Every 2018 Oscar Nominee Ranked From Worst To Best

39. Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Nominations: 1 - Best Actor (Denzel Washington)

Dan Gilroy's (Nightcrawler) sophomore feature is a far trickier and tougher sell than his startling debut, an intriguing yet often frustrating legal drama that rolls the dice on Washington's weirdo protagonist, and it doesn't always work.

Washington's turn is, of course, fantastic - hence the nomination - though he's definitely handicapped by a third act in particular that dabbles in contrivance and just doesn't quite live up to the compelling set-up of the first hour.

Colin Farrell and Carmen Ejogo are also rock solid in supporting roles, but overall the film swings hard and doesn't hit the home run you will so desperately want it to.