You did better than me! I was 14/23. I did pretty well in the below the line categories but got every short wrong ( Incident was robbed!) Also did not predict the near Anora sweep.

That's it for 2025! I was most surprised by The Substance, and my favorite watch was Conclave (still holding space for Wicked though)

Enjoy the show tonight, and watch good movies throughout the year! There are a ton of smaller films released every week that deserve eyes as much as Despicable Me 4.

Nickel Boys: A harrowing story of friendship in the midst of seemingly insurmountable odds. The film's first-person perspective is one of the more unique storytelling techniques I've seen in a long time. It doesn't always work, but it hits when it does.

Full Review: boxd.it/900MBL

Wicked: Who knew this film could defy both expectations and gravity? This is my second time watching this film, and I loved it just as much the second time as the first time. The choreography is incredible and perfect for a movie musical like this.

Full Review: boxd.it/80adC7

Finally: Nickel Boys

Dune Part 2: Timmy pisses off Zendya and there's a whole lotta space worms. I will fully admit that I am not a Dune fan. But even I can respect the craftsmanship that goes into making something like this.

Full Review: boxd.it/8ZYC23

Next up: Wicked

A movie as impressive in its scale as the buildings Laszlo is trying to create. The acting, the production, the directing, the score all come together to create a tower of a film. All for a shockingly low sum for a movie this pretty and long!

Full Review: boxd.it/8ZUHYj

Next: Dune Part 2

I'm Still Here: A story of family in the midst of political turmoil. Fernanda Torres is a force of nature in this film. Overall, I'm Still Here approaches the story of the disappeared with a quiet strength. I'm glad it made into the Best Picture race

Full Review: boxd.it/8ZMPxT

Next: The Brutalist

This feels like a Jack Donaghy idea brought to life, "what if we made a crime drama but added songs!" 90% of these songs suck. I can't speak to all the critiques like how it uses Spanish, but I definitely see where they came from

Full Review: letterboxd.com/thudson95/fi...

Next: I'm Still Here

The Substance: What if David Cronenberg made a feminist movie. This is a film that loudly shares its message, guts and all. I respect the film's bravery and craftsmanship. You can tell this is a movie that Demi Moore is putting her whole soul into

Full review: boxd.it/8ZAaVV

Next up: Emilia Perez

A Complete Unknown: a biopic that asks... Is Bob Dylan a prick? To be clear, the movie is not poorly made. I think the production design is great. It's just in a year with so many other great films ( Sing Sing, Etc.), this shouldn't be here.

Full Review: boxd.it/8ZsvsT

Next: The Substance

Conclave: Proof that you can make a great thriller in any setting, including the Vatican! I loved this movie more than I expected to. From the editing to the cinematography to the score, to the acting, this movie creates a tight thriller.

Full Review: boxd.it/8Zn3ux

Next up: A Complete Unknown

Anora: A modern Cinderella story with a twist. Mikey Madison is incredible, and I see why she's become this year's Ingénue. It's a little "yelly" at times, but I can understand why it's been so dominant this season.

Full review: boxd.it/8ZjRLZ

Next up: Conclave (ripped from the headlines!)