12 Awesome 2014 Movies That Deserve Best Picture (But Won't Get Nominated)

11. Calvary

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89% (7.6 average) Why It Deserves Best Picture: John Michael McDonagh's darkly hilarious drama about a priest (Brendan Gleeson) confronting his imminent murder at the hands of a disgruntled local is a searing, beautifully filmed drama boasting one of the year's best performances with Gleeson's subtle, tortured portrayal. Fine supporting work from the likes of Kelly Reilly, Aidan Gillen, Dylan Moran and Chris O'Dowd only bolsters what would be solely on the basis of Gleeson's solo work one of the year's best films. With its poetic dialogue and entrancing atmosphere, it would be great to see this under-the-radar gem be rewarded come Oscar time. Why It Won't Get Nominated: Despite getting off to a strong start at Sundance, Calvary is just too slight and minimalist to fly with Oscar voters, who typically prefer stories of an epic, sweeping scope. Sadly, with a crowded Best Actor field full of volcanic performances, Gleeson's more low-key work is sure to get shut out as well.