The Big Short directed by Adam McKay -
I can now say with perfect honesty and a straight face that I have seen every Best Picture Nominee for the 88th Academy Awards. I doubt I'll be able to say that again but boy was this year fantastic, and it's certainly difficult to see any of those nominees not winning. The Big Short does an amazing job at explaining and dense and difficult subject of the housing and stock market to basically anyone. And while not all of them stick, the style with which Adam McKay chooses to present those explanation sets the tone for this films bizarre fourth-wall breaking niche that does wonders for the writing and plot. It's not easy to describe something so unusually great without spoiling it all, but I can say that it's hilarious antics and humor don't ever detract from the depravity of the subject matter and all that it holds. And in fact, it perfectly balances both of those things in such a way that you can have a good chuckle, but still care about the rippling effects of all that's happening. I could not recommend this more and I am certainly interested to see if McKay continues to make films of this caliber and style. Somebody help me, I can't get this grin of my face.
VERY surprised it won the PGA though. Have no idea what that means for the Oscars though. It seemed like The Big Short wasn't even in the race until it snagged that one.