The Top 10 Best Films Predicted to Shine at the 2020 Oscars

Unlike the previous films, which all feature violent themes, Marriage Story (the story of a marriage) is a simple, real-life drama centered around a couple whose once-happy marriage falls apart as they head towards divorce. Both are deeply respectful of each other but are dragged into a bitter legal battle over custody and assets, leaving them emotionally scarred. While many films portray romantic love and marital happiness, Marriage Story highlights the darker side of marriage, revealing how it can change people and make them view each other in a different light. Starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, the film garnered six Golden Globe nominations, leading the pack, and is highly likely to be featured at the upcoming Oscars.

Details:

• Genre: Family, Drama
• Director: Noah Baumbach
• Stars: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Julia Greer
• Predicted Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Score

A groundbreaking film from South Korea that made waves this year, Parasite (translated: The Parasite) directed by Bong Joon Ho, won the prestigious Palme d'Or at Cannes, a recognition considered as valuable as the Best Picture Oscar or the Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival.

Parasite follows a poor family living in the slums of Seoul who seize an opportunity to work for a wealthy family. Using deceptive tactics, they slowly infiltrate the household, taking on various roles while living off the family's wealth. The tension escalates to a whole new level when they uncover a shocking secret.

With its Palme d'Or victory, Parasite is almost guaranteed a spot in the Best International Feature category at the Oscars, with a strong chance of winning this category. There’s also a possibility it may earn a nomination for the prestigious Best Picture category, though the chances are slimmer. Past international films, such as Roma, Slumdog Millionaire, and Letters from Iwo Jima, have been nominated for Best Picture.

Details:

• Genre: Thriller, Crime, Comedy
• Director: Bong Joon Ho
• Stars: Kang-ho Song, Sun-kyun Lee, Yeo-jeong Jo
• Predicted Awards: Best International Feature, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay

Although it hasn't officially been released yet, 1917 (translated: The War of 1917) has already received 3 Golden Globe nominations, including Best Drama. This war-themed film is set during World War I, a genre that often receives high praise at award ceremonies, particularly the Oscars. Recently, war films such as Hacksaw Ridge, Dunkirk, Darkest Hour, The Imitation Game, and Saving Private Ryan have all been nominated for Best Picture. 1917 is expected to be another war film making its way into the Top 10 films predicted to shine at the 2020 Oscars. The film is likely to be nominated and win in various technical categories.

Details:

• Genre: War, History
• Director: Sam Mendes
• Stars: Andrew Scott, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong
• Predicted Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Score, Film Editing, Production Design, Costume Design, Visual Effects

Directed by Greta Gerwig, known for Ladybird, Little Women (translated: The Little Women) features a talented cast including Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, and Timothée Chalamet. The film follows the coming-of-age story of four sisters in the post-Civil War United States. Little Women has earned a strong 91 on MetaScore and received two Golden Globe nominations.

Details:

• Genre: Family, Drama, Humanitarian
• Director: Greta Gerwig
• Stars: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet
• Predicted Awards: Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Costume Design, Makeup and Hairstyling

Starring A-list actors Christian Bale and Matt Damon, Ford v Ferrari (translated: The Historic Race) is a strong contender at this year's Oscars. The film follows race car driver Ken Miles from Ford as he drives a newly designed car to challenge Ferrari's champion in the legendary 1966 Le Mans race. Christian Bale received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. Ford v Ferrari is also expected to compete at the Oscars in categories like Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Film Editing, Production Design, Sound Mixing, and Visual Effects.

Details:

• Genre: Biographical, Sports
• Director: James Mangold
• Stars: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal
• Predicted Awards: Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Film Editing, Production Design, Sound Mixing, Visual Effects

Like war films, science fiction movies exploring space and aliens have long been a staple of Hollywood, frequently appearing in the Oscar race. Recent films in this genre include Arrival, The Martian, Interstellar, Gravity, District 9, and Avatar. This year, Ad Astra (translated: Exploring the Mysteries of the Galaxy), starring Brad Pitt, stands out as one of the strongest contenders. Although it didn’t receive any Golden Globe nominations, Ad Astra earned a Golden Lion nomination for Best Film at the Venice Film Festival. It is predicted to appear at the 2020 Oscars in technical categories such as Production Design and Visual Effects, with a potential shot at Best Picture as well.

Details:

• Genre: Science Fiction
• Director: James Gray
• Stars: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga
• Predicted Awards: Best Picture, Production Design, Visual Effects

The final film on the Top 10 Best Movies Predicted to Shine at the 2020 Oscars is an unexpected contender: Knives Out (translated: The Stabber). This mystery film follows a detective investigating the death of a family member in a wealthy family, where every person could be the culprit. The film surprised many by receiving high praise despite little prior media attention. It also earned three Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. While its chances are slim, Knives Out could still make an appearance at the upcoming Oscars.

Details:

• Genre: Mystery, Crime, Comedy
• Director: Rian Johnson
• Stars: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas
• Predicted Awards: Best Supporting Actress, Costume Design

Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, The Irishman (translated: The Irishman) leads the charge in the Top 10 Best Movies Predicted to Shine at the 2019 Oscars.

The Irishman centers around Frank Sheeran, a mafia hitman involved in a high-profile case linked to Jimmy Hoffa, the president of the U.S. labor union. Mafia films have always been a strong suit for Scorsese, with previous works like The Departed, Goodfellas, and Gangs of New York. In The Irishman, the film continues to depict mafia life with ruthless authenticity, offering an inside perspective. The cast includes renowned actors Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci.

With its profound storyline and unique execution, The Irishman received five Golden Globe nominations and is almost certain to feature prominently at the upcoming Oscars. The film is expected to earn nominations in major categories like Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Production Design, and Film Editing. Many experts consider The Irishman the strongest contender for Best Picture at the Oscars this year.

Details:

• Genre: Biography, Crime
• Director: Martin Scorsese
• Stars: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci
• Predicted Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Film Editing

From another renowned director comes Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood, a film by the one-of-a-kind Quentin Tarantino. The film initially drew attention for its connection to the infamous Charles Manson case but takes a satirical and ironic approach to the grim story.

The narrative centers on fading TV star Rick Dalton and his stunt double Cliff Booth, navigating Hollywood’s so-called "golden age." Unlike the real-life events surrounding the Manson murders, Tarantino spins the story in an entirely new direction—one that is both darkly humorous and violent, keeping in line with his signature style. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt.

Like The Irishman, Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood garnered five Golden Globe nominations and is expected to compete for major awards at this year’s Oscars, including Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, and Acting categories.

Details:

• Genre: Comedy, Drama
• Director: Quentin Tarantino
• Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie
• Predicted Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling

Joker made waves when it was released, becoming one of the most talked-about films of the year. Based on a DC Comics villain, it surprised many by winning the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival for Best Film. Despite receiving an R rating and being banned in China, the film grossed over $1 billion worldwide, outpacing even Avengers: Infinity War in profit. Critics and audiences were divided, making it one of the most controversial films of 2019.

The story follows Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill man who works as a clown in Gotham City. After a series of life-shattering events, Arthur descends into madness and transforms into Joker, a cold-blooded killer who gains the support of a protesting crowd and carries out a series of violent acts. While it draws from superhero comics, the film primarily explores psychological and societal issues, highlighting the deep flaws of a man abandoned by society and pushed to the edge.

After its success at Venice, Joker received four Golden Globe nominations, including Best Drama. Warner Bros. is continuing its Oscar campaign, with the film expected to contend for several major categories, such as Best Picture, Best Actor, Cinematography, Makeup and Hairstyling, and more.

Details:

• Genre: Crime, Drama
• Director: Todd Phillips
• Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Frances Conroy
• Predicted Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Production Design, Best Original Score, Best Film Editing