On a recent Wednesday, former President Barack Obama treated movie enthusiasts to a curated list of his favorite films from the year 2023. However, some notable titles were surprisingly absent from his selection, including heavyweights such as “Barbie,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and “Poor Things,” along with critics’ darlings like “The Zone of Interest,” “May December,” and “The Color Purple.”
In a social media post accompanying the list, Obama acknowledged the industry’s transformative changes spurred by a strike earlier in the year. Writers and actors had united to advocate for improved working conditions and protections, resulting in significant shifts that promise a brighter future for the entertainment sector. The former president expressed that the highlighted films were a testament to the hard work put in by industry professionals over the past year.
Among Obama’s top picks was “The Holdovers,” a Christmas dramedy reuniting Paul Giamatti with director Alexander Payne, known for their work on “Sideways.” Additionally, Christopher Nolan’s box-office phenomenon “Oppenheimer,” delving into the creation of the atomic bomb, made the cut. Not to be overlooked was “Anatomy of a Fall,” a riveting courtroom drama featuring Sandra Hüller.
Sundance sensations like “Past Lives,” “Polite Society,” and “A Thousand and One” secured spots on Obama’s list, alongside the Japanese-language gem “Monster” by director Hirokazu Kore-eda, renowned for his work on “Shoplifters.”
In a special mention, Obama applauded three Netflix movies produced by his Higher Ground production company: “Rustin,” “American Symphony,” and “Leave the World Behind.” These films, endorsed by the former president, offer viewers an additional layer of cinematic excellence.
“The Holdovers“
“BlackBerry“
“Oppenheimer“
“American Fiction“
“Anatomy of a Fall“
“Monster“
“Past Lives“
“Air“
“Polite Society“
“A Thousand and One“
Barack Obama’s carefully curated list of the top movies of 2023 provides a cinematic journey through the year, celebrating the industry’s resilience and creative prowess.