There are some real gems in two of this year’s lesser-known categories. Today we take look at the nominees for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Animated Feature Film.
Best Foreign Language Film
Will win: Roma
Should win: Roma
Also nominated: Capernaum, Cold War, Never Look Away, Shoplifters
There is no doubt whatsoever about Roma’s win in this category. Its dominance does perhaps do a slight injustice to the other nominees – with Pawel Pawlikowski’s Cold War in particular proving to be a beautifully shot gem of a film – but Alfonso Cuarón’s deeply personal, intimate tale of life in 1970s Mexico exists in a league of its own.
In no doubt: Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma is all but guaranteed to win Best Foreign Language Film.
Best Animated Feature Film
Will win: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Should win: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Also nominated: Incredibles 2, Isle of Dogs, Mirai, Ralph Breaks the Internet.
The latest outing in the Spidey universe is a supremely confident, gorgeously animated feature that ranks among the best Spider-man films ever made. Fan service is blended with a genuinely intelligent plot that packs a real emotional punch. It’s a superb film in its own right, but the animation elevates it – quite literally – to a new dimension. A worthy runner-up would be Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs, which thoughtfully explores themes very relevant to today’s world. Led by an all-star cast, it’s brought to life by some of the most visually interesting animation of recent years.
When done well, animation can make good films great. With Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, it makes a great film even greater.
Pick of the Flicks 