SURPRISE OF THE YEAR

*WINNER* TICK, TICK... BOOM!

Upon finishing Tick, Tick... Boom!, my jaw hit the floor. Lin-Manuel Miranda's direction isn't just surprising for a first-time film director, but the ingenious way he remixed Jonathan Larson's original, never-before-heard musical numbers from Superbia with newly arranged songs from the Tick, Tick... Boom! rock monologue is something I don't think I've ever seen before in a mainstream musical adaptation. - James

CRUELLA

Nothing about Cruella’s marketing made it feel like it was for me, a 40-year-old heterosexual man. However, the killer soundtrack, fantastic costume design, and campy punk rock vibe that permeates the film won me over quickly, proving that you shouldn’t judge a book by its (Disney) cover. - Quentin

ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE

In theory, "The Snyder Cut" was a fun idea that no one expected to come to fruition, let alone be a drastic upgrade on 2017's Justice League. The realization of Zack Snyder's vision is a four hour epic that improves every aspect of the original film and creates one of the best entries in the DCEU. Had this version been the one originally released, it likely would have gotten the sequel it deserved. - Nick

FEAR STREET

Netflix surprised us all with this bloody gem of a film series by dropping each part of the trilogy week by week, making it appointment viewing for all horror fans! It’s a fun slasher that pays plenty of homage to the genre, featuring stellar kills, heart, and a rad soundtrack. Overall, everyone involved did a killer job! My personal favorite of the year. - Paige

PIG

The most revolutionary thing about Michael Sarnoski’s brilliant Pig is its innate tenderness. When it begins, one feels a sense of vengeance enter the frame, but that sense soon gives way to a sort of anti-violence. It refuses to turn its main character into a monster, challenging what the viewer might want for him. With Nic Cage’s best performance in decades carrying it all the way through, this love story is sure to make your heart ache. - Jacob

BREAKOUT ARTIST

*WINNER* JEYMES SAMUEL (THE HARDER THEY FALL)

In his directorial debut, Jeymes Samuel managed to create one of the best films of 2021, not to mention the best western in at least half a decade. Samuel is clearly influenced by Quentin Tarantino, but The Harder They Fall isn’t just another stylistic ripoff. It feels like Samuel has taken the next step to evolve the QT-style, and I’m here for whatever that means going forward. - Quentin

DANIELA MELCHIOR (THE SUICIDE SQUAD)

Going into The Suicide Squad, I figured we’d get some new vigilantes to join the squad, but not in a million years did I think we’d get one with as much heart as Rat Catcher 2.0. Daniela Melchior shines and steals every scene she is in. Be on the lookout for her because she’s a star in the making! - Paige

WOODY NORMAN (C’MON C’MON)

Joaquin Phoenix is one of this generation's best actors, and newcomer Woody Norman stands alongside him throughout the entirety of C’mon C’mon. Norman brings an authenticity to his performance well beyond his years, and it will be interesting to see where the young actor goes next. - Nick

ALANA HAIM (LICORICE PIZZA)

After viewing Licorice Pizza, you wouldn’t think that this was Alana Haim’s debut performance. The journey of self-discovery that Alana (the character) goes through in this movie is anchored perfectly by Haim, who makes you laugh as well. - Adriano

FRAN KRANZ (MASS)

Not once in Mass does there ever seem to be a misplaced word of dialogue or an ounce of nuance missing. The fact that this is Fran Kranz’ debut script (and directorial debut) makes that notion all the more staggering. Who would have thought one of the stars of The Cabin in the Woods was holding this spectacular screenplay in his back pocket? He created an essential watch for 2021. - Jacob

HIDDEN GEM

*WINNER* MASS

Mass is a special film. The four central performances are beyond spectacular, and the entire script is just so gut wrenching. The film goes beyond the four walls it takes place in with a discussion on a topic rarely tackled in film. It may not make you feel great, but it’s a worthwhile experience. - Adriano

BOSS LEVEL

Just when you thought another Groundhog Day knock-off would be a forgettable B-movie, Boss Level comes in and smacks you in the face with great action, humor, and a surprising amount of heart. If not for some big blockbusters, this might become your favorite action flick of the year. - Amarú

NOBODY

If somebody had told me that Bob Odenkirk did an action movie with Christopher Lloyd, I would've thought you were referencing a joke in an episode of Better Call Saul. You can imagine my surprise when I found out Nobody was a real film and is actually bloody hilarious. If you like pastiche violence coupled with dry wit and over-the-top action sequences, this is one hidden gem you need to see. - James

PIG

A movie about a man and his pet pig may not seem like the most intriguing film of the year, but, my god, if you haven’t seen Pig, you are truly missing out on something unique. This beautiful portrayal of loss and love anchored by Nicolas Cage's raw performance is a must see! - Paige

THE OUTSIDE STORY

The Outside Story is a grounded and charming film that never feels a need to push for laughs. Brian Tyree Henry steps into the lead role with the same success he's found as a supporting actor, while Sunita Mani (coming off another hidden gem Save Yourselves!) makes sure to provide the laughs. A real "feel-good" film. - Nick

BEST MUSIC

*WINNER* CRUELLA

Any movie loaded with songs by Queen, Blondie, Iggy Pop, The Clash, Supertramp, The Bee Gees, Nina Simone, and Florence + the Machine, tied together with Nicholas Britell’s excellent score, has to be one of the best soundtracks of the year right?! The music in this film is its own character…a character that simply rocks! - Paige DUNE

The first thing one hears in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune is sound. The next thing is music. One thing becomes immediately clear as Hans Zimmer’s masterful score begins to echo through the walls of wherever one views the film – each and every moment, character, and planet have their own unique signatures. One cannot forget the sounds of Arrakis, nor the departure from Caladan, and each sequence in which the music is heavily featured is only elevated by the sounds supporting it. - Jacob

THE HARDER THEY FALL

The Harder They Fall’s soundtrack features hip-hop, soul, and R&B, which may seem like obvious and easy choices for an all black western; However, the “how” and “when” those songs are used in the film set the tone perfectly, as well as project the undeniable swagger of a gunslinger in the Wild West, regardless of race. - Quentin

THE SUICIDE SQUAD

The Suicide Squad blends James Gunn’s badass taste in music with John Murphy’s awesome score with exceptional results. This movie makes “Just A Gigolo” by Louis Prima the perfect song to play over Harley Quinn gruesomely killing people while also having a scene where trillions of rats save the day to the sounds of a phenomenal rock orchestra. Need I say more? - Adriano

IN THE HEIGHTS

The music of In the Heights varies from energetic ensemble pieces to personal, heartfelt solo pieces. The film successfully brings the music from the stage play to the cinematic sphere with ease. - Joseph

LAUGH OUT LOUD AWARD

*WINNER* THE SUICIDE SQUAD

While action packed and incredibly violent, The Suicide Squad also manages to be flat out hilarious. It’s ability to take extremely dark subject matter and infuse it with hysterical one-liners and an absurd amount of irreverance is unlike anything else released in 2021. Plus, you’ve got a dimwitted, anthropomorphic shark with a dad bod and jorts. What more do you need? - Quentin

THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES

I wasn't expecting my biggest laughs this year to come from robot sidekicks, a giant Furby, and a… loaf of bread? But here we are. Consistently funny throughout, this is a film all ages can appreciate. - Nick

FREE GUY

Ryan Reynolds has not run out of goodwill for his schtick just yet!! Free Guy has legitimate gut-busting laughs and consistent chuckles. Reynolds himself is still a gem, but next to Jodie Comer and Lil’ Rel Howery, the smile never leaves your face. - Amarú

DON'T LOOK UP

No film used comedy as a weapon this year as much as Don’t Look Up. Adam McKay’s satire shows us the horrifying consequence of our collective denialism, but somehow makes us laugh in the process by simply showing us how silly we are for doing it. - Adriano

VACATION FRIENDS

John Cena proves himself a comedic tour de force while Lil Rel Howery plays perfect contrast to him. Vacation Friends is endlessly entertaining and filled with constant laughs. - Joseph

ADRENALINE AWARD

*WINNER* THE SUICIDE SQUAD

James Gunn took a property the DCEU had already run into the ground and revitalized it top-to-bottom. But in order to marvel at its heart and laugh at its humor, one has to believe in what’s on screen. Nowhere is it more evident that Gunn believes in the material than in the thrilling action sequences, which are not only some of the DCEU’s best, but some of the best in comic book movie history. - Jacob NOBODY

Do you remember the first time you saw John Wick and said “more… give me more”? Well, Nobody puts those words right back in your mouth. Watching Bob Odenkirk whoop all the ass is something I didn’t realize I needed so much in my life. - Amarú

DUNE

Being a sci-fi film about power, Dune already has your adrenaline pumping. But add in some Spice, and you’re feeling the intensity of this film flowing through your veins. The scope and ambition of this visually thrilling adaptation hooks you and keeps you on the edge of your seat for the sequel. - Paige

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME

Spider-Man: No Way Home features the web-swinging fun we've come to expect from a Spider-Man film. However, this time around, the action is epic in scale, while some scenes had me clutching my arm rests in terror. - Adriano

BOSS LEVEL

With a premise as simple as Smokin’ Aces meets Groundhog Day, Boss Level is a playground of stylized action sequences, featuring gunplay, sword fights, car chases, fisticuffs, and explosions. This movie is a hard rock song in motion. - Quentin

NIGHTMARE AWARD

*WINNER* A QUIET PLACE PART II

By the end of the first A Quiet Place, I wondered how John Krasinski's team could maintain the tension when it seemed like their protagonists were safe. Part II took away that feeling of safety and brought back the nail biting, slow-burn fear from the first film. The opening sequence alone is something straight out of my childhood nightmares. - James

FEAR STREET

A three part film spanning 300 years from a first time director and featuring a relatively unknown cast is highly ambitious, yet Fear Street absolutely nails it. It's the perfect blend of homage to the films that came before it and an intriguing mystery. Throw in some gruesome kills and this satisfied all my horror needs. - Nick

TITANE

No film this year made me squirm the way Titane did. While the story is oddly heartfelt, Titane goes hard when it comes to its body horror, daring you to keep your eyes on the grotesque scenes at play. - Joseph

DON'T LOOK UP

Regardless of how one feels regarding the execution of Don’t Look Up’s satirical commentary on the real world, there is one thing on which we can perhaps universally agree: it’s a nightmare wrapped in a comedy cloak. When one gets past the humor and absurdism, a lot of what takes place fits with what might happen in the real world around an event like this, and it’s that thought that makes this one of the most terrifying films of the year. Just because the metaphor is obvious doesn’t make it wrong. - Jacob

THE NIGHT HOUSE

Led by the underrated Rebecca Hall, who delivers a gripping performance, The Night House offers us some of the best atmospheric horror that is both spine chilling and emotional. If you haven’t seen this supernatural thriller, get ready to be spooked! - Paige

BEST ENSEMBLE

*WINNER* MASS With all four of its main actors giving awards worthy performances, Mass is the ideal ensemble. Jason Isaacs, Ann Dowd, Martha Plimpton, and Reed Birney manage to all stand out on their own while also working with each other seamlessly. Together they provide the most remarkable showing of 2021. - Nick

THE HARDER THEY FALL

Despite having so many characters and opportunities for weak links, The Harder They Fall‘s ensemble is probably the best of any Western I’ve seen. Each actor shines in their own way and breathes life into their character. - Joseph

THE SUICIDE SQUAD

The Suicide Squad is a movie that falls apart if the ensemble isn't game enough to handle writer/director James Gunn’s wackiness. Thankfully, even the smallest characters are scene stealers. It’s genuinely hard to pick a stand out here, as they’re all so much fun to watch. - Adriano

DON'T LOOK UP

Although I had some issues with the movie overall, absolutely none of those were linked to what the cast was doing. A Murderer’s Row of A-list talent that boasts something like 742 collective Oscar nominations, everyone plays their character with aplomb, which is only made better by the fact that several of them are playing so against type. Meryl Streep doing Anchorman-style improv? Yes, please. - Quentin

DUNE

There may not be a prettier assembled cast in the last 20 years than what you see in Dune. They’re as beautiful as director Denis Villeneuve’s visuals, but NEITHER hold a candle to how perfect each actor embodies their character. It’s going to be hard to pick a favorite out of the numerous powerhouse performances, so I’ll just say mine was from Javier Isaac Timothee Momoa Ferguson. - Amarú

BEST ANIMATED PICTURE

*WINNER* THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES

Lord & Miller should probably produce animated features from here to eternity because when they attach their names to one, that film changes the landscape of animated features for the foreseeable future and beyond. Their latest, The Mitchells vs the Machines, is a Best PICTURE worthy story with unique animation and one-of-a-kind characters you will instantly love. - Amarú

ENCANTO

Encanto made me smile like a doofus the entire time. It’s a beautifully colourful celebration of family and the culture it’s representing, with amazing animation and wonderful, toe-tapping songs. - Adriano

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON

I honestly didn't expect much from Raya and the Last Dragon, but the team behind this film really went the extra mile with their storytelling. Raya's message of trust in a world divided by suspicion and fear is extraordinarily powerful and particularly relevant amidst the reign of COVID-19 - James

LUCA The visuals in Luca show Pixar’s dedication to showcasing different art styles. Whether it be the Italian seaside town of Portofino or Luca’s daydreams, Luca is a feast for the eyes and a smorgasbord of artistic talent. - Joseph

FLEE

I have never had an animated film inspire or move me in quite the way Flee does. This story could only ever be told in animation, and the fact that it’s a Danish film and a documentary gives it additional hurdles to clear when connecting with audiences – it clears them with ease. It’s masterfully directed, edited, and told at a time when the person telling it could not be more relevant. If Mass is the first of two films in 2021 I would deem essential viewing, this is the second. - Jacob

BEST DIRECTOR

*WINNER* DENIS VILLENEUVE (DUNE)

Dune is nothing short of a technical marvel. Denis Villeneuve takes us to a completely different world, one that doesn’t feel similar to what we’ve seen before in any way. Every single aspect of this film is firing on all cylinders from a technical standpoint, creating a once in a lifetime experience (until he does it again with the sequels). - Adriano

JEYMES SAMUEL (THE HARDER THEY FALL)

Jeymes Samuel delivers one of the most stylish westerns I have ever seen, and he is reinventing the genre with his directorial debut The Harder They Fall. Samuel is breaking barriers, and I can’t wait to see what this man has up his sleeve for his next film! Be on the lookout... - Paige

EDGAR WRIGHT (LAST NIGHT IN SOHO)

Wright transports you back in time with this stylish and haunting love letter to the 1960s. His signature style oozes throughout, and he gets fantastic performances out of Thomasin McKenzie and the rest of his cast. Another special film in Wright's selective filmography. - Nick

JANE CAMPION (THE POWER OF THE DOG)

Occasionally, directing is about scale, spectacle, and inspiring a sense of awe. Other times, it’s about control. There is not a single shot, line, or performance in The Power of the Dog that feels as if director Jane Campion sat back and just let it happen. This is very much her story to tell, and in telling that story, one can feel her fingerprints guiding where everything is going. Lucky for us, she’s a master storyteller. - Jacob

FRAN KRANZ (MASS)

It’s not the easiest thing to make a 90-minute conversation visually interesting, but Fran Kranz has done just that. The actors and constantly shifting camera make Mass a must watch. - Joseph

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

*WINNER* ANN DOWD (MASS)

Ann Dowd's performance as a mother struggling with both grief and regret is something that’ll stick with you long after the movie is over. Her gut wrenching monologue at the end is more than enough to make this performance one of the year's best. - Adriano

AUNJUNUE ELLIS (KING RICHARD)

King Richard may be the Will Smith show, but no one is as up to the challenge of bringing him down to earth as Aunjanue Ellis. She has one noisy scene where she gets to chew the scenery, but the power of her performance is in all the quieter moments. She’s fully engaged with everything that’s going on in these moments, but never in the way or overpowering the room – a true support if ever there was one. - Jacob

RUTH NEGGA (PASSING)

In Passing, Ruth Negga conveys so much about her character through tiny glances and subtle gestures that she barely needs the classical dialogue that she delivers so eloquently. She creates a beautifully realized character struggling with internal fragility while outwardly projecting confidence as she questions who she really is. It’s not a showy performance, but it speaks volumes. - Quentin

ANA DE ARMAS (NO TIME TO DIE)

With limited screen time, Ana de Armas left quite an impression in the newest Bond film. She was a contrast to the type of woman 007 typically crosses paths with, and by the end of the film, was the most intriguing spin-off option for the franchise. We want more Paloma! - Nick

MARTHA PLIMPTON (MASS)

While Mass is more of an ensemble piece, Martha Plimpton shines as she displays a multitude of emotions and showcases her depth and talent. Plimpton’s performance is truly one of 2021’s best. - Joseph

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

*WINNER* JASON ISSACS (MASS)

Mass boasts four terrific performances, but for me, Jason Isaacs steals the show. His ability to vacillate between anger and calmness; stoicism and vulnerability; acceptance and denial; and being a man who has all the information yet none of the answers is a masterclass. It’s just a man at a table with his dialogue. Pure acting at it’s finest. - Quentin

TROY KOTSUR (CODA)

Give my man the Oscar now!!! The pure joy, authenticity, excitement, and outright humanity Troy Kotsur puts into his performance in CODA is palpable. There isn’t any actor you will root for more this year and, quite possibly, for years to come. - Amarú

JON BERNTHAL (KING RICHARD)

Jon Bernthal gave the true standout performance of King Richard. While Bernthal typically gives off tough guy machismo, his portrayal of tennis legend Rick Macci is incredibly friendly and likable. It’s a welcome change of pace, and shows that Bernthal can shine outside of the action genre. - Joseph

WOODY NORMAN (C’MON C’MON)

Woody Norman is British - when I learned this, my opinion of his performance grew immensely. Here’s this kid, with such a flawless American accent that no one thinks for a second he’s not from the United States, acting his ass off against one of the most seasoned performers of his generation and the reigning Best Actor winner. Their bond is what fuels the film, and if the child actor isn’t good in a film that’s made or broken on that kind of bond, the film crumbles. Luckily, Woody Norman is not only a great actor – he may have given the best performance of 2021, full stop. - Jacob

LAKEITH STANFIELD (THE HARDER THEY FALL)

There are a lot of tough characters in The Harder They Fall, but no one exudes "cool" like Stanfield's Cherokee Bill. His screen presence is menacing, yet composed and calculated, which just adds to the intrigue of the character. The perfect foil to the Nat Love Gang. - Nick

BEST ACTRESS

*WINNER* KRISTEN STEWART (SPENCER)

Each movement, gesture, and breath of Kristen Stewart in the wonderfully realized Spencer evokes Princess Diana to such a degree that one might occasionally forget that they’re watching a performance. It’s such a multi-layered performance that it’s in danger of being taken for granted, but it’s easily a career-best for the former Twilight star. - Jacob

NICOLE KIDMAN (BEING THE RICARDOS)

Nicole Kidman doesn’t immediately disappear into the role of Lucille Ball like some actors do in biopics (Jamie Foxx in Ray, for example), but she’s able to instantly capture Ball’s firecracker essence that hits on a deeper level. She ably bounces between Ball’s onscreen goofball persona and the more in-control, behind-the-scenes person she actually was. By the end, Kidman is gone and all you see is Ball. - Quentin

THOMASIN MCKENZIE (LAST NIGHT IN SOHO)

In her first role as a leading lady, Thomasin McKenzie doesn't miss one single beat. She nails not just the quiet insecurities and growing confidence of the character, but also her absolute terror as she experiences the evil underneath Soho. A mesmerising performance. - Adriano

EMILIA JONES (CODA)

CODA lives and dies on whether the title character can bring you into a world that is so rarely seen on screen, and it absolutely lives through Emilia Jones. An endearing performance that is both joyous and heartbreaking, Jones is the lynchpin that makes CODA’s heart beat. - Amarú

OLIVIA COLMAN (THE LOST DAUGHTER)

Olivia Colman continues to prove that she is one of the best working actresses today! With an Oscar win already, she may have another on her way thanks to her breathtaking performance in The Lost Daughter. Honestly, Colman doesn’t even need words in a role to shine, as the expressions on her face quietly capture all emotions. - Paige

BEST ACTOR

*WINNER* ANDREW GARFIELD (TICK, TICK... BOOM!)

Sometimes it takes the right performance to turn you around on an actor, and that's what Tick, Tick… Boom! did for me with Andrew Garfield. He commands the screen every minute he's on it, whether he's acting or singing, in the best showing of his career. This is the kind of performance that is bound to build his fandom. - Nick

NICOLAS CAGE (PIG)

As you may know, I’m an unashamed Nic Cage fan, but it’s his performances in movies like Pig that remind you he is an Oscar winner and two time nominee. He does the opposite of what you tend to expect from him, giving a restrained performance that makes you feel every bit of his character’s regret, loss, longing, and soulfulness. This should be the start of his resurgence in the public eye. - Quentin

WILL SMITH (KING RICHARD)

Biopic Will Smith is undefeated. First, it was Ali. Then, it was Chris Gardner. And when it comes to portraying the polarizing figure that is Richard Williams, Smith puts his entire soul into it. He is powerful, all consuming, and forceful in every scene because he pours love into every word he speaks. - Amarú

SIMON REX (RED ROCKET)

Simon Rex went from being an MTV VJ to the guy in the Scary Movie franchise to now being in talks for one of the best performances of the year. Rex proves he can act, and Red Rocket helps let that talent shine! He gives a magnetic performance, which is one of my favorites of this year. - Paige

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH (THE POWER OF THE DOG)

Cumberbatch's performance as cowboy Phil Burbank is a real one-two punch. You'll love Phil and you'll despise him, which is all thanks to Cumberbatch's acting. Starting off as a caricatured, psychologically-abusive misogynist, you'll be surprised at the twists and turns Cumberbatch delivers with this character. - James

BEST PICTURE

*WINNER* CODA

CODA (Children Of Deaf Adults) is, hands down, the best film of the year! It’s a warm and beautiful coming-of-age gem that aims directly for the heart and hits the bullseye! The cast is phenomenal and the story is touching, so get ready to laugh, cry, and everything in between because this film is a love letter to family! - Paige

DUNE As a fan of Frank Herbert's seminal novel, Dune is more than I could've ever hoped for in a film adaptation. With a fully realized world where you can see every moving part fit together, Dune is that rare film where every member of the creative team brought something unique and beautiful to the story. No description of this film can do it justice. You have to see it to believe it. - James

THE HARDER THEY FALL

Cool. That’s all that needs to be said about director Jeymes Samuel’s feature film debut. The Harder They Fall is a thrill ride down to its very core, with effervescent performances, enthralling visuals, captivating music, and a revenge story that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. Every once in a while a piece of art fills your entire spirit, and The Harder They Fall fills it to the brim. - Amarú

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME

Between the rumors, the hype, and the sheer fact that it was a new Spider-Man movie, there were impossible expectations for No Way Home. Somehow, it managed to exceed those expectations by being funny, action-packed, and most of all, emotional. It’s an amazing standalone movie and trilogy capper (superhero genre or otherwise), and in the broader context of the MCU, a true game changer too. - Quentin

TICK, TICK... BOOM! Tick, Tick… Boom! is something special. My first impression was just that it was a good musical, but as I mulled it over, it really stayed with me. Director Lin-Manuel Miranda really brought Jonathan Larson’s story to life while paying tribute to the minimalist style in which it originated. The storytelling, visuals, and acting are a masterclass on how to adapt and make a film. - Joseph