I know this post is a little late. You can thank True Grit for waiting until June to hit DVD for that one. Now that I have seen all the nominees, I’m left with a strange feeling in my tummy. I think that’s because I don’t think the best picture won! Hell, I don’t even think the academy came close. So, I thought we’d take a look back at the nominees and figure out what the best picture really was. Below you’ll find my picks and I’d love to hear yours in the comments below.
I wouldn’t normally do a list like this but this year, I felt, had a solid 10 films being nominated and was most open to debate and discussion. That being said, let’s jump in:
10. THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT.
I’m not sure this film should’ve even been in this category. If you want to hear more of my thoughts on this film, you can find them on back episodes of the MILFcast. I find it to be a good film but not a great one. It certainly doesn’t strike me as a best picture candidate. I’m not even sure an acting nomination was in order though I do think Julianne Moore was a bit more deserving than Annette Benning.
One thing that stuck with me for some reason, and maybe you can argue this to help me understand a bit better, was that while the film tried to portrayed gay/ lesbian couples in a positive light (and it did with regards to two mothers being able to raise happy, healthy children in a positive and loving environment), it also sort of did the opposite. When Julianne Moore’s character slept with Mark Ruffalo’s character, didn’t that kind of imply that being gay is a choice and couldn’t that be used as fuel by the anti-gay community out there? Isn’t that, in turn, somewhat irresponsible on the part of the filmmakers? I’d love to hear your opinions on this.
9. 127 HOURS.
Danny Boyle is a great director who makes insanely good films. Typically, even the ones he makes that seem uninteresting tend to win me over. However, in this case, and even with such an interesting story to tell, I found this film to be kind of boring. In all honesty, I thought it was the most overrated film of the films being praised last year. And I’m not the type to say otherwise just because of what all the critics tell me to think. In fairness, it’s hard to maintain an audience’s interest in a 90 to 120 minute film with just a person pinned down by a rock in a crevice. Boyle made good efforts to break up the monotony of that but, still, this film just didn’t connect with me.
8. THE FIGHTER.
I liked The Fighter a lot! It feels strange putting it at only number eight. However, I feel like the film was elevated by two exceptional performances and that the film itself is somewhat flawed. I like this film for the same reason I loved Cinderella Man. It’s a bit melodramatic but manages to tug at your heart strings by using the genre to portray a man who is not only being beaten down by life but in the ring as well. Unfortunately, it lacks the punch (pun intended) of a film like Rocky. And, sadly, until someone develops a new take on boxing films, I fear that this is all these types of films can hope to be in a world post-Rocky and Raging Bull.
7. TOY STORY 3.
I imagine this will get me the most crap out of all the films on the list. And I’ll be honest… I’m not sure the number six spot is the right place for TS3. This is why I hate having animated films in the best picture category. I mean, Pixar doesn’t make bad films. This film probably features the best storytelling on the list. It was certainly an enjoyable film. I guess ultimately it suffers from the fact that it is a threequel and felt like it was just more of the same. It is also hurt by the fact that I thought How to Train Your Dragon was the superior animated film of the year and should be here in it’s stead.
6. THE KING’S SPEECH.
Only number six? I know. Though I don’t really feel like that is a slight on this list of films. This is a damn good movie. I feel like Colin Firth earned his trophy and that Geoffrey Rush deserved one too. He just had the misfortune on being nominated in a tough year. The acting equivalent to 1994 in films where three pictures could have easily been considered “best”. Still, while it was a very good film, I’m not sure it deserved the best picture. Mainly because of the films below…
5. BLACK SWAN.
It seemed everyone in the world was dying to see Arronofsky’s next film. Everyone, that is, except for me. I love Pi, Requiem and The Wrestler. However, The Fountain proved that Arronofsky can miss and the idea of a film centered around ballet certainly didn’t interest a 30 year old man who joneses for the next big summer blockbuster. However, Arronofsky weaved a twisted tale into the psyche of a disturbed woman and delivered, in my opinion, one hell of a film. Portman was also well deserved in her honors.
4. INCEPTION.
I imagine this will be the second most debated pick on the list. The cooling off to this film can only be compared in size to the anticipation of it’s release. I even have a hard time placing it too because I don’t feel like I’ve come to fully enjoy it’s potential yet. It feels similar to when I initially saw The Matrix or (another Nolan film) The Prestige. These being films I grew to love more and more with each viewing.
It’s also hard to place because while fans want to see more films like this being recognized by the academy, they are hard to judge against the fair that the Academy typically recognizes. Ultimately, I think, above all other films on this list, Inception will remain in the pop culture vernacular a lot longer and there’s something to be said for the staying power of fan loved Academy award nominees. Star Wars and Indiana Jones anyone? Please save your comments on that last sentence… Inception is NO Star Wars.
3. TRUE GRIT.
This was one of the two surprise films in the bunch. I have to say, the first half hour featured some of the best dialogue I’ve ever listened to in film. No surprise from the Coen Brothers who have a knack in that department. Crafting memorable, fitting dialogue in quirky films like Miller’s Crossing and O Brother, Where Art Thou. By far, this was an underestimated film (even by me) this awards season and features performances that probably should’ve been given more honors than received. I’m also glad to see how good it was because the Coens had been in a bit of a slump (by Coen Brothers standards) as of late and it was nice to see a return to form.
2. WINTER’S BONE.
This was the second film that blew me away this year. It also featured a performance by an unrecognizable John Hawkes that I think deserved a little golden man. He, like Geoffrey Rush, just had unfortunate timing. I think this film suffered from the fact that it was a smaller film and didn’t have the wave of enthusiasm behind it that some of the other films out there had. But you’d have a hard time finding a critic, or anyone that’s seen it for that matter, that didn’t love this little Indie darling.
1. THE SOCIAL NETWORK.
What was the front runner in the months leading up to Oscar, should’ve been the winner on the big night. This film fully cements Aaron Sorkin as probably the best writer in the business. It also features Fincher doing some of his best work in a very non-typical Fincher-esque way. It also featured what I think was the most underrated and least talked about performances of the year. Jesse Eisenberg was amazing in this film. This is the kid with the Jew fro who typically stutters through movies looking like he needs his inhaler or his anti-depression medication and he literally transformed himself into the calculating, douschey founder of Facebook. Not enough can be said about this film that I wanted to re-watch the second it was over.
Speaking of Facebook, make sure and “like” Man, I Love Films and share this post with your friends! 
So, what do you think?
Andrew (8)
Wayne (8)
Josh (6)
John (5)
Lauren (5)
Steve (5)
Dave Enkosky (4)
Jessica (4)
Justin (4)
Dan Heaton (3)
Completely agree on most accounts. Social Network should have taken the trophy home. The rest of the films were mostly good or very good, with only one or two landing on my own soon-to-be-posted Best of the Year list (I, too, was waiting for True Grit as well as Another Year to arrive on DVD). I wouldn’t say the rest of the noms were undeserving of accolades, but maybe that they just didn’t scream “greatness.” Bottom line: 2010 was one of those years that had a lot of really strong films, but not many great ones.
Terrific piece, as usual!
Wasn’t quite as taken with True Grit, but yeah, that’s the way it should have gone. Fuckin’ Academy…
Yes Absolutely…Winter’s Bone was further down on my list though. But yes- it was supposed to be a TSN night, but what stung more than this Best Picture snub was ofcourse bloody Tom Hooper beating someone like Fincher.
I have to humbly disagree with you regarding your ranking of “The Social Network”. So to be a great film you need what stylish camera work, witty banter and one exceptional performance? What makes Winter’s Bone, Bkack Swain, Toy Story3 and even Inception all more worthy is that they have depth of characters, excellent plot development, as well as an ability to not only bring the audience in but make them think and question what they are experiencing. It is one thing to relate a story it is another to make someone feel invested in the story. Even after watching the King’s Speech I wanted to move to London and fight the Nazis. Sorry but seems to me that you are am victim of great marketing. Not that that is bad. In taste tests Pepsi really does beat Coke 2 to 1, but Coke continues to outsells Pepsi almost 2 to 1.
Twitter: kaiderman
June 14, 2011 4:34 pm
Jeez, Rebekah… I gotta say, while I don’t mind being disagreed with, this comment seems a bit nasty in tone (unless I’m just reading it that way). And I certainly don’t like my movie IQ questioned because I can assure you it’s high.
I never said those were the things that define a good film. Though there’s nothing wrong with stylish camera work or exceptional performances. Most films on this list are hinged on one exceptional performance… Black Swan stands out in particular.
As far as “witty banter”, I’m not sure that’s fair. This is dialogue that moves the story along at break neck speed delivered by arguably the best working screenwriter in Hollywood, save for Mamet when he’s at the top of his game. It certainly isn’t self indulgent clever for the sake of being clever Kevin Smith or Q.Tarantino wordplay.
I think it’s brilliant in that it’s a narrative told from 3 differing perspectives and blended nicely together and was put onscreen beautifully by Fincher in a toned down manner not typical of his other films. And I’m not a Fincher worshipper… I thought Zodiac was horribly overrated.
Ultimately, I could buy your “victim of great marketing” comment a bit more if my #1 had been Inception. But I don’t think I like it for this list. After all, my #2, which just missed being #1, was the Indie of the group. Not to mention that I tend to avoid most advertising for films I plan on seeing which is most all of them.
Plus, alot of people agree with me. Critics, movie goers and commenters on MILF alike. Are we all that naive or do you and I just differ in opinion?
Twitter: kaiderman
June 14, 2011 5:06 pm
Dylan just told me that I read your comment wrong and I am being sensitive so I would like to apologize, Rebekah.
I didn’t think my retort was bad either but he said I went of so, again, apologies.
I’m leaving the response up but meant no offense by it!
Twitter: ptsnob
June 13, 2011 8:45 am
I’ve only seen five of these movies, so I can’t comment on all of them. But you’re right on about The Kids are All Right. I thought it was solidly acted, but the raves about it still baffle me. I think it relates more to what else was in the theaters during the summer than the movie itself. Very conventional story that thinks it’s more subversive than it is.
My rankings of the five I’ve seen
1. The Social Network
2. Inception
3. Winter’s Bone
4. Toy Story 3
5. The Kids are All Right
I’ve seen a few on your list. You probably know my opinon on them…we share a brain after all BUT and you know there’s always one coming….your comment about..lesbian couples… Julianne Moore’s character slept with Mark Ruffalo’s character, didn’t that kind of imply that being gay is a choice….Na
I was born straight but that doesn’t mean sexuality can’t be curious or even more then that if you’re BORN gay.
True Grit was awesome! Didn’t love the ending for superficial reasons. So fuck me. Loved Black Swan for so many reasons…1. love dancers, B. have huge crush on Portman (loved masterbating scene) and 3. She was AMAZING.
I agree on the True Grit ending. It hurt the film a little.
Regarding ‘Kids’: there were definitely some critics who agreed with you. My experience has led me to think that sexuality is a complicated thing, and goes far beyond loving one gender all the time. Director Lisa Cholodenko has said that she wasn’t trying to make a PC, gay-power kind of movie, so that leads me to believe that while she may have expected that specific criticism, she probably didn’t care.
Twitter: kaiderman
June 13, 2011 4:50 pm
Thanks, Rich. Like I said, I wanted to discuss that. Now that I know she says that, I do feel a bit better about it.
Twitter: twscritic
June 13, 2011 12:01 pm
Definitely agree that The Social Network should have won. The King’s Speech was good and all, but Best Picture? Not quite.
Toy Story 3 is by far my number one pick. As you state its the one that has the best narrative and if an animated film about Toys get grown up to cry their eyes out in the cinema the direction is quite good. I kind of think it would have been nominated in that category as well.
Kai, totally agree that The Kids Are All Right wasn’t worthy of a Best Picture nomination. Nothing truly spectacular there.
The King’s Speech was a good movie, but watching it a second time, I didn’t find myself liking it more (unlike say, True Grit), but actually less. #6 is totally a fine spot, if not lower.
You know what? I actually agree with a lot of this list.
I’d probably drop True Grit about five spots down, it was fun, but didn’t stick with me after I left the theater. Also, I’d swap Winter’s Bone and The Social Network.
Other than that, I think you’re spot on in most of your evaluations. Toy Story 3 in particular just seem liked the best iteration of what I had already seen twice, and I think for me, it’s lost what little luster I once had for that series.
I liked 127 Hours a bit more than you did, but man the style of that film is really annoying at times.
Strong list, bold stances. I like it.
Twitter: manilovefilms
June 13, 2011 3:54 pm
James – need I remind you of a little part played by a guy wearing a bear? Yeah, True Grit stuck with you – admit it!
ahahaha…i totally forgot about that part…what was with that guy?!…all i kept hearing in my mind was kai saying, “they don’t show you something at the beginning of the movie if they don’t bring it back into play at the end”…i needed more of that guy wearing the bear, damn it!!!
If the whole movie had been about the bear man it would have been the greatest film of the decade.
Twitter: nevermindpop
June 13, 2011 3:32 pm
I’d have Black Swan and The King’s Speech much lower than the rest of the films on the list.
1)Inception
2)Toy Story 3
3)True Grit
4)Winter’s Bone
5)The Social Network
6)The Fighter
7)The Kids Are All Right
8)The King’s Speech
9)127 Hours
10)Black Swan
Twitter: fandangogroover
June 13, 2011 3:44 pm
Great idea for a post. I think my list would be:
1)Inception
2)Winter’s Bone
3)Black Swan
4)The Social Network*
5)True Grit
6)The King’s Speech
7)127 Hours
8)Toy Story 3
9)The Kids Are All Right
10)The Fighter
* I have only seen The Social Network once I think it may grow on me with multiple viewings and creep up a place or two.
10. The Fighter – Nothing we hadn’t seen before and definitely not a more exciting version of what’d we’d seen before.
9. The Social Network – Most overrated movie of the decade.
8. 127 Hours – Franco was good but those Hallmark golden light visions of his future kids…blech.
7. The King’s Speech – Neutral. Firth and Rush were both good.
6. True Grit – Too close to the original. What was the point? Wayne > Bridges, hands-down.
5. The Kids Are All Right – Didn’t love where the story went but thought it was a refreshing movie anyway.
4. Inception – Too explanitory. WE GET IT! It’s not that complicated of a concept. Stop slowing the film down to beat us over the head with expository dialogue.
3. Toy Story 3 – Great ending to the trilogy. An enjoyable hour and a half.
2. Black Swan – SO KICK ASS.
1. Winter’s Bone – Best movie of the year without a doubt. Jennifer Lawrence is the future!
Twitter: tom_clift
June 14, 2011 12:53 am
It is a bit weird that Julianne Moore’s character slept with Ruffalo’s…I know the director (who is also one of the screenwriters) is gay, so it’s definitely an odd choice. I don’t know if it’s irresponsible, but I thought it was pretty unlikely as a plot device. As it stands, I agree with you that the film is good, but it wouldn’t have been in my Top 10.
I’m on record as being a big defender of animated films in the Best Picture Category…and I also think TS3 was way better than HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON. That said, I don’t think it was as good as some of Pixar’s other recent films.
I can understand why 127 HOURS wouldn’t connect with people, or why you might think it was boring. Personally though, it’s one of my favourites of the whole bunch. I enjoyed it more on second viewing too, so maybe give it another shot?
I also need to re-watch WINTER’S BONE, because while I liked it, I wasn’t completely in love of it. I think I’d heard way too much positive buzz by the time it reached Australia, which may have coloured my viewing experience.
Totally agree on your number one. Best film of the year!
MY LIST
10. The Fighter
9. Winter’s Bone
8. The Kids Are Alright
7. True Grit
6. The Kings Speech
5. Toy Story 3
4. Black Swan
3. 127 Hours
2. Inception
1. The Social Network
Twitter: nevermindpop
June 19, 2011 1:03 pm
I couldn’t figure out that storyline either. It was like “What?!”
i’ve only seen 5 movies on this list. i loved the kings speech. had humor, history and barbosa calling the king names. true grit was watching great actors do their thing. the fighter..again bale taking a role and literally becoming the character. inception…uh excellent?? but all these movies are with one…toy story 3. sorry but i think toy story 1 was better and shouldn’t have been put into this catagory with much higher caliber films.
The Social Network should have won, or Inception. The King’s Speech is an okay movie, but it’s hardly the type that should have won that award.
Here’s my list, anyway:
10. The Kids Are All Right
9. The Fighter
8. Winter’s Bone
7. The King’s Speech
6. True Grit
5. 127 Hours
4. Black Swan
3. Toy Story 3
2. The Social Network
1. Inception
“How to Train Your Dragon was the superior animated film of the year” AMEN, Kai! Thank you for that.
I completely agree with you about Moore being more deserving than Benning, but I thought TKAAR (yup) deserved a spot in the Top 10. But The Social Network was definitely the best nominee. Great post!