the best movies of 2013

Her movie poster

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.

13 thoughts on “the best movies of 2013

  1. Love reading your impressions, Lois. Now I’m really looking forward to seeing Her after reading your high praise.

  2. 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.

  3. 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. 🙂

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