My wife and I were discussing recent movies on the drive home from the lake yesterday since the Oscars were coming on last night. I've only seen a couple of this year's nominated films, so I can't speak for all of them yet.
We watched Manchester-By-The-Sea and Arrival last week. I thought Arrival was one of the better movies I'd seen of the current crop of films. Well acted, and I like science fiction. Manchester-By-The-Sea was OK, but didn't come close to living up to all the hype IMO. Affleck had a decent performance, as did Lucas Hedges, but I can't say Affleck's performance was worthy of an Oscar. Especially, compared to the others on the list. I'll have to see the others first I guess. From the clips I've seen of La-La Land Ryan Gosling really did a great job as lead. I'm not much on musicals (wife loves them), but I may have to (try) to watch that one.
Lion and Moonlight look like they'll be excellent films. I'll definitely catch those.
I don't watch the Oscars much anymore, although Jimmy Kimmel is one funny guy. I have to catch at least some of his dialogue.
I come away every year wondering exactly how the Academy pick some of the films and actors that get nominate. And ultimately win.