A handy CliffsNotes version of the nominess! Spoilers ahead.
There are nine films nominated in the category of Best Picture for the 2013 Academy Awards. Remember when there used to be five nominations? Those days are gone, and it's not as easy to see each and every film up to bat. But we've got a cheat sheet so you can keep up with the nominees this season.
Source: static.guim.co.uk
"Argo"
Main actors:
Ben Affleck plays Tony Mendez, a CIA specialist, and has an epic beard.
Bryan Cranston plays Jack O'Donnell, the CIA supervisor of Tony Mendez who kinda-sorta-sometimes sticks up for Tony.
Then there's lovably ornery film producer, Alan Arkin, and his BFF John Goodman, a Hollywood makeup artist.
As far as those pesky hostages go, there are six of them. And while no one will expect you to remember their names, you should know that out of the bunch there are two married couples.
Plot one-liner:
Based on the true story of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. The film follows Tony Mendez as he navigates CIA protocol to convince the heads of government to rescue six hostages by pretending he is prepping a bogus movie and having the hostages pose as the film crew.
Talking points:
1) Pretty much any time Goodman and Arkin are in the same room, it's funny.
How to use it in a sentence: "Ummm, you guys, maybe they should have a category for best bromance onscreen, because Arkin and Goodman would totes win it."
2) The end escape scene is riveting and leaves you on the edge of your seat: Will they escape Iran?! Will airport security stop the plane before it's able to take off? Ugh, cinematic tension!
How to use it in a sentence: "I legit couldn't breathe during the airport escape scene, you guys, because I totally saw this movie."
What does "Argo" refer to?:
Ben, Alan, and John Goodman have to find a real script to use in order to get the hostages out of Iran. So, what do they decide on? A little sci-fi film called Argo.
"Life of Pi"
