10. Elysium
What Is It: Elysium stars Matt Damon as a factory worker on Earth in this futuristic sci-fier, which has become a crime and disease ridden dump. Outside of a childhood friend's daughter dying of leukemia, Max (Damon) is infected with radiation on his job leaving him with five days to live. Elysium is a world up above for the more fortunate, free from poverty, war, and illnesses complete with the ability to instantly cure anyone. Stricken with anger, it's up to a bald Matt Damon to don an exoskeleton and save himself and his loved ones complete with some badass telekinetic powers.
Why It Could Be Nominated: Elysium will inevitably appear to be the polar opposite to the other films after finishing this list but hear me out. The film may be a Hollywood blockbuster but that doesnt necessarily mean it cannot be thought provoking or provocative. It is directed by Neill Blomkamp whom graced us with District 9, another sci-fi thriller featuring provocative themes of alien social segregation. It was also nominated for Best Picture. If the Academy goes with 10 selections for Best Picture its not out of the question for Elysium to squeeze itself in. If nothing else it should receive nominations for visual effects. Sony must also have faith in the project as Elysium is Rated R (many studios see this as box office cancer) and boasting a rumored budget of $100 million. I say we give Hollywood a gigantic middle finger by making this a success instead of a watered down PG-13 Robocop reboot. If you want smart Hollywood blockbusters to rise from the grave, give Neill Blomkamp your money.