The year 2013 has been a good one for film as witnessed by the box-office revenues and the extensive choice of both dramatic, comedy and action oriented film releases.  As with every year I choose the top ten films that I think most deserve a chance for an Oscar.

Unlike other years where I found myself digging for films that had excellence in all areas necessary to make the cut, that being Story, Direction, Acting and Filming this year had too many choices.  While most of the stories that stood out were based on true incidents, there were several fictional narratives that showed keen imagination with scripts that intrigue and captivate.  But, even though audiences were not flocking to theaters to see some of the following, most of them had an excellent run.  FINALLY, I only choose ten each year, but included a paragraph listing others that deserve honorable mention.

The following are my 10 choices for the best films 2013 and Oscar worthy. 

Leonardo DiCaprio is Jordan Belfort in THE WOLF OF WALL

1. THE WOLF OF WALL STREET– (Biography/Comedy/Crime/Drama) My number one pick of the year is a true compelling story with pin point direction, excellent performances by the whole cast and top notch filming. Star standouts Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill and Kyle Chandler. Director Martin Scorsese. Cinematography. Music. Costumes. Script.

2. AMERICAN HUSTLE– (Comedy/Drama/Crime) Another true story, although highly exaggerated, comes in second in the top ten films for 2013.  The film has a very wacky story that keeps audiences mesmerized as it gets played out.  The ensemble cast has chemistry and puts on a very good show under fine direction of David O. Russell.  Star standouts Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Jeremy Renner. Director David O. Russell. Costumes.

Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Christian Bale and Jennifer Lawrence star in AMERICAN HUSTLE

3. DALLAS BUYERS CLUB– (Biography/Drama/History) This true story has an aura of amazement as it unravels with heartrending characters and excellent direction. I’ll probably never see a more amazing performance by Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto because it’s their best I’ve ever seen by the two stars.  The direction by Jean-Marc Vallée is outstanding and the cinematography makes you feel like you are right in the room or in the bull ring.  Star Standouts Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto, Jennifer Garner. Director Jean-Marc Vallée.

4. GRAVITY– (Drama/Sci-fi/Thriller) This fictional story is not too far from the truth when it comes to cause and effect. The story is startling, mesmerizing, breath taking, and exhausting in a mere 91 minutes.  The performance by Sandra Bullock in this one woman show far outdoes her previous work, bringing an amazing amount of realistic mental anxiety and fortitude to her character.  Star standout Sandra Bullock. Director Alfonso Cuarón. Cinematography/CGI/Special Effects are masterful.

Sandra Bullock in GRAVITY

5. HER– (Comedy/Drama/Romance) Taking you into the future where cell phones are a thing of the past, this little film gives the audience a chance to visualize in their mind the face of a companion by her voice.  You know, much like reading a book from the description.  A top notch performance by Joaquin Phoenix makes one a believer of an out of body romance with a computer voice. The story’s not too farfetched with the way our cell phones have evolved and its great entertainment.  Star standouts Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams. Director Spike Jonze.

Sarah Paulson and Lupita Nyong’o in 12 YEARS A SLAVE

6. 12 YEARS A SLAVE– (Biography/Drama/History) This gut wrenching unimaginable crime puts the audience behind a window looking into one of the most ruthless happenings in American History.  ‘A free black man gets kidnapped and sold into slavery’, this stage setting cuts deep as its stars unveil one of the most powerful and emotional true stories about man’s inhumanity to man.  There’s very good performances by most all of the cast. Star standouts Lupita Nyong’o, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Paul Dano and Sarah Paulson. Director Steve McQueen. Costumes.

7. AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY– (Comedy/Drama) The ensemble cast here is amazing under excellent direction in this unintended intervention at a funeral.  The chemistry between characters is explosive, endearing and froth with deep seeded secrets that are all revealed in this mesmerizing play that makes its two hours fly by.  Star standouts Merle Streep, Julia Roberts, Margo Martindale and Sam Sheppard. Director John Wells. Ensemble Cast.

8. PRISONERS– (Crime/Drama/Thriller) The story of a kidnapping gets extremely intense with the portrayal of two families that have to deal with the situation.  The ensemble cast plays extremely good off each other showing the urgency, intense investigation and the vulnerability of each of the characters.  Star standouts Hugh Jackman, Paul Dano, Jake Gyllenhaal and Melissa Leo. Director Denis Villeneuve.

Melissa Leo and Paul Dano in PRISONERS

9. CAPTAIN PHILLIPS– (Biography/Drama/Thriller) This true story shows how vulnerable ships are on the high seas.  Taking over a huge cargo ship and its crew wasn’t enough for the pirates off the coast of Africa; they wanted a huge ransom, but ‘paid’ for it.  Excellent acting, fine direction and brilliant cinematography is the benchmark that slides this film into the top ten. Star standouts Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi. Director Paul Greengrass.

10. NEBRASKA– (Drama/Adventure) This unintended road trip brings father and son together in a touching look at aging and family.  The excellent performances by Bruce Dern and Will Forte make the film work. The two show the sad love that transpires with the realization that no matter what happened in the past or whether the trip is right or wrong, its life’s inevitable journey’s end that’s important.  Star standouts Bruce Dern and Will Forte. Director Alexander Payne. Cinematography.

Other very good films released in 2013 and deserve mention include; Lone Survivor, Saving Mr. Banks, Fruitville Station, All Is Lost, Philomena, Short Term 12, Inside Llewyn Davis, TheWay,Way Back, Frances Ha, The Book Thief and The Butler.  Look for my top ten action, adventure and comedy films released in 2013 at the beginning of 2014.