Best Picture

SURE, THERE ARE no surprises here in the best picture list, cynics may say, but optimists see the nine films as proof of a terrific year for motion pictures — and the list could have even included three or four more films. This year, the best picture category may be more competitive than ever, featuring projects that wowed the top film festivals in 2019. “Joker’s” path to the Oscars began at the Venice Film Festival, where it took home the Golden Lion in a surprise win. Its $1 billion-plus worldwide gross also surprised the biz. “Marriage Story” also impressed audiences and critics at Venice, although it did not take home any prizes. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” competed at Cannes to much praise but didn’t earn any prize there; however, “Parasite” — the South Korean hit that grabbed a whopping six Oscar noms — took home the top Cannes award: the Palme d’or. “Jojo Rabbit” nabbed the Toronto festival’s People’s Choice Award, which has been won by eventual

Oscar winners such as “Green Book” and “La La Land.” Aside from those flashy festival players, the rest of the field is so strong, it’s going to be hard for voters to choose: “The Irishman” is being praised as Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece, while Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women” is a hit with audiences, as is James Mangold’s “Ford v Ferrari.” Sam Mendes’ “1917” might be the upsetter, though, following its Golden Globe win and strong box office after its wide release Jan. 10.