30. Ninety-Five Senses (Best Animated Short)

A fully-formed story, and a showcase for a blend of animation styles, Ninety-Five Senses is the best of the group of nominees. Tim Blake Nelson’s vocal performance adds layers to an interesting character as he recalls the events of his life. And the film makes a profound statement on how our senses can heighten and impact our decisions, for good and bad.

29. Society of the Snow (Best International Feature)

If Society of the Snow was not based on a true story, I would simply write the film off as a two-hour exercise in misery. But there is undoubtedly a great deal of that, which is what makes director J. A. Bayona’s story of a Uruguyan rugby team’s quest for survival in the Andes mountains so difficult. Characters fall by the wayside in service of a harrowing story about the human spirit, and the end result is a film that I struggle to remember much of – besides the VFX and makeup – shortly after watching.

28. Io Capitano (Best International Feature)

Seydou Sarr’s breakout performance in Io Capitano is one of the unsung highlights of 2023’s Oscar nominees. As a naïve, young immigrant traveling from Senegal to Italy, Sarr embodies a young man with hope and compassion in an unforgiving landscape. Director Matteo Garrone shows the journey without sugar-coating its harshness, but infuses the film with the occasional magical realism to make it slightly less dour. A number of films have dealt with the immigrant experience over the years, but Io Capitano shows the immigration experience in an uncompromising light.

27. Robot Dreams (Best Animated Feature)

If Robot Dreams had simply been a short film, it would likely run away with an Oscar. But, without its feature length, you wouldn’t have the fully fleshed-out ideas that writer and director Pablo Berger sets forth. Namely, the feelings of loneliness, and the impact that one friendship can have when living in a big city. The film loses points for me in how it could trim a few minutes to be more effective, but it’s an enjoyable surprise nonetheless, and a welcome Oscar nominee.

26. Nimona (Best Animated Feature)

Nimona continues the Netflix tradition of animated films released early in the summer that somehow stick around to receive Oscar love. The film, adapted from ND Stevenson’s graphic novel, is an unapologetically queer adventure tale that never forgets to have fun. Combined with the wonderful cel-shaded animation style and Chloë Grace Moretz’s energetic voice performance, Nimona is a film worth rising above the Netflix algorithm.

25. American Symphony (Best Original Song)

When you take a step back, American Symphony is indeed another glorified portrait of a celebrity. But John Batiste is an engaging figure who speaks eloquently about his struggles and his creativity. That the film also tells the story of his wife’s harrowing struggle with cancer, their supportive relationship, and the way one affects the other, elevates it enough to stand above the crowded field of similar films.

24. The Color Purple (Best Supporting Actress)

There was once a time when The Color Purple was a strong threat for a host of nominations – not unlike the previous Steven Spielberg adaptation. But a late release date, wavering enthusiasm, and a daunting runtime, doomed the film to a single nomination. Regardless, the musical version is a lively, energetic interpretations of Alice Walker’s novel. Danielle Brooks, Fantasia Barrino, and Colman Domingo are captivating in varying ways, and the film’s choreography and technical achievements are worth celebrating, even if the Oscars didn’t feel so inclined.

23. The Teachers’ Lounge (Best International Feature)

Despite taking place in Germany, there’s something universal about The Teachers’ Lounge. The film revolves around a simple conflict: a middle school teacher, her students, and her colleagues, and one small act of deception. But director and co-writer İlker Çatak finds small cracks within this narrative to explore a systemic issue that rises above its specific circumstances. Featuring a wonderfully grounded performance from Leonie Benesch, The Teachers’ Lounge is a twisty character study in truth and fiction.

22. Bobi Wine: The People’s President (Best Documentary Feature)

Not too dissimilar from last year’s Oscar winner Navalny, Bobi Wine: The People’s President shows a man fighting against injustice in an inhospitable climate. Here it’s in Uganda, where the hero, a pop star, campaigns against the dictatorial regime. It’s a documentary that gives hope and shows an engaging personality that isn’t afraid to speak out when people are unfairly suffering. Yes, the results of the film are just a Google search away, but the ride that Bobi Wine takes you on is an enjoyable one worth taking.

21. American Fiction (Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Score)

I like to go into most films blind, without knowing much about its plot details or story beats. Unfortunately, most of the plot of American Fiction was spoiled for me, and I feel that it colored my experience with the film. Because part of the fun in Cord Jefferson’s assured debut film is in the bizarre twists and turns it takes, an often hilarious satire of race and fame in America. Jeffrey Wright and Sterling K. Brown have always been dynamic screen presences, so for American Fiction to be their first Oscar nominated performances feels strange, but you won’t hear me complaining about it. I can’t deny I had fun with the film, but I would advise anyone that hasn’t seen it yet to learn as little about it as possible beforehand, and let the revelations come naturally.