Best Oscar-Winning Movies Of 2017: A Cinematic Journey

Hey guys! Let's dive into the amazing world of the 2017 Oscars and explore some of the best movies that took home the golden statuettes. The year 2017 was a fantastic time for cinema, filled with powerful stories, stunning visuals, and unforgettable performances. From heartwarming dramas to thrilling adventures, the Oscar-winning films of 2017 truly had something for everyone. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let’s take a cinematic journey back to that incredible year!

Spotlight on the Best Picture Winner: Moonlight

Moonlight, directed by Barry Jenkins, emerged as the Best Picture winner in 2017, and it's easy to see why. This coming-of-age drama tells the story of Chiron, a young African-American man, as he navigates identity, sexuality, and acceptance across three defining chapters of his life. Moonlight is not just a film; it's an experience. The movie's strength lies in its ability to capture the raw and vulnerable moments of human existence with profound sensitivity and authenticity. Jenkins masterfully uses visual storytelling, with each frame painted with emotion, drawing viewers into Chiron's world. The performances are nothing short of breathtaking, with actors like Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, and Mahershala Ali delivering nuanced and deeply affecting portrayals. Ali, in particular, won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as Juan, a drug dealer who becomes an unlikely mentor to young Chiron. The beauty of Moonlight is in its subtlety. It doesn't rely on grand gestures or dramatic confrontations; instead, it finds power in the quiet moments, the unspoken words, and the fleeting connections between characters. This intimate approach allows the audience to truly connect with Chiron's journey and feel the weight of his struggles and triumphs. The film's exploration of masculinity is particularly poignant. Moonlight challenges traditional notions of what it means to be a man, presenting a more nuanced and compassionate view. Chiron's vulnerability and his search for identity resonate deeply in a society that often pressures individuals to conform to rigid gender roles. In addition to its powerful storytelling, Moonlight is also a visual masterpiece. The film's use of color, light, and shadow creates a dreamlike atmosphere that enhances the emotional impact of the narrative. The cinematography is both beautiful and evocative, capturing the vibrant energy of Miami and the introspective nature of Chiron's inner world. Moonlight's win at the Oscars was a monumental moment for independent cinema and for representation in Hollywood. It proved that films with diverse stories and perspectives can resonate with audiences on a universal level. The movie's success opened doors for more filmmakers to tell their own unique stories and helped pave the way for a more inclusive and representative film industry.

La La Land: A Musical Dreamscape

While Moonlight took home the Best Picture award, La La Land was undoubtedly one of the most talked-about films of 2017. Directed by Damien Chazelle, this musical romantic drama is a vibrant and nostalgic tribute to the golden age of Hollywood. La La Land tells the story of Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a jazz musician, who meet and fall in love while pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles. The film is a visual feast, filled with colorful costumes, stunning dance sequences, and memorable musical numbers. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling deliver captivating performances as Mia and Sebastian, respectively. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and they perfectly capture the hope, ambition, and heartache of pursuing a creative career. Stone won the Best Actress Oscar for her role, and her heartfelt acceptance speech resonated with artists and dreamers around the world. La La Land's music is one of its greatest strengths. The film's soundtrack, composed by Justin Hurwitz, is filled with catchy and emotional songs that perfectly complement the narrative. Tracks like "City of Stars" and "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)" became instant classics and won the Best Original Song Oscar. The film's dance sequences, choreographed by Mandy Moore, are equally impressive. They are both visually stunning and emotionally expressive, adding another layer of depth to the story. La La Land is not just a musical; it's a celebration of art, passion, and the pursuit of dreams. The film's message is both inspiring and bittersweet, reminding us that sometimes our dreams come at a cost. The film also explores the challenges of maintaining relationships while pursuing a demanding career, and the compromises we often have to make along the way. Despite missing out on the Best Picture award, La La Land won a total of six Oscars, including Best Director for Chazelle, making him the youngest person to win the award. The film's success solidified its place as a modern classic and cemented its legacy in the history of musical cinema. La La Land is a must-watch for anyone who loves musicals, romance, or simply a good story about following your dreams. Its vibrant visuals, catchy music, and heartfelt performances will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

Manchester by the Sea: A Portrait of Grief

Manchester by the Sea, directed by Kenneth Lonergan, is a powerful and emotionally resonant drama that explores the themes of grief, loss, and redemption. Casey Affleck stars as Lee Chandler, a troubled janitor who is forced to return to his hometown after the death of his brother. There, he must confront his painful past and become the guardian of his teenage nephew. Affleck's performance in Manchester by the Sea is nothing short of extraordinary. He delivers a nuanced and understated portrayal of a man struggling with profound grief and guilt. His performance earned him the Best Actor Oscar, and it's easy to see why. He brings a raw and authentic vulnerability to the role that is both heartbreaking and compelling. The film's supporting cast is equally impressive, with Michelle Williams delivering a particularly memorable performance as Lee's estranged wife. Her scenes with Affleck are some of the most emotionally charged in the film, and they perfectly capture the complexities of their relationship. Manchester by the Sea is not an easy film to watch. It deals with heavy and difficult themes, and it doesn't shy away from the realities of grief and loss. However, it's also a deeply moving and ultimately hopeful film. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of healing and redemption. Lonergan's direction is masterful, creating a bleak and unforgiving atmosphere that perfectly reflects Lee's inner turmoil. The film's use of flashbacks is particularly effective, gradually revealing the tragic events that led to Lee's current state. Manchester by the Sea is not a crowd-pleasing film, but it's a film that stays with you long after the credits have rolled. It's a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, and it's a testament to the power of cinema to evoke empathy and understanding. The film also won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar, recognizing Lonergan's exceptional writing and his ability to create characters that are both complex and relatable.

Other Notable Winners from 2017

While Moonlight, La La Land, and Manchester by the Sea were the biggest winners of the night, there were several other films that deserve recognition for their achievements. Here are a few more notable winners from the 2017 Oscars:

• Hacksaw Ridge: This war film, directed by Mel Gibson, tells the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who served as a medic during World War II and saved the lives of many soldiers without ever firing a weapon. The film won the Best Film Editing and Best Sound Mixing Oscars.
• Arrival: This science fiction film, directed by Denis Villeneuve, explores the themes of communication, language, and understanding. Amy Adams stars as a linguist who is tasked with deciphering the language of alien visitors. The film won the Best Sound Editing Oscar.
• Zootopia: This animated film, directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, tells the story of a rabbit police officer who teams up with a con artist fox to solve a crime in a city populated by anthropomorphic animals. The film won the Best Animated Feature Oscar.
• O.J.: Made in America: This documentary film, directed by Ezra Edelman, explores the life and trial of O.J. Simpson, as well as the broader issues of race, celebrity, and justice in America. The film won the Best Documentary Feature Oscar.

Conclusion

The 2017 Oscars were a celebration of diverse and powerful storytelling, showcasing the best that cinema had to offer. From the groundbreaking Moonlight to the vibrant La La Land and the emotionally resonant Manchester by the Sea, the Oscar-winning films of 2017 left a lasting impact on audiences and the film industry. These films reminded us of the power of cinema to evoke empathy, inspire change, and tell stories that matter. So, if you haven't already, be sure to check out these incredible films and experience the magic of the 2017 Oscars for yourself! You won't regret it!