The Ultimate Movie Meter: Vote for Your Oscar Favorite
Get ready to unleash your inner film critic and voice your opinion in the inaugural USA TODAY Movie Meter! As the 97th Academy Awards loom on the horizon, we present you with the 10 tantalizing nominees vying for the coveted Best Picture trophy. From heart-wrenching dramas to adrenaline-pumping blockbusters, there’s something for every cinematic taste.
Anora: A Touching Cinderella Tale
Witness the poignant journey of Ani, an exotic dancer longing for true love. Her heart skips a beat when she meets Vanya, a wealthy Russian aristocrat. Their whirlwind romance leads to an impulsive Vegas elopement, but fate throws a cruel twist. Ani embarks on a Cinderella-like quest, traversing a world of opulence and intrigue to find her prince.
The Brutalist: A Haunting Immigrant Saga
Step into the evocative world of "The Brutalist," a historical epic that delves into the American Dream’s elusive nature. Adrien Brody portrays a Hungarian Jewish architect who dreams of a better life in post-Holocaust America. However, the harsh realities of immigration challenge his aspirations, leaving him grappling with loss and the bittersweet beauty of human resilience.
A Complete Unknown: Bob Dylan’s Electrifying Journey
Prepare to be mesmerized by Timothée Chalamet’s electrifying performance as music legend Bob Dylan in "A Complete Unknown." Witness Dylan’s rise to fame, his electrifying stage presence, and his enigmatic personal life. The film captures the essence of the enigmatic artist, exploring his struggle for authenticity and the enduring power of his music.
Conclave: A Thrilling Vatican Mystery
Ralph Fiennes captivates in "Conclave," a gripping thriller that transports you into the shadowy corridors of the Vatican. Cardinal Lawrence faces a crisis of faith as he leads the election of a new pope. Amidst power struggles and a mysterious death, Lawrence delves into a white-knuckle investigation, uncovering secrets that threaten to shatter the very foundations of the Church.
Dune: Part Two: An Epic Sci-Fi Saga
The sprawling sci-fi epic "Dune: Part Two" continues the epic tale of Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet. Join Paul on his perilous quest for vengeance, as he navigates a treacherous desert world, forms alliances with indigenous people, and confronts his own destiny. This visually stunning blockbuster explores the themes of power, colonialism, and religion with breathtaking grandeur.
Emilia Pérez: A Multifaceted Cinematic Masterpiece
Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary "Emilia Pérez," a genre-bending film that defies easy categorization. Karla Sofía Gascón delivers a tour-de-force performance as a notorious drug kingpin trapped in a desperate quest for redemption. From noir crime thriller to thought-provoking character study, "Emilia Pérez" combines elements of music, comedy, and drama in an unforgettable cinematic experience.
I’m Still Here: A Heartbreaking Family Drama
Immerse yourself in the poignant family drama "I’m Still Here," set amidst the political turmoil of 1970s Brazil. Walter Salles’ powerful film follows a former congressman who disappears, leaving his wife to unravel the mystery and reclaim their shattered lives. Fernanda Torres gives a soul-stirring performance as the wife’s unwavering resilience and determination to find her loved one.
Nickel Boys: A Powerful Coming-of-Age Story
Witness the moving coming-of-age tale of "Nickel Boys," a film that transports you into the horrors of a 1960s reform school. Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson deliver heart-wrenching performances as two young boys unjustly incarcerated and subjected to unimaginable abuse. Through their poignant friendship, "Nickel Boys" exposes the systemic racism and brutality that haunts the American justice system.
The Substance: A Body-Horror Spectacle
Prepare for a bloody and unforgettable cinematic ride with "The Substance." Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley star in this body-horror spectacle that explores the warped nature of beauty and obsession. A desperate fitness celebrity puts her sanity on the line in a quest for eternal youth, only to find herself trapped in a monstrous nightmare that tests the very limits of human identity.
Wicked: A Magical Origin Story
Step into the enchanting world of "Wicked," the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande shine as Elphaba and Glinda, two unlikely friends who navig
