Who can believe it – it is coming to the end of awards season already with the 2017 Oscars this Sunday night. Last year brought us Leo finally winning his first Oscar for Best Actor and Spotlight picking up Best Film. But who should win this year? There has been much controversy about Amy Adams being snubbed for a best Oscar nomination and Jackie and Loving not being up for the gong.

Here at Alfred we have been making recent trips to the cinema over the past few weeks to look at this years Oscar contenders.

Gemma reviews La La Land

People think this film is just about singing and dancing but it is so much more than that (although don’t get me wrong I did download the soundtrack). It is a true coming of age love story that has you rooting for the characters from beginning to end.

Lauren reviews Manchester By The Sea

Gut wrenching is one way to describe this film, it takes you on an emotional journey as Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) returns home after a tragic accident to look after his brothers son. Beautifully shot this film is an emotional roller coaster and should in my opinion win Best Picture.

Megan reviews Fences

In regards to cinematography, story plot and quality of acting, I can definitely see why Fences made the shortlist for Best Picture. The concept of incorporating elements of the theatre productions (such as the many monologues) is different and intriguing, although personally it’s not something I was completely sold on for the big screen. I think for that reason it is very possible Fences’ doesn’t get the praise and recognition it deserves for the film as a whole but… I definitely think it will clean up for all other categories!

Hannah reviews Lion

Tissues at the ready! The story of a lost little boy and then his adult quest to find his family pulls at heart-strings you didn’t even know you had. Dev Patel’s BAFTA winning turn as grown-up Saroo was stirring, but it was 8-year-old Sunny Pawar’s performance as young Saroo which stole the show for me. Films based on true stories tend to do well at the Oscars, I’ve got my paws crossed for Lion.

Holly reviews Moonlight

My Oscar contender for 2017 Best Picture has got to be the uplifting Moonlight. This is a real heart wrenching story of a young man from a Miami neighbourhood, which is brilliantly crafted and acted. Told through three phases of the title characters life, each different from the last, in both the name and the identity the lead character assumes, “Little”, “Chiron” and “Black”. It is a tactic which the film and actors use to ask the question…’Who is you?’ Inspired by playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney’s postgraduate theatre project “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue”, the film is a true coming of age story and a total must-see!

Gabby reviews Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures tells the true story of three African-American women behind Nasa’s launch of John Glenn into orbit. The film takes place when segregation was still in effect, taking on racism and sexism whilst focusing on the three headstrong character’s everyday battles. Yet somehow, manages to keep a positive feel with funny scenes throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and believe it deserves the Oscar win for staying true to an incredible story whilst managing to keep light -hearted and entertaining.