Of the many great “Best Picture” Oscar nominations, all are worth watching for the sheer fact of the nomination, but there are a few that stand out among the rest within these great films. These are the “Must Watch” of the Oscar’s best pictures.

Moonlight, the Oscar nominated best picture, is a must see from from the Best Picture nominations because of the subjects addressed, cinematography, and the power of the film’s messages. Moonlight follows the story of Chiron via three pivotal chapters in his life through self discovery, social change, and the challenges of the world. The film deals with socioeconomic injustices, dysfunctional families, sexual identity, and the struggles of a lower class family in Miami. Moonlight was acclaimed for the prolific nature of the film and the message that it brings. “It’s an epic true love story about finding out who you are. Knowing yourself, loving yourself, being able to love yourself so that you can love others.” said actor Trevante Rhodes, leading actor of the adult chapter of Chiron’s life. With striking cinematography choices, a beautifully shot film, melting into the “The movie deserves best picture because of its portrayal of blacks in the US, and the struggle that we’ve gone through,” said soph. Jacavarion Daesan Ja’Bry Mosely on Moonlight, “I think that this movie is really powerful in showing human emotion and the struggle.”

Hidden Figures is another empowering film about African American women acting as the key pieces to the Cold War’s space race creating the NASA mission that sends man to the moon.

“Usually in black movies, the way that they portray black people is not something I agree with,” said sr. Meta Mulumba on the subject of Hidden Figures, “But with hidden figures, it shows that black people have been here for a long time and we have been doing great things.” Hidden Figures is a film tackles both the injustices of African American marginalization throughout history as well as the denigration of women within our history. Much like 2014’s, The Imitation Game, the story helps to display the accomplishments, power, and value of both women and minority groups with the true retelling of a historical event. “The movie is an inspiration to women everywhere with the depiction of women in the 1960’s showing their strength.” said jr. Braeden King.

La La Land is another must see in the realm of film, retelling the age old story of love and turmoil. La La Land stars Emma Stone as a young, aspiring actress forced to choose between her love for Sebastian, a jazz musician trying to find his place, and both of their dreams. La La Land is a movie filled to the brim with romance, strife and marvelous cinematography. While not as impactful as many of the other nominations in terms of subject matter, the film is still addressing the concept of clawing tooth and nail to achieve great things within the jumble of life. The film is a great tale of love with musical accompaniment to match the beauty of the emotions created with the romance and aspiration of the lovers. “This movie is really cute. It’s a really good drama that shows the love between these two people and their own struggles to realize their dreams,” said soph. Rachel Harnsberger on La La Land, “I would definitely recommend it.”