Dear Academy, Please Don’t Forget…

Yesterday, the ballots were officially sent out to members of the Academy for them to vote on what they think are the best movies and performances of 2015.  So, before the Academy makes their final decisions, here are some films and performances they shouldn’t forget.  These films and performances are going to be from films that would actually have a chance at a nomination, not just any random movie (sorry Goosebumps).  Some of these films or performances could actually be called on nomination morning, but more than likely will be ignored.

I’ll cover the bigger categories and ignore the technical ones for the sake of reading.

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY – The Peanuts Movie 

Charlie Brown and the gang are as classic as it can get, so it was probably tough to write a movie that could capture the essence of the original, yet reach a new audience.  The Peanuts Movie is the perfect blend of both, keeping the spirit and heart of the old school and introducing it seamlessly to a new audience.  This movie brought me back to my childhood and deserves nominations in other categories than Best Animated Feature.

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY – Straight Outta Compton

Straight Outta Compton could be a bigger player than most people anticipate come nomination morning.  It could grab a Best Picture nomination and some tech awards as well.  One area it should be recognized in is for its screenplay.  This sprawling, decade long epic never sugarcoats and gives us an in-depth and compelling look at the legendary N.W.A.  If this is nominated, color me ecstatic.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – Olivia Cooke for Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl

I wasn’t a huge fan of this year’s Sundance U.S. Dramatic winner and Audience Award winner.  But one part of the film that I was a fan of was Olivia Cooke’s strong and emotional turn as the cancer-ridden Rachel.  Dealing with the emotional ups and downs of having cancer and high school, Cooke is funny, sad, and touching, offering a range not usually seen in someone this young.  There is a single take scene in the film where Rachel talks about no longer going through chemotherapy that truly breaks your heart.  I can’t wait to see what comes next for Cooke.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – Jason Segel for The End of the Tour

This was a close battle between Segel and O’Shea Jackson Jr. for his brilliant portrayal as Ice Cube in Straight Outta Compton.  But Segel’s performance is a giant step forward in the actor’s career, as he is simply perfect as a tortured genius who doesn’t know how to handle his newfound fame.  He’s sweet, funny, complex, and grabs your attention.  It is an outstanding performance that shouldn’t go without notice.

BEST ACTRESS – Charlize Theron for Mad Max: Fury Road

If any of these nominations happen, this is probably the one with the best chance.  Mad Max: Fury Road is going to be nominated for a slew of awards, most likely Best Picture, Best Director and a ton of tech awards.  If the Academy was smart, they’d nominate Charlize Theron for her tenacious performance as Furiosa.  The film might be titled Mad Max but this movie is all about Furiosa.  She commands the screen and the movie and gives a layered, bad-ass performance as the rebellious solider of Immortan Joe.  It was the most unexpected performance of the year and one of the year’s best.

BEST ACTOR – Christoper Abbot for James White

In the break-out performance of the year, Christopher Abbot is sensational in James White.  Playing the titular character, he is a misunderstood twenty-something who is a victim of his own self destruction.  Abbot gives a full range of emotion, as we see James at his best and then his absolute worst, and everything in-between.  He literally carries the movie, being in every scene of the film.  It is a tough performance and tough film to watch, but Abbot makes it one of the best viewings of 2015.

BEST DIRECTOR – Laszlo Nemes for Son of Saul

Son of Saul is the most harrowing cinematic experience of 2015, and that all comes from director Laszlo Nemes.  This is the most haunting Holocaust movie I have ever seen, (yes, even more than Schindler’s List (1993)), and that is because of the vision Nemes has for this movie.  Following our tortured protagonist Sal (Geza Rohrig), Nemes takes us into the hell that he goes through while trying to survive in Auschwitz.  It is unflinchingly real and the most impressive debut of the year.

BEST PICTURE – Creed

Creed is just flat out a great movie.  Giving new life to a franchise that was on life support, Creed plays perfect homage to the original Rocky films, yet reinvents the series to become the start of something new.  Writer/director Ryan Coogler proves he is a talent to be reckoned with in Hollywood by giving us a deft hand behind the camera, a great story, and excellent boxing scenes.  Michael B. Jordan is perfect and Sylvester Stallone gives the best performance of his tenured career.  This is simply one of the best movies of the year and deserves nominations all over the board.

Do you agree with this list?  What movies to you hope get Oscar nominations?  Comment below, or hit me up on Twitter @kevflix or on Facebook on my page, Kevflix.