2. Manhattan (1979)
Academy Award nominations: 2, for Best Supporting Actress (Mariel Hemingway), Best Original Screenplay (Allen) In terms of awards plaudits, Manhattan is unquestionably one of the most under-appreciated works in Allen's oeuvre, though it remains one of his most beloved and consistently acclaimed works. The most initially noteworthy aspect is, of course, its unforgettable visual style, capturing the gorgeous New York cityscapes in black-and-white. Lensed with a beautiful painterly style by cinematographer Gordon Willis, the film marks an aesthetic high-point in the director's career that remains unrivalled to this day. These crisp visuals only compliment the wonderful dialogue and outstanding performances, as Allen weaves a tale of his love for New York City, wrapped around a story in which Allen's Isaac comes to learn to have faith in people. Allen confronts complex issues of the human condition during the film's countless dialogues - who can forget the iconic scene with Diane Keaton at the Queensboro Bridge? - but does so in an immensely entertaining and heartfelt way. Marvellous.