2019 Oscar Best Picture Nominees: A Look Back
The 91st Academy Awards, which took place in 2019, featured a diverse and talented group of films vying for the top prize. The eight Best Picture nominees that year included a range of genres and styles, from historical dramas to contemporary comedies. In this article, we'll take a closer look at each of the nominees and examine what made them stand out.
The nominees for Best Picture in 2019 were: Black Panther, BlacKkKlansman, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Favourite, Green Book, Roma, A Star is Born, and Vice. This list represented a mix of big-budget blockbusters and smaller, more independent films, showcasing the Academy's efforts to recognize a wide range of cinematic achievements.
Historical Dramas and Biopics
Several of the nominees were historical dramas or biopics, including BlacKkKlansman, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Green Book. BlacKkKlansman, directed by Spike Lee, told the true story of an African American police officer who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s. Bohemian Rhapsody, meanwhile, was a biographical drama about the life of Queen lead vocalist Freddie Mercury, starring Rami Malek in the title role. Green Book, which ultimately won the Best Picture award, was based on the real-life story of a African American pianist who embarked on a concert tour through the Deep South in the 1960s, accompanied by a white driver and bodyguard.
Comedies and Satires
In contrast to the more serious historical dramas, some of the nominees were comedies or satires, such as The Favourite and Vice. The Favourite, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, was a period comedy-drama that followed the intricate relationships between two cousins vying for the favor of Queen Anne in 18th-century England. Vice, directed by Adam McKay, was a biographical comedy-drama that explored the life and career of former US Vice President Dick Cheney, played by Christian Bale.
Contemporary Stories
Other nominees, such as A Star is Born and Roma, focused on more contemporary stories. A Star is Born, directed by Bradley Cooper, was a musical romantic drama that told the story of a musician who helps a young singer-songwriter find fame, while struggling with his own personal demons. Roma, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, was a semi-autobiographical drama that followed the life of a live-in housekeeper in Mexico City during the 1970s.
Blockbuster Hits
Finally, Black Panther was a major blockbuster hit that broke box office records and became a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film was a superhero epic that followed the story of T'Challa, the king of the fictional African nation of Wakanda, as he struggled to protect his people and his kingdom from threats both within and outside his borders.
Looking back on the 2019 Oscar Best Picture nominees, it's clear that the Academy recognized a diverse range of films that showcased different genres, styles, and perspectives. While Green Book ultimately took home the top prize, each of the nominees brought something unique and valuable to the table, and they continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by audiences today.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Which film won the Best Picture award in 2019? Green Book won the Best Picture award at the 91st Academy Awards.
- Q: What was the most nominated film of 2019? The Favourite and Roma were tied for the most nominations, with 10 each.
- Q: Which nominee was the highest-grossing film of 2019? Black Panther was the highest-grossing film among the nominees, with a worldwide box office gross of over $1.3 billion.
Overall, the 2019 Oscar Best Picture nominees represented a talented and diverse group of films that continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by audiences today.
