Every Movie You Need to Watch Before Oscar Season Starts (P2)

OKJA'

Herein lies one of the biggest questions of this year -- can Netflix score an Oscar nomination? They're certainly going to try. While Sundance sensation "Mudbound" is probably their biggest play -- which doesn't come out until November. That leaves us with their other biggie, Bong Joon-ho's brilliant creature feature "Okja." (Screeners have already been mailed.) It made audiences at Cannes weep, was a social media sensation, and is a total masterpiece.The problem is that it's also really weird. So while the movie might grab nominations for below-the-line credits, like cinematography for Tak Fujimoto and visual effects, most of the major awards will be elusive and just-out-of-reach. Most of this has to do with the mixed response to the film's cartoony performances, although nothing would make me happier than a nom for Jake Gyllenhaal for his buffoonish television host.

'BATTLE OF THE SEXES'

"Battle of the Sexes" was another movie that seemed, on paper, like a potential dynamo. But critical and audience appraisal has been slightly more tepid. Still, it would be wrong to count it out entirely, especially since it is led by two terrific performances (by Emma Stone and Steve Carell) that fall into that sweet spot of being about actual historical figures and, also, being totally great.If the movie catches on more or is bumped by year-end accolades, then this could get pushed into more categories. It, like "Victoria & Abdul" should also benefit from playing just as well on the small screen as the big.

THE BIG SICK'

Could "The Big Sick" go from summer sleeper to genuine Oscar hopeful? Stranger things have happened. This sweet, based-on-a-true-story romantic comedy certainly has a lot going for it and its most vocal admirers absolutely love it. Plus, medical crises are always catnip for voters.But we wonder if the movie isn't too slight for major consideration -- and the pacing too sluggish -- to attract viewers who watch the movie at home. Either way, it's probably safe to assume that it will at least get an original screenplay nomination for the fine script by Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon.

'WONDER WOMAN'

While Fox is already campaigning for "Logan" (and are really hoping for a Hugh Jackman nomination), "Wonder Woman" seems to be the superhero epic to beat -- at least when it comes to awards glory. The movie was a huge hit, of course, but also inspired cultural discourse that few movies can touch. In a year when a number of high profile men are accused of indefensible treatment of women, it was lovely to see a lady on the big screen that didn't take guff from anyone.Not only would Academy attention bolster the somewhat tepid Warner Bros. comic book lineup but also fundamentally legitimize the genre as a whole. However, if "Justice League" sucks, look for it to drain any momentum from the "Wonder Woman" campaign.

'MOTHER!'

The response to "mother!" has been, to put it lightly, mixed. But it remains a must-see, not only because of its brilliant filmmaking on the part of Darren Aronofsky, but because it still could be an Oscar hopeful.For one, all of its technical achievements could be recognized (cinematography, production design, sound effects editing, etc.) and there's still a chance that Jennifer Lawrence's performance, as raw and fearless as anything seen on screen this year, could secure a nomination. Like Dench, the Academy absolutely loves her, so much so that they could look past the movie's polarizing response.Still, it's hard to imagine any older Academy voter sticking with the movie, especially during the gore-soaked third act.

'WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES'

It will be interesting to see if Fox pushes this for "Return of the King"-style "hey, you didn't nominate any of the other sin this beloved trilogy" recognition, or if they'll hedge their bets and just try for the technical categories. (The technical categories, primarily best visual effects, are all but assured. This makes the last film in the series look like crayon scribbles.)The biggest and most fascinating play would, of course, be for Andy Serkis' performance in "War for the Planet of the Apes" as Caesar. No actor has ever been nominated for a performance capture role (or a voice role, for that matter) so a nomination would be more than groundbreaking, it'd be downright historic. And totally deserving, to boot.