Four movies and people that deserve Oscar wins in 2018

2018 is almost upon us, and in that time we've seen amazing performances by actors and great movies so far in 2017. But which ones will take home a golden Academy Award?

Regardless of what you think of the Oscars, there’s a difference when it comes to what audiences believe makes a good film and Hollywood’s standards. We all know Hollywood falls into “La La Land” territory when it comes to selecting Oscars and getting them wrong.

Taking an outsider approach to the Academy Awards, here are four movies and people that deserve Oscar wins in 2018.

1) Hugh Jackman in "Logan (2017)" - Best Actor

Despite the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and it's great actors and storytelling, Hollywood as a whole is biased against superhero movies when it comes to Oscar nominations. When was the last time you saw an actor win Best Actor for starring in a superhero movie, aside from Heath Ledger as the Joker? If any actor deserves to win an Oscar for playing a superhero, it's Hugh Jackman. The man has played Logan/Wolverine for over 15 years and told Fox News that this film is very personal to him. Jackman’s commitment to Wolverine should earn him an Oscar nod.

2) “Logan (2017)” – Best Picture

The third film in the “Wolverine Trilogy” of 20th Century Fox’s “X-Men” franchise should be a finalist for the Best Picture. It sets a different tone than previous superhero films and has Hugh Jackman play an older and battle-scarred Wolverine. Instead of focusing solely on action or mindless explosions, the characters are at the center of this film. “Logan” has a good chance to be the first live-action superhero feature film to receive a Best Picture win.

3) Christopher Nolan, "Dunkirk (2017)" – Best Director

An acclaimed filmmaker, Christopher Nolan proves himself to be a master of cinema with his latest outing. He sought to recreate the historical event of WWII where Allied soldiers struggled desperately trying to get to England in order to escape the Nazis (long before America got involved in the war). Unless Hollywood listens to historically-inaccurate critics who condemned Nolan’s film for not using minorities and more women in the movie, Nolan should be a strong contender for Best Director.

4) Matt Reeves and Mark Bomback, "War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)" - Best Screenplay

Like superhero movies, science fiction films fall under the ire of Hollywood but resonate with viewers. This latest film in the “Planet of the Apes” reboot series continues to add heart and a good story for audiences. Thanks to a screenplay by Matt Reeves and Mark Bomback, the film manages to portray the apes as sympathetic characters and not portray all humans (including the soldiers) as evil. It therefore earns a shot at an Oscar win.