La Land was undoubtedly one of the biggest winners of the night. Directed by Damien Chazelle, this vibrant musical captured the hearts of audiences with its dazzling song-and-dance numbers, heartfelt performances, and a bittersweet love story set against the backdrop of Los Angeles.

La La Land took home six awards, including Best Director for Damien Chazelle, making him the youngest filmmaker to win the award. The film also won for Best Actress (Emma Stone), Best Original Song ("City of Stars"), Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, and Best Production Design. Its success was a testament to the film's widespread appeal and its ability to transport viewers to a world of dreams and possibilities.

The film's narrative, which follows aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) and jazz musician Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) as they pursue their dreams in Hollywood, resonated with many who have experienced the highs and lows of chasing their passions. The film's visually stunning sequences and memorable musical numbers made it a cinematic triumph that continues to be celebrated today.

Other Notable Winners

While Moonlight and La La Land dominated the headlines, other films also received well-deserved recognition at the 2017 Oscars. Manchester by the Sea, a heartbreaking drama directed by Kenneth Lonergan, won Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor for Casey Affleck. The film's raw and unflinching portrayal of grief and loss earned it critical acclaim and cemented its place as one of the year's most powerful films.

Hacksaw Ridge, directed by Mel Gibson, won two awards, including Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing. The film, based on the true story of Desmond Doss, a World War II medic who refused to carry a weapon, was praised for its intense battle sequences and its exploration of faith and courage.

Critically Acclaimed Films of 2017

Beyond the Oscar winners, the year 2017 was filled with critically acclaimed films that pushed boundaries and challenged audiences. These movies may not have taken home the top prizes, but they left a lasting impression on the cinematic landscape.

Arrival: A Sci-Fi Masterpiece

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Arrival is a thought-provoking science fiction film that explores themes of communication, language, and the nature of time. The film follows Louise Banks (Amy Adams), a linguist who is tasked with deciphering the language of extraterrestrial beings that have landed on Earth. As she delves deeper into their language, she begins to experience nonlinear perceptions of time, leading her to question the very fabric of reality.

Arrival was praised for its intelligent screenplay, its stunning visuals, and its emotionally resonant performances. The film's unique approach to the science fiction genre set it apart from other blockbusters, earning it a place among the year's most critically acclaimed films. It received eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, solidifying its status as a cinematic achievement.

Hidden Figures: An Inspiring True Story

Hidden Figures tells the remarkable true story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who played a vital role in NASA's early space missions. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, these brilliant mathematicians overcame countless obstacles to help the United States win the space race.

The film was celebrated for its uplifting narrative, its strong performances, and its historical accuracy. Hidden Figures not only entertained audiences but also shed light on a little-known chapter of American history, inspiring viewers to pursue their dreams regardless of the challenges they may face. The film's success underscored the importance of telling diverse stories and celebrating the contributions of those who have been historically marginalized.

Dunkirk: A Tense War Epic

Directed by Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk is a visceral and immersive war film that depicts the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk during World War II. The film's non-linear narrative and its emphasis on visual storytelling created a sense of tension and urgency that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.

Dunkirk was lauded for its technical achievements, its realistic portrayal of war, and its ability to convey the fear and chaos of battle without relying on excessive dialogue. The film's stunning cinematography and its immersive sound design made it a cinematic experience that left a lasting impact on viewers. It received eight Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing.

Underrated Gems of 2017

While the big winners and critically acclaimed films often dominate the conversation, there are always a few underrated gems that deserve recognition. These movies may not have received the same level of attention, but they offered unique perspectives and memorable storytelling experiences.

The Lost City of Z: An Adventure Epic

The Lost City of Z, directed by James Gray, is an ambitious and visually stunning adventure film based on the true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett. The film follows Fawcett as he journeys into the Amazon rainforest in search of a lost civilization, facing countless dangers and challenges along the way.

Despite its critical acclaim, The Lost City of Z failed to find a wide audience, perhaps due to its slow pace and its unconventional narrative. However, those who did see the film were rewarded with a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of obsession, ambition, and the allure of the unknown.

A Ghost Story: An Existential Drama

A Ghost Story, directed by David Lowery, is a haunting and introspective drama that explores themes of grief, loss, and the passage of time. The film stars Casey Affleck as a recently deceased man who returns to his suburban home as a ghost, watching as his wife (Rooney Mara) struggles to cope with her loss.

A Ghost Story's minimalist approach and its unconventional storytelling made it a polarizing film, but those who connected with its existential themes found it to be a deeply moving and profound experience. The film's use of long takes and its haunting score created an atmosphere of melancholy and introspection that lingered long after the credits rolled.

Good Time: A Gritty Crime Thriller

Good Time, directed by the Safdie brothers, is a gritty and intense crime thriller that follows Connie Nikas (Robert Pattinson) as he embarks on a desperate quest to free his mentally disabled brother from jail after a botched bank robbery. The film's relentless pace and its raw, visceral energy made it a thrilling and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Pattinson's performance in Good Time was widely praised, marking a turning point in his career and showcasing his range as an actor. The film's uncompromising portrayal of urban decay and its exploration of themes of brotherhood and desperation made it a standout among the year's crime films.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a look back at the Oscar films of 2017! From groundbreaking dramas to dazzling musicals and underrated gems, it was a year that offered something for everyone. Whether you're a film buff or just a casual moviegoer, these films are sure to entertain, provoke, and inspire. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the magic of cinema! What were your favorite films from 2017? Let us know in the comments below!