The 2021 Oscars was a year of groundbreaking storytelling and exceptional filmmaking. Guys, let's dive into the heart of the Best Picture nominees, ranking and reviewing each film to understand what made them stand out in a year of such cinematic diversity. We'll explore the narratives, the performances, and the overall impact these movies had on audiences and critics alike. It was a unique year, with many films being released under unusual circumstances due to the global situation, but the quality of the storytelling shone through regardless.

The Nominees: A Deep Dive

Before we get into the ranking, let's briefly introduce each of the nominees. The films represented a wide array of genres and themes, from historical dramas to intimate character studies. Each one brought something unique to the table, making the selection process incredibly competitive. Here's a quick rundown:

• Nomadland: A poignant exploration of grief and freedom on the American road.
• The Trial of the Chicago 7: A historical legal drama about the infamous 1968 trial.
• Minari: A semi-autobiographical story of a Korean-American family pursuing the American Dream in rural Arkansas.
• Promising Young Woman: A darkly comedic and thought-provoking revenge thriller.
• Mank: A biographical drama about screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz and his involvement in Citizen Kane.
• The Father: A devastating portrayal of dementia and its impact on family relationships.
• Judas and the Black Messiah: A historical drama focusing on the betrayal of Fred Hampton.
• Sound of Metal: A powerful story about a drummer who loses his hearing.

Ranking the Best Picture Nominees

Okay, everyone, let's get to the fun part – ranking these incredible films! Remember, this is subjective, and each film has its merits. But based on a combination of critical acclaim, audience reception, and overall impact, here's my take:

8. Mank

David Fincher's Mank is visually stunning and meticulously crafted, a love letter to classic Hollywood. The film delves into the life of Herman J. Mankiewicz, the screenwriter behind Citizen Kane, exploring his struggles with alcoholism and his complex relationship with Orson Welles. While the performances, particularly Gary Oldman's portrayal of Mank, are excellent, the film's narrative can be dense and somewhat inaccessible to viewers unfamiliar with the intricacies of Hollywood history. The black-and-white cinematography is gorgeous, evoking the era it depicts, and the attention to detail in the set design and costumes is remarkable. However, the film's pacing can be slow at times, and the complex web of characters and events may require multiple viewings to fully appreciate. Ultimately, Mank is a film for cinephiles, a deep dive into a specific moment in film history that may not resonate with a broader audience. Despite its technical achievements and strong performances, it lacks the emotional punch and universal themes that characterize the higher-ranked films on this list. It's a fascinating and well-made film, but its niche appeal prevents it from reaching the top spots. The film's exploration of authorship and the creative process is thought-provoking, but it's also quite self-referential, which can be a barrier for some viewers.

7. The Trial of the Chicago 7

Aaron Sorkin's The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a well-acted and sharply written courtroom drama that tackles important themes of political protest and social justice. The film tells the story of the seven defendants charged with conspiracy and inciting to riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Sorkin's signature fast-paced dialogue and compelling character dynamics are on full display, and the ensemble cast delivers strong performances across the board. However, the film sometimes sacrifices nuance for dramatic effect, and its portrayal of historical events has been criticized for taking liberties with the truth. While the film is undeniably entertaining and thought-provoking, it doesn't quite reach the emotional depth or artistic innovation of the higher-ranked nominees. The film’s relevance to contemporary social and political issues is undeniable, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of free speech and the right to protest. However, its somewhat simplistic portrayal of complex historical events prevents it from being a truly great film. Despite its flaws, The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a worthwhile watch, especially for those interested in American history and political activism.

6. The Father

The Father is a deeply unsettling and emotionally devastating film that puts the viewer directly into the experience of living with dementia. Anthony Hopkins delivers a tour-de-force performance as Anthony, a man struggling with memory loss and confusion, and Olivia Colman is equally brilliant as his daughter Anne, who is trying to care for him. The film's innovative narrative structure, which deliberately disorients the viewer, is incredibly effective in conveying the disorientation and fear that dementia patients experience. However, the film's unrelenting bleakness and emotionally draining subject matter may be too much for some viewers. While The Father is undoubtedly a powerful and important film, its difficult subject matter and lack of hope prevent it from being a more widely enjoyable experience. The film's exploration of family dynamics and the challenges of caregiving is both heartbreaking and insightful, but it's also a difficult watch. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, but not necessarily in a positive way. The film's claustrophobic atmosphere and unsettling ambiguity create a sense of unease that perfectly mirrors the experience of dementia.

5. Promising Young Woman

Promising Young Woman is a darkly comedic and provocative revenge thriller that tackles the issue of sexual assault with a unique and unflinching perspective. Carey Mulligan delivers a stunning performance as Cassie, a woman who seeks to avenge her best friend's rape by feigning intoxication at bars and confronting the men who try to take advantage of her. The film's bold visual style, sharp dialogue, and unexpected plot twists make it a truly unforgettable experience. However, the film's controversial ending and morally ambiguous characters have divided audiences and critics alike. While Promising Young Woman is undoubtedly a thought-provoking and timely film, its confrontational tone and challenging themes may not appeal to everyone. The film's exploration of trauma, grief, and female rage is both powerful and unsettling, and it raises important questions about consent and accountability. It's a film that sparks conversation and challenges viewers to confront their own biases and assumptions. The film's use of bright colors and pop music creates a jarring contrast with its dark subject matter, which only adds to its unsettling effect.

4. Sound of Metal

Sound of Metal is a powerful and immersive film about a heavy metal drummer who loses his hearing. Riz Ahmed delivers a career-defining performance as Ruben, a man struggling to come to terms with his new reality and find his place in the deaf community. The film's sound design is particularly noteworthy, effectively conveying Ruben's experience of hearing loss and the richness of the deaf world. Sound of Metal is a moving and insightful exploration of identity, acceptance, and the power of human connection. However, the film's slow pace and minimalist narrative may not appeal to all viewers. While the film is ultimately uplifting, it also confronts difficult themes of addiction, loss, and disability. The film's focus on sound and silence creates a unique cinematic experience that is both visceral and deeply emotional. It's a film that stays with you long after you've seen it, prompting you to reflect on your own relationship with sound and the importance of communication.

3. Minari

Minari is a heartwarming and deeply personal film about a Korean-American family pursuing the American Dream in rural Arkansas. The film is loosely based on director Lee Isaac Chung's own childhood, and its authenticity and emotional honesty are evident in every scene. The performances are uniformly excellent, particularly Steven Yeun as the determined father Jacob and Youn Yuh-jung as the unconventional grandmother Soonja. Minari is a beautiful and moving story about family, resilience, and the search for belonging. The film’s gentle pace and understated storytelling allow the characters and their relationships to shine through. It's a film that celebrates the diversity of the American experience and reminds us of the importance of family and community. Minari's universal themes resonate with audiences of all backgrounds, making it a truly special and memorable film. The film's exploration of cultural identity and the challenges of assimilation is both insightful and moving.

2. Judas and the Black Messiah

Judas and the Black Messiah is a gripping and powerful historical drama about the betrayal of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, by FBI informant William O'Neal. Daniel Kaluuya delivers an electrifying performance as Hampton, capturing his charisma, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to social justice. LaKeith Stanfield is equally compelling as O'Neal, portraying the conflicted and morally compromised informant with nuance and complexity. The film is a timely and relevant exploration of race, power, and political oppression. Judas and the Black Messiah is a must-see film that will leave you breathless and deeply moved. The film's historical accuracy and its unflinching portrayal of the Black Panther Party make it a valuable and important contribution to American cinema. The film's exploration of betrayal and redemption is both powerful and thought-provoking.

1. Nomadland

Nomadland is a poetic and profoundly moving film about a woman who embarks on a journey through the American West after losing everything in the Great Recession. Frances McDormand delivers a masterful performance as Fern, a woman who finds solace and community among a group of modern-day nomads. The film's stunning cinematography captures the beauty and harshness of the American landscape, and its gentle, observational style allows the characters and their stories to unfold naturally. Nomadland is a triumph of filmmaking, a film that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The film's exploration of grief, loss, and resilience is both heartbreaking and uplifting. It's a film that celebrates the human spirit and reminds us of the importance of connection and community. Nomadland's quiet beauty and profound emotional depth make it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. It deservedly won Best Picture.

Final Thoughts

The 2021 Oscars Best Picture nominees were a testament to the power and diversity of cinema. Each film offered a unique perspective and told a compelling story. While Nomadland ultimately took home the top prize, all of the nominees deserve recognition for their artistic achievements and their contributions to the cinematic landscape. It was a year of great storytelling, and these films will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.