Movies from 2018 dominating this awards season

Nominations: 2
Wins: 0
Director(s): Yarrow Cheney, Scott Mosier

Though it scored 58% on Rotten Tomatoes and only has a Metascore of 51, “Dr. Seuss' The Grinch” still earned more than $500 million at the international box office. The animated, inspired by the beloved Dr. Seuss book, featured the voice acting of Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones, and Pharrell Williams.

Nominations: 2
Wins: 0
Director(s): Anne Fletcher

Staring Danielle Macdonald and Jennifer Aniston, “Dumplin'” is the story of a plus-sized woman who signs up for her former beauty queen mother's Miss Teen pageant. There aren't any box office numbers for this indie darling, as it's a Netflix original movie. But critics and fans hailed the movie as it received 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song by Dolly Parton.

Nominations: 2
Wins: 0
Director(s): David Yates

The latest theatrical installment by renowned “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling, “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” takes audiences on a wild ride through Rowling's wonderful wizarding world. The movie stars Johnny Depp, Eddie Redmayne, and Zoë Kravitz, and earned more than $600 million at the box office despite a 38% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metascore of 52.

Nominations: 2
Wins: 0
Director(s): Ari Aster

Starring Toni Collette, Milly Shapiro, Alex Wolff, and Gabriel Byrne, “Hereditary” is one of the most critically acclaimed movies of the year. When the family matriarch dies, a grieving family is haunted by cryptic disturbances. The film received an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metascore of 87, but brought in nearly $80 million at the box office—a tidy sum for its $10 million budget.

Nominations: 2
Wins: 0
Director(s): Luca Guadagnino

"Suspiria" is a fantasy/horror remake set within a dance company, where dark secrets are revealed. Starring Dakota Johnson and Tilda Swinton, the movie garnered positive to mixed reviews, with a 64 Metascore and a disappointing box office result of $6.3 million against a $20 million budget.

Nominations: 2
Wins: 0
Director(s): Jason Reitman

In their third collaboration, director Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody (“Juno,” “Young Adult”) team up with actress Charlize Theron in a dramatic comedy about a struggling mother of three and their nanny (played by Mackenzie Davis). “Tully” earned high praise from critics, scoring 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, but fell short at the box office with only $15.6 million in receipts.

Nominations: 3
Wins: 0
Director(s): Matthew Heineman

Based on a Vanity Fair article, “A Private War” is a biopic about the life and career of war correspondent Marie Colvin (played by Rosamund Pike) whose mission was to give voice to the voiceless. Though the movie was critically lauded—89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic, with a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for Pike—it failed to make waves at the box office.

Nominations: 3
Wins: 0
Director(s): Julian Schnabel

Willem Dafoe's portrayal of Vincent van Gogh earned him an Oscar and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in the visually stunning “At Eternity's Gate.” The movie received high praise from critics with a Metascore of 78 and 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. Though it wasn't a big box office draw, the movie did win Dafoe the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival.

Nominations: 3
Wins: 0
Director(s): Joel Edgerton

Starring Lucas Hedges, Russell Crowe, and Nicole Kidman, “Boy Erased” is the true story of a Baptist preacher's son sent to a gay conversion program. The film was nominated for multiple Golden Globes and was critically favored with a Metascore of 71 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 80%.  

Nominations: 3
Wins: 0
Director(s): David Leitch

"Deadpool 2" was bigger, bolder, and zanier than its predecessor, which translated to mega box office results, solid critical reception, and multiple award nominations. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, and Morena Baccarin, the sequel follows a mutant gang of heroes who come together to protect a young boy with supernatural powers.

Nominations: 3
Wins: 0
Director(s): John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein

“Game Night” follows a group of friends whose regular weekly get-together turns into a real-life mystery when a fake kidnapping goes wrong. The movie, starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, was a hit amongst critics and moviegoers alike, scoring 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and hauling in more than $117 million at the box office.

Nominations: 3
Wins: 0
Director(s): Mamoru Hosoda

Japanese animated film “Mirai” is about a boy who discovers a magical garden that allows him to travel through time. The film, starring the voice acting talents of Rebecca Hall and John Cho, has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, scored 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, and earned a Metascore of 81.

Nominations: 3
Wins: 0
Director(s): Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck

“Never Look Away” is a historical thriller about an artist who flees to West Germany after WWII and paints about the traumas surrounding the conflicts on both sides of the Berlin Wall. The German-language film, starring Tom Schilling and Sebastian Koch, has been nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film and garnered modest critical acclaim with a Metascore of 67.

Nominations: 3
Wins: 0
Director(s): Boots Riley

“Sorry to Bother You”—which addresses topics of capitalism, race, and inequality—stars Lakeith Stanfield as a telemarketer dealing with the dichotomy of financial success and morality. The movie was critically acclaimed, garnering multiple awards and nominations across the industry.

Nominations: 4
Wins: 0
Director(s): Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

"Avengers: Infinity War" picks up where "The Avengers" and "Avengers: Age of Ultron" left off. The sequel brings together favorite heroes, including Robert Downey, Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Chris Evans as Captain America, and Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther as they fight the evil Thanos in order to save the universe. The movie was critically acclaimed and a box office juggernaut, grossing more than $2 billion worldwide.

Nominations: 4
Wins: 0
Director(s): Felix Van Groeningen

Based on multiple memoirs, “Beautiful Boy” is the tale of a father and a son dealing with addiction. Starring Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet, the movie received positive to mixed reviews from critics with a 68% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metascore of 62, but Chalamet's performance earned the young actor a Golden Globe nomination.

Nominations: 4
Wins: 0
Director(s): Nadine Labaki

“Capernaum” is a Lebanese drama about a young boy who sues his parents for neglect. The drama stars Zain Al Rafeea and Yordanos Shiferaw, and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film. Though it failed to succeed at the box office, the film has achieved critical success with an 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metascore of 74.

Nominations: 4
Wins: 0
Director(s): Rich Moore, Phil Johnston

One of the biggest box office hits of the year, “Ralph Breaks the Internet” is the heartwarming sequel to the 2012 megahit “Wreck-It Ralph,” which follows a misunderstood video game villain who travels through the internet to save a classic arcade game. The animated hit stars John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Gal Gadot, and Taraji P. Henson, and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film.

Nominations: 4
Wins: 0
Director(s): Steven Spielberg

The film adaptation of the New York Times bestseller “Ready Player One” was directed by Steven Spielberg and starred Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, and Lena Waithe. The movie follows ordinary teen video game enthusiast Wade (a.k.a. “Parzival”) as he sets out to win the ultimate prize in an online gaming competition before players from an evil corporation do. The film wasn't nearly as well-reviewed as the book, but fans flocked to theaters, and the movie made nearly $600 million.

Nominations: 4
Wins: 0
Director(s): Hirokazu Kore-eda

"Shoplifters" was one of the best-rated movies of 2018, as it earned a 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 93 on Metacritic. The Japanese-language film follows small-time crooks who inadvertently add a young child to their hectic and dramatic lives. Starring Lily Franky and Sakura Andô, the movie has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Nominations: 4
Wins: 0
Director(s): Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

The Netflix original movie “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” was written and directed by the award-winning Coen brothers. The film follows a series of six vignettes from the Wild West, and stars Tim Blake Nelson, James Franco, Liam Neeson, Tom Waits, and Zoe Kazan. Critics gave the movie a 79 on Metacritic, and a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” has been nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Song.

Nominations: 4
Wins: 0
Director(s): Steve McQueen

“Widows” is a crime thriller that follows four widows whose husbands' criminal pasts have left them in debt. Starring Viola Davis, Elizabeth Debicki, and Michelle Rodriguez, the movie was a critical hit. It was also directed by Academy Award-winning director Steve McQueen ("12 Years a Slave").

Nominations: 5
Wins: 0
Director(s): Brad Bird

Pixar Animation Studio's long run of box office success continued robustly with the release of “Incredibles 2.” Starring Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, and Samuel L. Jackson, the film follows the super family as they save the world from super-villain Screenslaver. The animated hit earned more than $1.2 billion at the box office, received a Metascore of 80, and has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film.

Nominations: 5
Wins: 0
Director(s): Jon S. Baird

“Stan & Ollie” is a biopic that chronicles Hollywood duo Laurel and Hardy in post-war Britain on the final theater tour of their careers. The laugh-out-loud comics are played by the equally funny Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly (who was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy). While the film won the hearts of critics, it failed to make headway at the box office, bringing in just over $2 million.

Nominations: 3
Wins: 1
Director(s): Paul Schrader

Paul Schrader is one of the best-known writer/directors in cinema history, penning classics like "Taxi Driver," "Raging Bull," "The Last Temptation of Christ," and many others. His latest drama, "First Reformed," stars Ethan Hawke and Amanda Seyfried, and follows a small-town minister confronting a haunting past in the wake of tragedy. The movie earned Schrader an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, and was a hit amongst critics, achieving an 85 on Metacritic.

Nominations: 3
Wins: 1
Director(s): Christopher McQuarrie

Hailed by fans and critics as one of the most exciting movies of the year, “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” is a non-stop thrill ride starring Tom Cruise. The movie is the sixth installment in the franchise, and follows Ethan Hunt and his IMF Team (played by Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg) as they uncover a sinister plot to steal plutonium. The movie was a box office smash, raking in nearly $800 million around the world.

Nominations: 8
Wins: 0
Director(s): Pawel Pawlikowski

With three Oscar nominations, a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, and a Metascore of 91, “Cold War” is one of the most critically acclaimed movies of 2018. A romantic tale set against the backdrop of Cold War Europe, the Polish drama stars Joanna Kulig and Tomasz Kot. “Cold War” wasn't just nominated for Best Foreign Film; it also received nominations for Best Director and Best Cinematography—a rarity for a Foreign Film.

Nominations: 8
Wins: 0
Director(s): Josie Rourke

“Mary Queen of Scots” is a period piece that delves into the drama, conspiracies, and betrayals of two royal cousins in 16th century Britain. The film centers on the rivalry between Mary Stuart (played by Saoirse Ronan) and Queen Elizabeth I (played by Margot Robbie). “Mary Queen of Scots” received an uneven response from critics and moviegoers, only achieving a 60 on Metacritic, and earning nearly $30 million at the box office.

Nominations: 5
Wins: 1
Director(s): Björn Runge

Starring Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce, “The Wife” follows a married couple as they travel to Sweden to receive the husband's Nobel Prize. Close won a Golden Globe for her performance and was nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of a woman who questions her life choices. The film wasn't a major box office hit, but critics were enthusiastic, as the movie earned an 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metascore of 77.

Nominations: 9
Wins: 0
Director(s): Wes Anderson

"Isle of Dogs" is the tale of a Japanese boy searching for his canine companion in a semi-dystopian future. Directed by award-winner Wes Anderson and starring the voices of Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Murray (among a large star-studded cast), the movie earned $64 million at the box office, and was a favorite of critics and audiences alike, with 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film has also been nominated for two Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Animated Feature Film.

Nominations: 6
Wins: 1
Director(s): Bo Burnham

In his directorial and screenplay debut, Bo Burnham tells the story of story Kayla (played by Elsie Fisher), a girl navigating the challenges of middle school. “Eighth Grade” is one of the highest-rated movies of the year, earning a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metascore of 90. Fisher was nominated for a Golden Globe, and the film won multiple awards at festivals around the country.

Nominations: 4
Wins: 2
Director(s): Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, Robert Persichetti Jr.

Starring the voices of Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, and Nicolas Cage, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is an animated action movie about a group of Spider-heroes who travel through different dimensions to save the world. The movie was a hit with critics (Metascore of 87), judges (Golden Globe winner for Best Animated Feature and Oscar nominee for the same), and fans ($327 million at the box office).

Nominations: 8
Wins: 1
Director(s): Jon M. Chu

Adapted from the New York Times best-selling book, “Crazy Rich Asians” is a romantic comedy about a couple from different worlds. The movie follows Rachel (Constance Wu) as she heads to Singapore to visit the family of uber-wealthy boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding). The movie, which featured an all-Asian cast, earned more than $238 million at the box office and achieved a Metascore of 74, making it a favorite of moviegoers and critics.

Nominations: 9
Wins: 1
Director(s): John Krasinski

Fans know John Krasinski from his role as Jim Halpert on the TV series “The Office.” But Krasinski is no one-trick pony, which he proved by writing, directing, and starring in “A Quiet Place.” Krasinski stars alongside his wife Emily Blunt in a post-apocalyptic world where dangerous beasts kill. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing, and earned a Metascore of 82.

Nominations: 13
Wins: 0
Director(s): Marielle Heller

Melissa McCarthy portrays celebrity profiler Lee Israel in the biopic "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" Struggling to make ends meet, Israel tries to survive in an ever changing media landscape by forging letters from famous people. The movie also stars Richard E. Grant, and both actors were nominated for Golden Globes and Academy Awards for their performances. Though the film didn't do well at the box office, critics enjoyed it, as evidenced by the nominations and high Rotten Tomatoes and Metascore numbers of 98% and 87, respectively.

Nominations: 21
Wins: 0
Director(s): Rob Marshall

2018 was a good year for Emily Blunt, who starred in two of the year's biggest movies: “A Quiet Place” and “Mary Poppins Returns.” Stepping into the iconic role of Mary Poppins, Blunt steals the screen, bringing magic to the lives of the Banks family. The film was a box office hit, earning more than $300 million worldwide, along with mostly positive reviews from critics. “Poppins” is also an awards favorite, nabbing four Oscar nominations for Original Score, Original Song, Costume Design, and Production Design.

Nominations: 13
Wins: 3
Director(s): Barry Jenkins

Written and directed by Oscar winner Barry Jenkins, “If Beale Street Could Talk” is a James Baldwin adaptation that follows a Harlem woman out to prove her fiancé's innocence. Starring KiKi Layne, Stephan James, and Regina King, the drama received critical acclaim in addition to multiple awards and nominations. King won a Golden Globe for her performance, and has been nominated for an Oscar alongside Jenkins for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Nominations: 24
Wins: 0
Director(s): Spike Lee

Based on the real-life story of a black police officer who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s, “BlacKkKlansman,” is a gripping biography starring John David Washington and Adam Driver, and directed by Spike Lee. The film was a box office hit ($89 million), a critical favorite (Metascore of 83), and a nominee for six Oscars including Original Score, Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Driver), and Best Film Editing.

Nominations: 20
Wins: 2
Director(s): Bryan Singer

Though “Bohemian Rhapsody” is currently mired in controversy, Rami Malek's performance in the biopic as Queen frontman Freddie Mercury is one for the ages. Critics and award judges agree, as Malek won the Golden Globe for Best Actor and was nominated in the same category for an Academy Award.

Nominations: 23
Wins: 3
Director(s): Damien Chazelle

"First Man" is the tale of astronaut Neil Armstrong's race to become the first man on the moon. Ryan Gosling portrays Armstrong as he deals with the death of his daughter and grief of his wife, played by Claire Foy ("The Crown"). Critics enjoyed the film, which received 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metascore of 84, which helped launch it past the $100 million mark at the box office.

Nominations: 25
Wins: 3
Director(s): Ryan Coogler

Marvel Comics Universe mega-hit “Black Panther” proved a cultural phenomenon that reinforces the idea that diversity in filmmaking sells. And sell it did, to the tune of $1.3 billion at the box office. The movie stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, and Lupita Nyong'o, and was praised by critics and award judges alike. “Black Panther” was nominated for seven Academy Awards (including Best Picture) and received a Metascore of 88, making it one of the top-reviewed films of the year.

Nominations: 26
Wins: 5
Director(s): Peter Farrelly

Though it wasn't a major hit at the box office, “Green Book” was a favorite when it came to critics and awards. The film, starring Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen, follows a white driver who takes an African-American pianist through the American South in the 1960s. “Green Book” earned an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, won three Golden Globes (Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor), and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Original Screenplay.

Nominations: 36
Wins: 3
Director(s): Bradley Cooper

In his directorial debut, Bradley Cooper delivers in front of and behind the camera in this remake of the classic “A Star is Born.” The movie stars pop music legend Lady Gaga as an up-and-coming singer who marries a troubled celebrity. The movie was a major hit among film-goers and critics, earning more than $400 million at the box office and achieving a Metascore of 88. “A Star Is Born” has also been nominated for eight Academy Awards, and won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song.

Nominations: 34
Wins: 4
Director(s): Adam McKay

“Vice” is a comedy-infused biopic about the life of Dick Cheney, who rose from Wyoming oil rig-worker to the most powerful vice president in United States history. The movie stars Christian Bale as Cheney, Amy Adams as wife Lynne Cheney, Steve Carell as Donald Rumsfeld, and Sam Rockwell as George W. Bush. The movie wasn't the biggest box office hit and critics were positive to mixed, but the movie garnered eight Oscar nominations, and Bale nabbed a Golden Globe for Best Actor.

Nominations: 31
Wins: 6
Director(s): Alfonso Cuaron

Nominated for 10 Oscars and winner of Best Picture and Best Director at the Golden Globes, the Netflix original movie "Roma" is a force to be reckoned with. The film portrays an upper middle-class family and their maid in 1970s Mexico City. Directed by Oscar-winner Alfonso Cuarón, and starring Yalitza Aparicio and Marina de Tavira, "Roma" earned 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metascore of 96.

Nominations: 45
Wins: 3
Director(s): Yorgos Lanthimos

Taking place in 18th century England, “The Favourite” is the story of Queen Anne (played by Olivia Colman), her close confidant Lady Sarah (played by Rachel Weisz), and a new servant, Abigail (played by Emma Stone). A favorite of both critics and award judges, the movie earned a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, a 90 on Metacritic, and garnered 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress for Colman, and Best Supporting Actress for Weisz and Stone.