Today’s the day the San Diego Film Critics Society gets together for our annual end-of-the-year vote.
It’s always fascinating because the movies we choose to award collectively are often different than the ones that make our own Best lists.
You can check out our nominees for the best movies of 2013 here.
I’m going to jump the gun, though, and share my choices with you now. (So much for our secret ballots.) I’ll let you know the official winners later today.
Best Picture: Her
To me, this is the most original movie of the year. The idea of a man falling in love with his computer’s operating system could definitely have gone either way but it somehow works beautifully.
Best Director: Spike Jonze
The reason Her works.
Best Actor: Joaquin Phoenix
He’s the other reason Her works. Note: Matthew McConoughey deserves a nod here for Dallas Buyers Club, too, and not just because he lost 40 pounds for the role.
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett
She took my breath away in Blue Jasmine. This was a really hard category because I also adored Emma Thompson in Saving Mr. Banks and Shailene Woodley in The Spectacular Now. Meryl Streep was her usual amazing self – duh – in August: Osage County so I admit I may be taking her performance for granted.
Best Supporting Actor: Jared Leto
His heartbreaking performance in Dallas Buyers Club is absolutely gorgeous. And so is he.
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Lawrence
In my mind, she can do no wrong and, in American Hustle, she steals every scene she’s in.
Best Original Screenplay: Enough Said
I was very tempted to stick with Her, but Nicole Holofcener’s screenplay nails so much about middle age, it needs to be acknowledged so I’m going with her.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Before Midnight
The dialogue is so real, so powerful, so painful, you feel like you’re eavesdropping on the couple next door.
I’m taking notes–this is a terrific resource–and you give input I haven’t heard before, but that makes me want to see the films.
Some really special movies here. You’ll have to let me know what you think when you see them.
Taking notes as well… I clearly need to go out to the movies more often! Thanks….
Ha! Some of these aren’t even out yet so you’re not behind at all!
Love reading your impressions, Lois. Now I’m really looking forward to seeing Her after reading your high praise.
Thanks, Helene! I’m definitely going to watch it again!
I’m glad you mentioned Jared Leto’s performance – I totally cried while watching that movie.
Love this! Of those on the list, I’ve seen only SAVING MR. BANKS (loved it!). Definitely have had the others on my “gotta see” list, and you’ve just confirmed that.
Can’t wait to see these movies, Lois. If there was a way for me to watch all of them in one day, I’d do it.
BTW, your FOMO entry? KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE BALL PARK! xo
Oh I hadn’t even heard of “Her.” (You realize the only time I go to the movies is with you!) Very intrigued.
Like others, I thank you for the list and the insight. Now, I don’t have to remember what I haven’t seen and decide what to see…I have a list from my very own movie critic.
I never go to the movies, so this list is a godsend. I never know what to see or even what’s out, LOL!
I’ve been curious about “Her”. Thank you, Lois, for your input and opinions. The other movies you mentioned are ones that I’ve considered seeing, too, so I appreciate your brief comments on those, also. 🙂