Alternative Oscars: The Nominees & Winners For Every Category

17. Best Cinematography

WINNER: Moonlight

This was a tough category to judge because it's full of beautiful looking films, and though La La Land will likely take the easy win at the actual Oscars, Moonlight's James Laxton did a far more memorable job with the actual look of his film.

Moonlight makes excellent use of light both natural and not to create a warm glow that permeates through most of the movie and gives it a very unique look while also keeping it grounded as a drama.

It's important to remember that La La Land's direction and editing are more responsible for its impressive visuals than the sheer quality of the cinematography itself (which is undeniably great), so it doesn't win out here.

RUNNERS-UP:

2. Hell or High Water

3. La La Land

4. Arrival

5. Jackie