Boy and the Heron, Robot Dreams

Awards Circuit Column: It’s not just about “Barbenheimer” and biographical dramas. Awards voters need to look beyond the shiniest Oscar contenders to find under-heralded gems. From documentaries about musical greats to coming-of-age stories that brilliantly tap into the tribulations of being a tween, several movies deserve to be in the conversation for top prizes.

BAFTA first round voting opens on Friday, Dec. 8, along with Critics Choice film ballots due. In addition, Golden Globe nominations are coming on Monday, Dec. 11. Here’s to hoping the groups can look far beyond two summer blockbusters.

Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Oscars predictions in all categories.

As an annual holiday plea, here are 10 films voters should view before casting their ballots. You can also read the 10 underrated performances of 2023, which cite more incredible movies.

Honorable mentions: “Beau is Afraid” (A24); “Chevalier” (Searchlight Pictures); “Every Body” (Focus Features); “Flamin’ Hot” (Hulu/Searchlight Pictures); “Flora and Son” (Apple Original Films); “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” (Neon); “Joy Ride” (Lionsgate); “Little Richard: I Am Everything” (Magnolia Pictures); “Migration” (Illumination); “The Peasants” (Sony Pictures Classics)

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