Every Movie You Need to Watch Before Oscar Season Starts (P1)

Most of the major film festivals have concluded, which means we're on the cusp of the pivotal Oscar movie season. What this means is that both the multiplexes and art houses are going to be stuffed with movies that, if you want to be a part of the cultural conversation, you're just going to have to see.But what about the movies from the earlier part of 2017 that could still be contenders? Here's everything you need to see before Oscar season consumes us all.

'GET OUT'

Universal has already primed the pump for a full-court Oscar campaign for this beloved, button-pushing horror film, with a lavish party that coincided with the home video release. And really this is the type of film that should be recognized by the Academy -- it was a certifiable smash, captured the zeitgeist, and commented on current social and political issues with tact, grace, and wit.Also, "Get Out" was scary as hell

THE BEGUILED'

While Sofia Coppola took home the Best Director Award at Cannes this year, rarely does that cross over to Academy acceptance. But with the right campaign, "The Beguiled" could connect. It's something of a crowd pleaser -- a kicky, kitschy delight with a cast full of strong female actresses that could each warrant a nomination (Nicole Kidman is probably the safest bet). It also has superb direction, cinematography, and the like.The movie is just now hitting home video, so maybe the additional awareness will help its chances. This one is very much a question mark, but an intriguing one nonetheless.

BABY DRIVER'

No one would argue that "Baby Driver" is anything less than spectacular. This movie is a feat. If the movie doesn't at least score nominations for editing, sound effects, sound effects editing, and cinematography, well, it would be a bigger crime than anything that happens in this zooming caper.The problem with "Baby Driver" is that, for all of its jaw-dropping awesomeness, it's not exactly loaded with memorable or noteworthy performances, which would probably be essential in pushing it over the line. It's hard to think of a movie better directed than "Baby Driver," but Edgar Wright will probably have to wait for another shot at the prize.

DUNKIRK'

Christopher Nolan's World War II epic, a staggering feat of formal and emotional complexity, is the closest thing we've got to a sure-fire Oscar frontrunner. Not only is it an immaculate piece of filmmaking from one of the current greats, but everybody saw it, too. "Dunkirk" is one of those rare audience favorites that could also be an Academy Awards heavy hitter.While it probably won't make much of an impact in the acting categories (which could spell doom for it on the whole, but we can get into that later), it will certainly feature heavily in the Best Picture and Best Director races -- and many below-the-line categories (cinematography, sound effects editing, etc.) That's the power of Nolan.

'VICTORIA & ABDUL'

The sweet historical drama from Stephen Frears probably won't make a huge impact on the major awards but never count out Judi Dench. Not only is she a beloved figure readily embraced by the Academy, but in "Victoria & Abdul" she gives the kind of sweet, nuanced performance that is catnip for voters. (It's also the first time she has played Queen Victoria since "Mrs. Brown.") Counting her out would be a huge mistake, especially since the movie is the perfect thing to watch at home -- cozy, easily digestible, and fun.

BLADE RUNNER 2049'

While clearly the long-awaited "Blade Runner" follow-up had trouble connecting with audiences on opening weekend, don't count it out when it comes to the Oscars. At the very least "Blade Runner 2049" is a virtually unparalleled technical achievement and a nomination (and potential win) for cinematographer Roger Deakins is all-but-assured.There have also been rumblings that Harrison Ford could lock down a nod for his returning role as android hunter Deckard, with many drawing comparisons to the nuanced elder statesman nomination Sylvester Stallone took for "Creed." The Academy clearly loves director Denis Villeneuve based on the nominations "Arrival" claimed last year. Also, by the time voting comes around, many more people will have seen this instant classic.