It seems I’m late to this party…but I just kept seeing films and thinking about the list and wanting to see some more films…and at least I’m weighing in before the Oscars. Maybe that means I’m just in time for the biggest party of them all.

Remember, I don’t necessarily think of these as the “best” films of the year, though several of them are nominated for Oscars. They are my favorites of the movies I saw among last year’s crop.

In alphabetical order:

Boyhood – it is unprecedented and I love every frame. This is a remarkable film, and I love Richard Linklater for thinking of the idea and taking a chance with a bold experiement and love his ensemble of actors for going along on the journey.

Ida – one of the most beautifully photographed films I’ve seen and a Holocaust story that feels as original as it is compelling.

Maleficient – the way Maleficient fully embraces the masculine and the feminine to overcome the patriarchy is empowering. I find the film thrilling.

Obvious Child – this film reinvigorates the romantic comedy with is originality and unpredictability. There is much more here than meets the eye when considered in the context of the conventions of the genre that are referenced and overturned.

The Case Against 8 – in a year of good documentaries, this one has the strongest narrative elements for me. It’s a wonderful piece of storytelling.

The Lego Movie – is brilliant and entertaining, so watch out one-percenters. Everything in this film is AWESOME!!!

The Theory of Everything – every year there’s one conventionally made film that engages me with its craft and authenticity, and I also loved that this is Mrs. Hawking’s story (based on her memoir) as much if not more than her more famous husband’s story.

The Way He Looks – this is one of the most beautiful coming of age stories I’ve ever seen, and the fact that it addresses the challenges of disability and coming out in such a tender way endears the film to me all the more.

Whiplash – uh, wow! Knocks my socks off, is a game changer for my scholarly work on the depiction of teachers in popular culture, and is an all around amazing film. SEE THIS!

Wild – a surprisingly good telling of a story that could have gone so wrong in so many ways but for the craft in Nick Hornby’s adapted screenplay, Jean-Marc Vallée’s direction (especially the timeline transitions always perfectly motivated), and Reece Witherspoon’s strong performance.

If I had eleven, I’d add Like Father, Like Son…you really should see that one, too…