A biographical film, or biopic, is a film that dramatizes the life of a non-fictional or historically based person or people. Such films show the life of a historical person and the central character’s real name is used.
Biographical movies are slowly being accepted into the mainstream audience.With the recent Golden Globe nominations, there’s a clear pattern for the obvious winners and nomination that stands out from the rest. Hollywood Foreign Press took notice of the versatility and brilliance put into a movie and gave recognition through movie awards and acting skills. Here are some of the biopic movies that has been nominated or won for either Best Picture or Best Actor/Actress during the Oscar awards.
Spotlight, IMDb rating : 8.1/10
This inspirational true story that uncovers a new light to journalism reporting and into the issue of the news itself. In 2001, editor Marty Baron of The Boston Globe assigns a team of journalists to investigate allegations against John Geoghan, an unfrocked priest accused of molesting more than 80 boys. The Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core. The movie premiered on 2015 and was an instant blockbuster hit. It went on to win an Academy Award for Best Picture and nominated for Best Actor/Actress in a Supporting Role.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, IMDb rating: 8.4/10
With having recently won Best Motion Picture – Drama and also Best Actress and Best Actor in a Supporting Role in the Golden Globes 2018, this movie is sure to have high hopes for the upcoming Oscar awards night. Though this movie is still on the fence whether if it’s based on true events, the storyline is worth the watch. After months have passed without a culprit in her daughter’s murder case, Mildred Hayes makes a bold move, painting three signs leading into her town with a controversial message directed at William Willoughby, the town’s revered chief of police. When his second-in-command, Officer Dixon, an immature mother’s boy with a penchant for violence gets involved, the battle is only exacerbated.
12 Years of Slave, IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Winning Best Motion Picture of the Year and putting Lupita Nyong’o into Hollywood stardom with her win of Best Actress in a Supporting Role, this movie is about a free black man from upstate New York, is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the South. Subjected to the cruelty of one malevolent owner, he also finds unexpected kindness from another, as he struggles continually to survive and maintain some of his dignity. Then in the 12th year of the disheartening ordeal, a chance meeting with an abolitionist from Canada changes Solomon’s (lead actor) life forever. Directed by renowned British film director, Steve McQueen is a sure must watch!
King’s Speech, IMDb rating: 8/10
The King’s Speech is a 2010 British historical drama film that won big at The Academy Awards for Best Motion Picture of the Year and brilliant performance for Best Actor by Colin Firth is what makes this movie superb. England’s Prince Albert must ascend the throne as King George VI, but he has a speech impediment. Knowing that the country needs her husband to be able to communicate effectively, Elizabeth hires Lionel Logue, an Australian actor and speech therapist, to help him overcome his stammer. An extraordinary friendship develops between the two men, as Logue uses unconventional means to teach the monarch how to speak with confidence.
I, Tonya, IMDb rating: 7.7/10
This controversial true story about a professional and competitive figure skater, Tonya Harding whose life been good as she rises amongst the ranks at the U.S Figure Skating Championship, until one day those good days is shattered her ex-husband intervenes and tries to eliminate her rival.In this movie also can be seen the brutal and pressuring mum she has to endure to get to where she is. I, Tonya won Best Actress in a Supporting Role and certainly a run for our money to win big for the Academy Awards.
Gandhi, IMDb rating: 8.1/10
This acclaimed biographical drama presents major events in the life of Mohandas Gandhi, the beloved Indian leader who stood against British rule over his country. Dedicated to the concept of nonviolent resistance, Gandhi is initially dismissed by English officials, including the influential Lord Irwin, but eventually, his cause become internationally renowned, and his gatherings of passive protest move India towards independence. This incredible film won Best Picture at the Academy Awards and act by the highly sort after actor, Ben Kingsley.
What’s your best biopic movies that you’ve watched?