Science and Technology go to the Oscars
All the science, technology, and sci-fi related movies at the 2019 Oscars
All the science, technology, and sci-fi related movies at the 2019 Oscars
Science and science fiction rarely play a large role in the annual Oscars nominations, and this year isn’t an exception. But there are a few science and technology-related gems that have been nominated this year.
Interpreting “science,” “technology” and “sci-fi” rather liberally, here are the films to look out for if you’re rooting for a bit of sci-tech/fiction/fantasy at the 2019 Oscars.
FIRST MAN
The most science-factual movie in this year’s lineup, and a film that looks back at the life of Neil Armstrong and his journey to be come the first man to walk on the moon.
Nominated for:
Production Design • Sound Editing • Sound Mixing • Visual Effects (winner)
ONE SMALL STEP
One Small Step is an enchanting short (8 minute) animation that captures the dreams and aspirations of a young woman to become an astronaut.
Nominated for:
Short Film (Animated)
A QUIET PLACE
I wasn’t sure whether to include A Quiet Place here, or in the Honorable Mentions below. It ended up in the main list as the movie is deeply thoughtful in how it approaches and portrays the role and nature of technology in a world where the wrong sound at the wrong time can be deadly.
Nominated for:
Sound Editing (and no, the irony is not lost on me!)
BLACK PANTHER
Even though Black Panther’s a comic-book fantasy from the Marvel universe, advanced science and technology are at the heart of the movie — along with some kick-ass science role models!
Nominated for:
Best Picture • Costume Design (winner) • Music (original score) (winner) • Music (Original song) • Production Design (winner) • Sound Editing • Sound Mixing
READY PLAYER ONE
Science fiction and video gaming meet 80’s pop culture in this adaptation of the sci-fi novel by Ernest Cline. Definitely more sci-fi than sci-reality, but it has is moments.
Nominated for:
Visual Effects
SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY
Solo sits firmly in the “let’s worry too much about reality” category of science fiction, as do most of the Star Wars movies. And, to be honest, it’s far from the best of the films coming out of this franchise. But it did have some pretty cool special effects — hence the nomination.
Nominated for:
Visual Effects
AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR
Like Black Panther, it’s stretching a point to call Infinity War science fiction. But in the genre of tech-fi (if such a thing exists) it would definitely have a place. Marvel universe fans may be bummed that this tour de force didn’t get more nominations (although there’s always this yer’s Avengers: End Game and next years’s Oscars …). But at least the awesome special effects were acknowledged.
Nominated for:
Visual Effects
SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDERVERSE
Into the Spiderverse is hardcore tech-fi (a genre I’m beginning to thing should be far more widely recognized), and an awesome blend of science, technology, fantasy, and innovative story telling.
Nominated for:
Animated Feature Film (winner)
INCREDIBLES 2
Another tech-fi rather than sci-fi movie, I was disappointed with the Incredibles sequel compared to the wonderful first movie — but many people disagree with me!
Nominated for:
Animated Feature Film
RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET
More tech fantasy than tech reality, Ralph Breaks the Internet is a smart movie that makes you think.
Nominated for:
Animated Feature Film
Honorable Mentions
There are a handful of nominees at this year’s Oscars that don’t quite qualify for having a substantial science or technology focus, but nevertheless deserve honorable mentions.
These include:
END GAME
End Game is a thoughtful and moving documentary about end of life and palliative care. It’s a film that focuses on attitudes toward dying, and how we treat those who are approaching death. But the documentary also features the professionals and care teams that work with patients and those that are close to them.
Nominated for:
Documentary (Short)
MIRAI
Mirai is a fantasy animated film, that doesn’t really have much to do with science and technology. Yet it does use the narrative device of time travel to tell the story of a young boy struggling to make sense of a life where he isn’t the center of attention. And that’s enough for an honorable mention here.
Nominated for:
Animated Feature Film
ISLE OF DOGS
I was in two minds whether to include Wes Anderson’s unusual yet oddly enchanting animation Isle of Dogs. It’s a film that doesn’t fit easily into simple movie categories. Yet look closely enough, and there’s enough technology in the story to justify including it here.
Nominated for:
Animated Feature Film • Music (Original score)