I like to celebrate the Oscars by reviewing a former Best Picture winner, and sometimes I also like to do it by throwing out a poll to have you help me pick the one I should re-watch. This year, I decided to have a bit of fun: for each of this year’s eight nominees, I’ve picked a previous winner that reminds me of it in some way. And those are the eight films I’m letting you select between. The sick irony of one of my favorite current contenders being paired with one of the worst winners of all time has not been lost on me.
The Nominees:
American Sniper:
The career of a controversial real-life American war hero = Patton (1970)
Birdman:
Catty critics and professional terror on the New York stage = All About Eve (1950)
Boyhood:
One family quietly changes over time = Cavalcade (1932/33)
The Grand Budapest Hotel:
An all-star cast at a grand hotel = Grand Hotel (1931/32)
The Imitation Game:
On the home front, Brits do what they can to help during the Second World War = Mrs. Miniver (1942)
Selma:
A great man whose passionate life fundamentally changed the course of history = Gandhi (1982)
The Theory of Everything:
The life of a famous Englishman, filtered through his relationship with a woman = Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Whiplash:
A music-driven tale of a protégé trying to please a repugnant, bullying mentor = My Fair Lady (1964)
I’m feeling expansive, and I’m pretty certain I already know what’s going to win, so I’m going to commit to reviewing the top two vote-getters. Which means that I’m going to let y’all have two votes, as well.
Vote for a Best Picture winner for Tim to review! (nominees arranged chronologically)Voting closes Sunday, 15 February at midnight CST, so I have time to secure copies of the winners. The reviews are coming Oscar weekend, 21 and 22 February.