Oscars 2021: 10 Best Picture Movie Contenders

10. Da 5 Bloods

The first of three Netflix original entries on this and the first of two Vietnam War themed movies on this list, Da 5 Bloods is Spike Lee's latest project, coming hot on the heels of his acclaimed 2018 drama BlacKkKlansman, for which he won the Acadamy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

And, if Da 5 Bloods is anything to go by, it's looking like Lee is experiencing a career renaissance after a string of unsuccessful productions prior to BlacKkKlansman.

This war drama, written by Danny Bilson, Paul De Meo, Kevin Willmott and Lee, follows four veterans who return to Vietnam in search of the corpse of their fallen squad leader, as well as the treasure they buried while serving there.

Delroy Lindo's portrayal of Paul is an unforgettable performance in and of itself and demonstrates expertly how endless wars are still being fought inside of people, even decades after real ones end.

The film proves to be one of Lee's most timely and affecting as he deftly connects the political turmoil of the Vietnam War era with today's climate, all through the prism of the African-American experience. Given its relevance and ambition as well as its technical quality, Da 5 Bloods should definitely be given awards consideration.