From 'Ex Machina' to 'Spy,' Underrated Movies on Our Oscars Wishlist

This story first appeared in the Nominations/SAG/Golden Globes issue of TheWrap magazine.

It’s the season when observers turn from “What a terrible year for movies” to “How can I possibly narrow down my list of favorites?” on a dime, so it’s inevitable that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is going to leave some deserving honorees off its shortlists. As voting begins, here are some noteworthy entries from 2015 on our Oscars wishlist, mentioned in the hopes of upping their chances to make it to the big show.

BEST PICTURE
“Ex Machina”
This directorial debut from “Brit pack” novelist-turned-screenwriter Alex Garland faces a number of hurdles, from its early-in-the-year release to the fact that if only one genre film makes it, it’s most likely going to be “Mad Max: Fury Road.” But if there can be room for a second non-Oscar-bait movie, it should certainly be this one; the writing is taut and unpredictable, the three lead performances are outstanding and the film incorporates visual effects as an invisible yet indispensable element of the storytelling.

Also Read: Why 'Ex Machina' Visual Effects Artists' Motto Was 'More Bang for the Buck'

BEST ACTOR
David Thewlis, “Anomalisa”
There has never, ever been a nominated performance from an animated film, not even when Disney/Pixar mounted a campaign for Ellen DeGeneres in “Finding Nemo.” But Thewlis — as a character who’s relatable even when he’s despicable — merits award-season attention. (As do his co-stars Jennifer Jason Leigh and Tom Noonan.)

BEST ACTRESS
Juliette Binoche, “Clouds of Sils Maria”
Kristen Stewart deserves all the praise she’s gotten from critics groups (and the Césars) for her work in Olivier Assayas‘ gorgeous drama, but the film’s lead is no less captivating in a role that’s just as complex. There have been many movies about aging actresses, but Binoche finds new tones and insights for her performance.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Sam Elliott, “Grandma”
For decades, Sam Elliott has walked on screen and played Sam Elliott brilliantly, but here’s a film in which he’s asked to portray someone entirely different. It’s a powerful, vulnerable, subtle piece of acting that reaffirms this reliable supporting player as one of the real treasures of American movies.

Also Read: Lily Tomlin on Her 'Grandma' Character: 'It's Just Sort of in My DNA' (Video)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Rose Byrne, “Spy”
Comic turns are generally ignored by this august body, but this category occasionally honors great practitioners of the craft. After stealing scenes in “Bridesmaids” and “Neighbors,” Byrne explodes with full force here, snarling with villainy while exchanging brutally barbed banter with Melissa McCarthy.

BEST DIRECTOR
Andrew Haigh, “45 Years”
Haigh has established himself as a skilled observer of the human heart, from the gay love stories of “Weekend” and HBO’s “Looking” to this subtle, devastating observation of a lengthy heterosexual marriage that threatens to become unglued by new revelations and old regrets.

Click here to read the rest of the Nominations/SAG/Golden Globes issue of TheWrap magazine

29 Oscar Contenders Voters and Fans Need to See

"Spotlight" A contender for Best Picture, director and screenplay -- as well as the supporting acting categories.
Open Road Films
"The Martian" Ridley Scott may have his best shot at an Oscar with this sci-fi drama, which is also a contender for Best Picture. Matt Damon is in the hunt for Best Actor as well.
Twentieth Century Fox
"Carol" Todd Haynes' period romance is getting lots of buzz for major categories, particularly for stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.
The Weinstein Company
"Room" Brie Larson is a favorite in the Best Actress race, and there's chatter for co-stars Jacob Tremblay and Joan Allen.
A24
"Joy" David O. Russell movies are consistent awards bait, and Jennifer Lawrence is poised to earn her third consecutive nomination.
Annapurna Pictures
"The Revenant" Alejandro G. Inarritu's dark revenge tale is getting lots of awards traction, particularly for Leonardo DiCaprio's performance.
Twentieth Century Fox
"Brooklyn" Saoirse Ronan is a strong contender for Best Actress, and there's much love for John Crowley's old-fashioned period drama.
Fox Searchlight Pictures
"Straight Outta Compton" F. Gary Gray's biopic of the rap group N.W.A boasts some of the best reviews of the year, including raves for newcomer Jason Mitchell as Eazy-E.
Universal Pictures
"Mad Max: Fury Road" The National Board of Review winner for Best Picture is a long-shot outside of technical categories, but it could surprise in the picture, directing or actress categories.
Warner Bros
"Steve Jobs" Aaron Sorkin is a likely nominee for his adapted screenplay, and Michael Fassbender is a strong contender for Best Actor.
Universal Pictures
"Suffragette" Carey Mulligan is in the hunt for Best Actress for her role in this historical drama about the battle for British women to get the vote.
Focus Features
"Inside Out" Pixar's hit could become the first animated movie to earn a Best Picture nod since 2011's "Toy Story 3."
Pixar Studios/Walt Disney Pictures
"The Danish Girl" Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander are getting major buzz for their performances in a period drama with a topical transgender twist.
Focus Features
"Bridge of Spies" You can never count out Steven Spielberg, particularly when he reteams with star Tom Hanks. Look out for Mark Rylance in supporting actor race
Amblin Entertainment/Walt Disney Pictures
"Beasts of No Nation" Cary Joji Fukunaga's gritty drama about African child soldiers has drawn raves, but most overcome its limited theatrical release by Netflix.
Netflix
"Son of Saul" The Hungarian Holocaust drama is a frontrunner in the foreign-language film race but could also score nods in other categories.
Sony Pictures Classics
"The Hateful Eight" Quentin Tarantino's Western is getting the usual Oscar talk, particularly for his screenplay and supporting actress Jennifer Jason Leigh.
The Weinstein Company
"Concussion" Will Smith has won early acclaim for his performance as the doctor who discovered CTE, the brain injury experienced by so many former NFL players.
Columbia Pictures
"The Big Short" Adam McKay's fact-based comic drama boasts a starry cast and major topicality, boosting its awards profile.
Paramount Pictures
"Creed" Ryan Coogler's reboot of the "Rocky" franchise has drawn raves, and Sylvester Stallone's supporting turn as boxer-turned-coach could earn him a supporting actor nod.
Warner Bros
"Youth" Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel and Jane Fonda are all in the mix in acting categories for Paolo Sorrentino's indie.
Fox Searchlight Pictures
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" J.J. Abrams' top-secret blockbuster should dominate in technical categories but could pull off a surprise in Best Picture
Lucasfilm/Disney
"Trumbo" Jay Roach's biopic of the blacklisted Hollywood screenwriter is drawing attention for the performances of Bryan Cranston as well as Helen Mirren as gossip columnist Hedda Hopper.
Universal Pictures
"99 Homes" Michael Shannon and Andrew Garfield are generating talk for their performance in the Ramin Bahrani- directed drama.
Lionsgate
"Anomalisa" Charlie Kaufman's stop-motion animated film could pull off a surprise in the Animated Feature category.
Paramount Pictures
"Mr. Holmes" Ian McKellen is angling for his third Oscar nomination for playing an aging Sherlock Holmes in Bill Condon's movie.
Roadside Attractions
"45 Years" Veteran actress Charlotte Rampling could score her first nomination for playing half of a couple preparing for their 45th wedding anniversary.
Sundance Selects
"Grandma" As an acerbic woman helping her granddaughter as she faced an unplanned pregnancy, Lily Tomlin could score her first nomination since 1975's "Nashville."
Sony Pictures Classics
"Love & Mercy" Paul Dano and John Cusack have both won acclaim for playing the younger and older versions of troubled Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson.
Roadside Attractions