Boyhood

Nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Ethan Hawke), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Patricia Arquette), Directing, Film Editing, Original Screenplay

Boyhood tells a story of growing up through the eyes of a young boy named Mason (Ellar Coltrane), as he faces the joys and struggles of childhood, adolescence, and family. This may sound like a typical coming of age story, but what makes Boyhood so unique is the fact it was filmed over 12 years with the exact same cast, so the audience can literally see Mason grow up before their eyes. Although Boyhood is a tad overrated, quite slow, and lacks any real exciting main conflict, the movie as a whole evokes a feeling of nostalgia and fondness in its audience. Boyhood’s authenticity is strengthened by outstanding performances by Patricia Arquette, who plays Mason’s hardworking single mother, and Ethan Hawke, who plays Mason’s carefree father. Unlike the many bland coming-of-age movies out there that have the tendency to be overdramatic and shallow, Boyhood is a simple and intimate look on life’s precious moments.

Foxcatcher

Nominations: Best Actor in a Leading Role (Steve Carell), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Mark Ruffalo), Original Screenplay, Directing, Makeup and Hairstyling

Yes, you read that right. Comedian Steve Carell is nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of eccentric multi-millionaire John du Pont in the psychological thriller, Foxcatcher. Foxcatcher tells the true story of Olympic gold medalist wrestler, Mark Schultz, who is invited by multi-millionaire John du Pont to move onto his sprawling estate and train for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Mark is desperate to get out of the shadow of Dave (Mark Ruffalo), his more successful wrestler brother, so he willingly moves onto du Pont’s property. However, it is soon clear that Du Pont’s motives are twisted as he leads Mark into bad habits, psychological abuse, and self-destruction. Despite a slow start to the film, the highlight of Foxcatcher is definitely Steve Carell’s chilling portrayal as the eerie and unstable John du Pont, whose obsession with greatness ultimately leads to an unspeakable tragedy.

The Theory Of Everything

Nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role (Eddie Redmayne), Best Actress in a Leading Role (Felicity Jones), Adapted Screenplay, Original Score

The Theory of Everything tells the true story of the life of Stephen Hawking, from his days at Oxford University to his lifelong struggle and fight against motor neurone disease. Despite being told that he had only two years to live when he was diagnosed with the disease, Hawking persevered to make breakthrough discoveries in physics and has established himself as a well-respected scientist. Eddie Redmayne tackles the challenging role of ALS-stricken Hawking with such honesty and integrity that you genuinely believe you are watching the real life Stephen Hawking on the screen. The film is further strengthened by Felicity Jones’s strong, emotional, and devoted portrayal of Stephen Hawking’s wife, Jane. Although the film sometimes slips into overly dramatic romantic drama territory (with the cheesy music and long stares) The Theory of Everything is saved by the performances of its two leads, making it a moving, genuine, and emotional biopic slash love story about the life and achievements of Stephen Hawking.