Rocketman (2019)

After last years Queen biopic, could this Elton John biopic follow in that same step as being a great film that tells the origin of an iconic singers beginnings? The short answer... Yes. I didn't think that this would top "Bohemian Rhapsody", but I am dead wrong. This film is extraordinary and is better than it by a long shot. Yeah, Rami Malek stunned audiences with his Freddie Murcury portrayal, but Taron Egerton's Elton John blows him out of the water. Two iconic singers, two amazing films. Once you see this Elton John biopic, you'll think that this does beat "Bohemian Rhapsody".

I said it with "Bohemian Rhapsody", I'll say it for this film, they couldn't find anyone else to play their main man. Taron Egerton (Kingsman) stuns audiences with his charisma, emotion and heart as the "Rocketman". His portrayal of one of the greatest singers of all time, is one you can't miss. I have no doubt that is his best performance of his career so far.

Director Dexter Fletcher who also directed the "Queen" biopic, takes on this film. Fletcher stuns audiences once more with yet another smash musical biopic. He holds no boundaries as this film is unpredictable and flaunts its flashiness in a comedic and colorful way.

Some of what Fletcher manages to pull off is perhaps the eloquently balance of flashbacks. On top of that, are the flamboyant costumes that perfectly capture the personality of Elton. Egerton pulls it off in a fun and intuitive manner. Audiences will enjoy this as it is as entertaining as its subject.

I'm okay with kissing in films, but sex isn't something I consider necessary in any film. Whether it be a straight couple or in this case a gay couple, I don't think it's really necessary for sex to be flaunted in this film. Granted that Elton John is gay and everyone knows it, I don't consider the film's sexual side entertaining whatsoever. Nevertheless, this is really the only thing I didn't like about the film.

Audiences first heard Egerton's singing voice in 2016's animated film "Sing", in which he coinsidentially sang "I'm Still Standing", one of Elton John's songs. He blew away audiences with that, now comes his talent on full display. He has an amazing singing voices and this film definitely showcases it in all it's glory.

I don't think that any film that has already told of a music legends background could ever top this. This film is beyond entertaining, it's imaginative and heartfelt. Beneath the glitz and glam of the iconic Sir Elton Hercules John aka Reginald Kenneth Dwight, is a tragic upbringing. I was shocked to say the least that this was how he grew up.

He's the Rocketman! This film is spectacular in that it's one of the most entertaining films this year. It's exciting and joyously irresistable. This film honors one of the greatest singers of all time in dazzeling fashion. What it manages to accomplish here is beyond exciting and without a doubt pleasing. It makes 2019 continue to be a year well spent at the movies. This film is certainly a one of a kind, that definitely doesn't go unnoticed.

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures 

Rate: A-

Director: Dexter Fletcher

Starring: Taron Egerton, Richard Madden, Bryce-Dallas Howard, Jamie Bell

MPAA Rating: R (for language throughout, some drug use and sexual content)

Runtime: 2 Hours 

Synopsis: ROCKETMAN is an epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John's breakthrough years. The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John. This inspirational story -- set to Elton John's most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton -- tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture.

Aladdin (2019)

For the past few years, "Disney" has made a slew of remakes to classic hits. They just keep on coming. Some of the remakes have been sub-par to the original but others did succeed at entertaining audiences. This is one of them. A remake to the 1991 animated classic, "Aladdin", comes an all new live-action take. This film is entertaining to the max, even if it's too heavy on the "CGI" or lack thereof. It doesn't do it justice, but it is a satisfying remake. One of the more entertaining remakes, "Aladdin" doesn't quite live up to the splendor of the animated original.

Making his "Disney" directorial debut, Guy Ritchie "Sherlock Holmes", makes a magical adventure. Though it may not have the razzle-dazzle that the original film does, it's still entertaining. What Richie manages to do as far as making this film, he doesn't completely remake the film, new and improved or extended parts to the story are added to the mix, which is something nice to see. His first film for "Disney" will excite both old and new fans.

Once it was annouced that were remaking the classic film into a live-action film, I was very hesitant, for one because I hate remakes to movies. Remade movies crap on originals. I will say this however, some remakes can be better than original films, this just isn't quite the case. Yeah, it has its moments, it's just not as good as the animated film.

Not only was I hestitant about this film, I couldn't believe who was cast to play the Genie. I thought that casting Will Smith as Genie, would tarnish the good late Robin Williams. As we all know, Williams portrayal of Genie is one of and if not the best part of the original animated film. I refused to see the remake at the time. But, since it's a totally new take on the story of "Aladdin", I gave it a chance. It was very different to what I was expecting.

Newcomer Mena Massoud & former "Disney Channel" star Naomi Scott play Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. They play the two iconic chararcters in a way that is unique and likeable. Not only that, but their singing voices are really good and alongside Will Smith, all do a great job at giving their own spin on songs that made the original film iconic and unforgettable.

I was plesantly surprised by Will Smith as the Genie. Despite all my doubts and prejudgement, Will Smith does a great job at the character. I thought that he would think and try to replace Williams, but no, that wasn't the case. His take on the iconic character is fresh and exciting and fun. Though Smith's performance as the Genie is entertaining, doesn't top Williams take at all. Needless to say, if Robin Williams were alive today, he would love the job well done at Genie and the film overall.

Returning to compose the score for this version of the story, is Alan Menken. Menken, who is no stranger to the "Disney" scene, comes back louder with his scores and triumphantly sounds the alarm for a score that is as upbeat and edgy just as much as the film.

It's a whole new world... Well sort of anyway. This film is a solid remake to one of the most iconic "Disney" films. But all that to say, it does have a few issues. For one, the portrayal of Jafar is lame and the film has a bunch of CGI that makes the film a little too messy. But it still succeeds at dazzling audiences.

To this day, "Disney" still thinks its remakes thus far were successful. With their remakes, some are a hit or miss. I for one think that for a first, this film is a hit. It by all means isn't perfect and doesn't top the original film and far from it. It's just one of the better remakes from "Disney" that I think is their best one and audiences will no doubt enjoy.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Rate: B

Director: Guy Richie 

Starring: Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Will Smith

MPAA Rating: PG (for some action/peril)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 8 Minutes 

Synopsis: A street rat frees a genie from a lamp, granting all of his wishes and transforming himself into a charming prince in order to marry a beautiful princess. But soon, an evil sorcerer becomes hell-bent on securing the lamp for his own sinister purposes.

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil & Vile (2019)

Based on the trial of notorious serial killer, Ted Bundy, comes a thrilling-drama that's absolutely terrifying. This film sheds the light in the perspective of Bundy's girlfriend at the time, Elizabeth Kloepfer, played by Lily Collins. I didn't really know of Ted Bundy until the "Netflix" docuseries "Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes," came out. It's very eye-opening to where you can't believe that these crimes actually happened. This film is undoubtedly gripping and shocking, one of the best this year has to offer so far.

Director Joe Berlinger crafts a stunning film that is as gripping and devilishly engrossing as its subject. The attention to detail here is fantastic and it certainly doesn't go unseen. Berlinger makes one of this years most anticipated films, one you can't miss.

I can't think of anyone more fit to play Ted Bundy none other than Zac Efron. The resemblance Efron has with the serial killer is uncanny. Efron is a charming, devilish and disturbed Bundy. No doubt this film will be his best.

 The former "Disney Channel" star has certainly outdone himself, with his "Disney" days behind him, Efron has been kept busy and this is just perhaps Efron's best performance of his career. Opposite Efron, is Lily Collins, who tells the events of the film as the girlfriend of Bundy. Collins gives an outstanding performance and is just as entertaining as Efron.

Even for those who remember the trials of Ted Bundy, this film will serve as a reminder and as a history lesson to those not around to know of this evildoer. The films title is a direct quote from Judge Edward Cowart and needless to say, these crime are indeed as it shows. This film is one of the most thrilling films of the year.

Photo Courtesy of Netflix

Rate: A

Director: Joe Berlinger

Starring: Zac Efron, Lily Collins, Haley-Joel Osment, John Malkovich and Kaya Scodelario. 

MPAA Rating: R-(for disturbing/violent content, some sexuality, nudity and language) 

Synopsis: Elizabeth Kloepfer refused for years to acknowledge that her boyfriend was a serial killer. Her partner, Ted Bundy, became famous in the 1980s for committing several heinous crimes against women, despite her disbelief, who watched passively as the murders were unleashed from a very unique perspective.

Runtime: 1 Hour & 50 Minutes 

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

After last years devastating events that took place in "Infinity War", fans now get to witness the "Endgame". 11 years and 22 films, it all comes down to this final epic conclusion to an unforgettable trophy case of films. As if the events of "Infinity War" weren't emotional enough, this direct follow-up is just as emotional, maybe if not more than the "Infinity War". This film is everything if not more than what I expected. It's the perfect conclusion to a magnificent saga of films. You'll laugh, cry and scream, this film will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. After 10 years of amazing films, this is the end. This is an amazing conclusion and serves as the best "MCU" film of all time.
   
There is no one more capable to play our heroes. They have brought these iconic characters to life in such a remarkable way. This is what makes these films so enjoyable, is the cast. If it weren't for the cast in this film, we wouldn't have come to love these characters. The emotional investment fans have had all these years is palpable once you see this film.

Directing sibling-duo Joe & Anthony Russo have been making thrilling entries in the "MCU" for over 5 years, starting with the Captain America sequel "The Winter Soldier". Ever since, they have made undeniably entertaining films, this film is no exception. This is perhaps one of their best films. It's got heart, humor and heart-pounding action that fills this film to the brim.

"Endgame" has some of (if not the best action in any "Marvel" film since 2016's "Captain America: Civil War". It's exciting and jam-packed with action that's unlike any of the preceeding films in the "Marvel" filmography.

To keep the film on its toes, returning composer Alan Silvestri, booms back in the screen. Silvestri crafts another stunning, thrilling and epic score that is perhaps just as exciting as the film it so fittingly serves. Silvestri's now iconic "Avengers" theme is a staple in its own right because of how well it fits into the film. His score and themes will no doubt reign supreme in "Marvel" cinematic history.

Could there be anyone else more deserving of playing baddie Thanos no other than Josh Brolin. Brolin is the perfect choice to play him because he plays the evil doer in such a menacing and hell bent way that is no doubt exciting. Brolin's Thanos is quite possibly the best villain in any "Marvel" film thus far.

I've said it once, I'll say it again, this is the perfect ending to a magnificent filmography. It is bittersweet, it's fun and absolutely emotional from start to end. With a hulk-sized runtime of 3 hours, this is perhaps the best 3 hours I've ever spent at the cinema, perhaps ever. So, with all that to say, I just want to extend my utmost thanks and applause to everyone at "Marvel" for creating not only outstanding films for us all these years, but for making this the grandest-of grand finales in the history of any film franchise, and quite honestly, the grandest sequel to any film ever.

Rate: A+

Directors: Joe and Anthony Russo 

Starring; Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan, Danai Gurira, Bradley Cooper, Josh Brolin

MPAA Rating: (PG-13-(For sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and some language)

Synopsis: Adrift in space with no food or water, Tony Stark sends a message to Pepper Potts as his oxygen supply starts to dwindle. Meanwhile, the remaining Avengers -- Thor, Black Widow, Captain America and Bruce Banner -- must figure out a way to bring back their vanquished allies for an epic showdown with Thanos -- the evil demigod who decimated the planet and the universe.

Runtime: 3 Hours & 2 Minutes 

Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios

SHAZAM! (2019)

No, this is not the same as the music finding app of the same name. Let me just take a moment to applaud the folks at "DC Films", because this film is straight up their most entertaining film yet. It's unexpected, the humor is outstanding and the action sequences are awesome. This film is one of the studios best in recent years and one of the best origin films. The films dynamic of enjoyment and fun is palpable. It's fresh and new, something that I think "DC Films" so desperately needs.

"DC Films" can be a hit or miss, but this is definitely a massive hit. This film doesn't even have to try to entertain and excite audiences, because it's so natural. Its eloquent embrace of fun and excitement deem this film worthy of multiple viewings. You can't get enough, you will be wanting more even after the credits start rolling. 

Director David Sandberg is a comic genius. The film is practically a comedy. "DC Films" don't usually have the signature style of comedy that "Marvel" has. If the studio had this kind of approach at trying to establish their own brand of comedy with films prior to this, their films wouldn't have been both a box office flop or another dull entry for DC.  

With solo superhero films on the rise, the lead actors cast as the hero are filling big shoes of iconic characters. This film is no different. Lead Zachary Levi lives up to the name of this iconic character in one of his best performances and not only that, but one of the most enjoyable in that of a DC film. 

Alongside Levi, are "IT" star Jack Dylan-Grazer, Mark Strong "Kingsman" and Disney Channel's  Asher Angel. The two teen actors blend right into this film with heart and comedy. Mark Strong is menacing in this film as the villain. He adds a more dark tone to the film. 

Scoring the film, is Benjamin Wallfisch. Wallfisch makes the film just as enjoyable as the film itself. With it being an action film, this score blends right into it, while being a fast paced and lively compilation of a score. 

The film not only has genuine hilarity, but it also has killer action sequences, which mainly involves the title character. The action in the film also blends right into the comedic aspects of this film. This film is also got a sense of heart at the helm. The heart of the film is the actors and the chemistry they have while on-screen. Grazer and Levi have an impeccable sense of it. 

Solo superhero films have recently become all the rave. With this film adding to the mix, there's no telling what can and cannot be classified as a solo superhero film. There's no end insight to the solo superhero film craze and it won't die down anytime soon, because this buddy-buddy action film is one to see. 

Photo Courtesy of DC Films

Rate: A 

Director: David F. Sandberg 

Starring: Zachary Levi, Jack Dylan-Grazer, Asher Angel and Mark Strong

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of action, language, and suggestive material)

Runtime; 2 Hours & 12 Minutes 

Synopsis: We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson's (Asher Angel) case, by shouting out one word--SHAZAM!--this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam (Zachary Levi), courtesy of an ancient wizard. Still a kid at heart--inside a ripped, godlike body--Shazam revels in this adult version of himself by doing what any teen would do with superpowers: have fun with them! Can he fly? Does he have X-ray vision? Can he shoot lightning out of his hands? Can he skip his social studies test? Shazam sets out to test the limits of his abilities with the joyful recklessness of a child. But he'll need to master these powers quickly in order to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Strong).

Captain Marvel (2019)

Superhero origin films just keep on coming. With recent hits like Wonder Woman" being the first female superhero film, Marvel finally gets a female superhero film of its very own. This film is an absolute triumph in its own right. Playing the titular character and newcomer to the MCU, is Brie Larson (21 Jump Street and Room)  who plays the heroine in exciting fashion. Larson is exquisite in the role as the alien/Air Force pilot that kicks major ass. This film is exciting and with Marvel's signature fashion of dazzling special effects and action sequences, this makes out as one of the best films from "Marvel" as far as origin films goes.

As I previously mentioned, Brie Larson does an outstanding job as the heroine, but not only that, her costars: Samuel L. Jackson (playing a younger Nick Fury) Clark Gregg (playing a younger Phil Coulson), Ben Mendelsohn, Jude Law and a scene-stealing feline are all just as a great part of this film as the main character is.

This film offers stunning action sequences to which its stars carry out in a fun and exciting way. Not only that but the visuals are also quite impressive. Meanwhile, you have some killer de-aging going on with Fury and Coulson, respectively. Then audiences can finally see how the iconic soon-to-be S.H.I.E.L.D director got that killer eye patch.

Thanos ain't going to know what hit him, come next months Endgame, when we see the powers of Captain Marvel side-by-side with the non-dust avengers.

Directing duo Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck make this film as enjoyable as can be. They burst into the superhero scene and craft an entertaining film that is as nostalgic as its 1990's backdrop. Not only is this film entertaining and visually appealing, its got its fair share of comedy to it. This is mostly in part because of the scene stealing cat, whose name pays homage to Tom Cruise's film "Top Gun".

This film does have a few bumps though. The film starts off quite slow but gets better as the film goes on. This later on makes the film bounce back into a more positive direction.

Since the passing of comicbook creator icon Stan Lee, audiences yearn for the remaining cameos of the late legend. This film and the opening Marvel Studios logo pay homage to Lee in an emotional send off.

This is one of the first films to have girl power not just on screen and in the directors chair, but also crafting the films score. In fact, this film marks as the first Marvel film to be directed and scored by two women. That in itself is an accomplishment. Turkish composer Pinar Toprak bursts her score on the screen. She crafts a score that's electric, vibrant and peaceful.

This film marks one of the best that Marvel has to offer. With superhero origin films on the rise, this film takes the cake. Yeah, granted that we have already seen the origins of our favorite superheroes already but that doesn't stop us from wanting more films like these. Despite a slow beginning, this film introduces the title character and Brie Larson to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, (MCU) in an exciting fashion that is a sight to see. And as the first film I've seen released this year, so far, some films are going to have a tough act to follow.

Rate: B+

Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios

Directors: Ryan Fleck & Anna Boden

Starring: Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Clark Gregg, Ben Mendelsohn, Jude Law and Lee Pace

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and brief suggestive language)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 5 Minutes 

Synopsis: The story follows Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe's most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races. Set in the 1990s, Captain Marvel is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Oscars 2019 Winners

*Winners indicated in Bold

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
WINNER
RAMI MALEK
Bohemian Rhapsody
NOMINEES
CHRISTIAN BALE
Vice
BRADLEY COOPER
A Star Is Born
WILLEM DAFOE
At Eternity's Gate
VIGGO MORTENSEN
Green Book
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
WINNER
MAHERSHALA ALI
Green Book
NOMINEES
ADAM DRIVER
BlacKkKlansman
SAM ELLIOTT
A Star Is Born
RICHARD E. GRANT
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
SAM ROCKWELL
Vice
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
WINNER
OLIVIA COLMAN
The Favourite
NOMINEES
YALITZA APARICIO
Roma
GLENN CLOSE
The Wife
LADY GAGA
A Star Is Born
MELISSA MCCARTHY
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
WINNER
REGINA KING
If Beale Street Could Talk
NOMINEES
AMY ADAMS
Vice
MARINA DE TAVIRA
Roma
EMMA STONE
The Favourite
RACHEL WEISZ
The Favourite
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
WINNER
SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE
Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
NOMINEES
INCREDIBLES 2
Brad Bird, John Walker and Nicole Paradis Grindle
ISLE OF DOGS
Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Rales and Jeremy Dawson
MIRAI
Mamoru Hosoda and Yuichiro Saito
RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET
Rich Moore, Phil Johnston and Clark Spencer
CINEMATOGRAPHY
WINNER
ROMA
Alfonso Cuarón
NOMINEES
COLD WAR
Łukasz Żal
THE FAVOURITE
Robbie Ryan
NEVER LOOK AWAY
Caleb Deschanel
A STAR IS BORN
Matthew Libatique
COSTUME DESIGN
WINNER
BLACK PANTHER
Ruth Carter
NOMINEES
THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS
Mary Zophres
THE FAVOURITE
Sandy Powell
MARY POPPINS RETURNS
Sandy Powell
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS
Alexandra Byrne
DIRECTING
WINNER
ROMA
Alfonso Cuarón
NOMINEES
BLACKKKLANSMAN
Spike Lee
COLD WAR
Paweł Pawlikowski
THE FAVOURITE
Yorgos Lanthimos
VICE
Adam McKay
DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)
WINNER
FREE SOLO
Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, Evan Hayes and Shannon Dill
NOMINEES
HALE COUNTY THIS MORNING, THIS EVENING
RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes and Su Kim
MINDING THE GAP
Bing Liu and Diane Quon
OF FATHERS AND SONS
Talal Derki, Ansgar Frerich, Eva Kemme and Tobias N. Siebert
RBG
Betsy West and Julie Cohen
DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT)
WINNER
PERIOD. END OF SENTENCE.
Rayka Zehtabchi and Melissa Berton
NOMINEES
BLACK SHEEP
Ed Perkins and Jonathan Chinn
END GAME
Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman
LIFEBOAT
Skye Fitzgerald and Bryn Mooser
A NIGHT AT THE GARDEN
Marshall Curry
FILM EDITING
WINNER
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
John Ottman
NOMINEES
BLACKKKLANSMAN
Barry Alexander Brown
THE FAVOURITE
Yorgos Mavropsaridis
GREEN BOOK
Patrick J. Don Vito
VICE
Hank Corwin
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
WINNER
ROMA
Mexico
NOMINEES
CAPERNAUM
Lebanon
COLD WAR
Poland
NEVER LOOK AWAY
Germany
SHOPLIFTERS
Japan
MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
WINNER
VICE
Greg Cannom, Kate Biscoe and Patricia Dehaney
NOMINEES
BORDER
Göran Lundström and Pamela Goldammer
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS
Jenny Shircore, Marc Pilcher and Jessica Brooks
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)
WINNER
BLACK PANTHER
Ludwig Goransson
NOMINEES
BLACKKKLANSMAN
Terence Blanchard
IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK
Nicholas Britell
ISLE OF DOGS
Alexandre Desplat
MARY POPPINS RETURNS
Marc Shaiman
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)
WINNER
SHALLOW
from A Star Is Born; Music and Lyric by Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt
NOMINEES
ALL THE STARS
from Black Panther; Music by Kendrick Lamar, Mark “Sounwave” Spears and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith; Lyric by Kendrick Lamar, SZA and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith
I'LL FIGHT
from RBG; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
THE PLACE WHERE LOST THINGS GO
from Mary Poppins Returns; Music by Marc Shaiman; Lyric by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman
WHEN A COWBOY TRADES HIS SPURS FOR WINGS
from The Ballad of Buster Scruggs; Music and Lyric by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
BEST PICTURE
WINNER
GREEN BOOK
Jim Burke, Charles B. Wessler, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly and Nick Vallelonga, Producers
NOMINEES
BLACK PANTHER
Kevin Feige, Producer
BLACKKKLANSMAN
Sean McKittrick, Jason Blum, Raymond Mansfield, Jordan Peele and Spike Lee, Producers
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
Graham King, Producer
THE FAVOURITE
Ceci Dempsey, Ed Guiney, Lee Magiday and Yorgos Lanthimos, Producers
ROMA
Gabriela Rodríguez and Alfonso Cuarón, Producers
A STAR IS BORN
Bill Gerber, Bradley Cooper and Lynette Howell Taylor, Producers
VICE
Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Adam McKay and Kevin Messick, Producers
PRODUCTION DESIGN
WINNER
BLACK PANTHER
Production Design: Hannah Beachler; Set Decoration: Jay Hart
NOMINEES
THE FAVOURITE
Production Design: Fiona Crombie; Set Decoration: Alice Felton
FIRST MAN
Production Design: Nathan Crowley; Set Decoration: Kathy Lucas
MARY POPPINS RETURNS
Production Design: John Myhre; Set Decoration: Gordon Sim
ROMA
Production Design: Eugenio Caballero; Set Decoration: Bárbara Enríquez
SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)
WINNER
BAO
Domee Shi and Becky Neiman-Cobb
NOMINEES
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
Alison Snowden and David Fine
LATE AFTERNOON
Louise Bagnall and Nuria González Blanco
ONE SMALL STEP
Andrew Chesworth and Bobby Pontillas
WEEKENDS
Trevor Jimenez
SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)
WINNER
SKIN
Guy Nattiv and Jaime Ray Newman
NOMINEES
DETAINMENT
Vincent Lambe and Darren Mahon
FAUVE
Jeremy Comte and Maria Gracia Turgeon
MARGUERITE
Marianne Farley and Marie-Hélène Panisset
MOTHER
Rodrigo Sorogoyen and María del Puy Alvarado
SOUND EDITING
WINNER
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
John Warhurst and Nina Hartstone
NOMINEES
BLACK PANTHER
Benjamin A. Burtt and Steve Boeddeker
FIRST MAN
Ai-Ling Lee and Mildred Iatrou Morgan
A QUIET PLACE
Ethan Van der Ryn and Erik Aadahl
ROMA
Sergio Díaz and Skip Lievsay
SOUND MIXING
WINNER
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
Paul Massey, Tim Cavagin and John Casali
NOMINEES
BLACK PANTHER
Steve Boeddeker, Brandon Proctor and Peter Devlin
FIRST MAN
Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montaño, Ai-Ling Lee and Mary H. Ellis
ROMA
Skip Lievsay, Craig Henighan and José Antonio García
A STAR IS BORN
Tom Ozanich, Dean Zupancic, Jason Ruder and Steve Morrow
VISUAL EFFECTS
WINNER
FIRST MAN
Paul Lambert, Ian Hunter, Tristan Myles and J.D. Schwalm
NOMINEES
AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR
Dan DeLeeuw, Kelly Port, Russell Earl and Dan Sudick
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN
Christopher Lawrence, Michael Eames, Theo Jones and Chris Corbould
READY PLAYER ONE
Roger Guyett, Grady Cofer, Matthew E. Butler and David Shirk
SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY
Rob Bredow, Patrick Tubach, Neal Scanlan and Dominic Tuohy
WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
WINNER
BLACKKKLANSMAN
Written by Charlie Wachtel & David Rabinowitz and Kevin Willmott & Spike Lee
NOMINEES
THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS
Written by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?
Screenplay by Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty
IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK
Written for the screen by Barry Jenkins
A STAR IS BORN
Screenplay by Eric Roth and Bradley Cooper & Will Fetters
WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
WINNER
GREEN BOOK
Written by Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly
NOMINEES
THE FAVOURITE
Written by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara
FIRST REFORMED
Written by Paul Schrader
ROMA
Written by Alfonso Cuarón
VICE
Written by Adam McKay

Photo Courtesy of AMPAS