Slow-burning "Nomadland," Chadwick Boseman's final performance in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," and the outlandish "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm" are top awards contenders.

The film follows Fern (Frances McDormand) who lives like a modern-day nomad after losing everything during the recession. Zhao proves she is a master filmmaker in this slow-burning character study.

"Just taking in what Daniel was doing and channeling something out of himself, that was the strangest day for me," Plemons told Insider.

Chadwick Boseman, who plays a trumpeteer with ambitions bigger than playing behind Ma Rainey, delivers the best performance of his career.

"The biggest reason that the movie is so powerful is because of its lead, Vanessa Kirby. This is one of those movies that's beautiful and gut-wrenching all at the same time."

Starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti, the unique romantic comedy about two characters stuck in a time loop delivers non-stop laughs.

"Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, the courtroom drama will leave you feeling angry at the injustice of the world."

So scared he would mess up the role, Cohen would put on headphones before every scene and listen to Hoffman speeches.