Each week this column will highlight one winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture, progressing chronologically until all winners have been discussed. There will be a brief discussion of the film itself followed by a mention of what we wish won from the nominees in the given year (though in many cases there were films that were superior in terms of quality and/or impact that were not nominated). This week’s entry is Green Book (2018).

Representing something of a return to form for the Academy, Green Book is the kind of prestige pic with a couple solid performances, a well-crafted, though not boundary pushing production, and some important ideas at the center that are only paid lip service that once seemed about the only type of film they were interested in awarding. With the years gone by since those days, it can have a tendency to feel somewhat out of step among the other contenders which often reach deeper levels of commentary, but it’s much easier to appreciate Green Book as another comedy from the guy who made Dumb and Dumber, and a pretty hilarious comedy at that. No, it doesn’t have much of value to say, but neither does Grimsby and I still love it. Sometimes having a bit of heart and a couple laughs is enough to make me a happy guy.

The Real Best Picture:

The column is almost done so I might as well say it. Sure there were a couple better (and a couple worse) films up for it that year, but there weren’t any that I’ve thought about more since or that I’ve been able to have more great conversations about with people in my life. I’m glad it won and if you don’t like what I have to say then you can go take a shit.

Best Picture Winners 2018 academy awards best picture dumb and dumber green book grimsby oscars