The 2017 Academy Award™ Nominated Movies You've Gotta See Before Sunday! by Donna John

Have you seen the nine movies nominated for an Oscar™ award this year? If not, better plan some binge movie-watching time in this week! And the nominees are…

• Arrival – When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team races against time to decipher their intent. Stars Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker.
• Fences – The story of Troy Maxson, a mid-century Pittsburgh sanitation worker who once dreamed of a baseball career, but was too old when the major leagues began admitting black players. Stars Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.
• Hacksaw Ridge – The true story of Desmond Doss who, in Okinawa during the bloodiest battle of WWII, saved 75 men without firing or carrying a gun. Stars Andrew Garfield, Teresa Palmer, Sam Worthington, Vince Vaugh, Luke Bracey, Hugo Weaving and Rachel Griffiths.
• Hell or High Water – Two brothers come together to rob branch after branch of the bank that is foreclosing on their family land. Stars Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham
• Hidden Figures – Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe, this is the untold story of three brilliant African-American women working at NASA who served as the brains behind the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
• La La Land – Tells the story of Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a dedicated jazz musician, who are struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts. Stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.
• Lion – A 5-year-old boy gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, thousands of miles away from home. After surviving many challenges, he’s adopted by a couple in Australia – then sets out to find his family. Starring Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, Dev Patel and David Wenham
• Manchester By the Sea – The life of a solitary Boston janitor is transformed when he returns to his hometown to take care of his teenage nephew. Stars Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler and Lucas Hedges.
• Moonlight– A look at three defining chapters in the life of Chiron, a young man growing up in Miami. His epic journey to adulthood is guided by support, empathy and love from the most unexpected places. Stars Mahershala Ali, Alex Hibbert and Janelle Monáe.