Fast Forward

These are the picks for best films of 2008: fiction juxtaposed with non-fiction, side-by-side alphabetically.

Nominees for Best Picture

Enlarge | Credits for Best Picture Nominees: “Atonement” poster by Mojo LLC, “Juno” poster by BLT & Associates, “Michael Clayton” poster by Pulse Advertising, “No Country for Old Men” poster by BLT & Associates, “There Will Be Blood” poster by Concept Arts

Nominees for Best Documentary

Enlarge | Credits for Best Documentary Nominees: “No End in Sight” (credit unknown), “Operation Homecoming” (credit unknown), “Sicko” poster by Bemis Balkind, “Taxi to the Dark Side” poster by cold open, “War Dance” poster by cold open

With the Oscars coming this Sunday, February 14, which films would win if it was just up to their poster? Would you watch a film based on its cover?

On a related note, posters can actually win awards. In June, the Hollywood Reporter has its annual Key Art Awards. Categories include action-adventure, animation, comedy, drama, horror, teaser, and international; the awards also include trailers and other marketing collateral. In January, movie poster weblog Posterwire.com had its annual awards, while recapping industry trends and linking to every print you can imagine. This year, they decided on “The Savages,” which was illustrated by Chris Ware.

Reference: Internet Movie Poster Awards

P.S. If you’re a new reader to this blog, see how we covered Juno, No Country for Old Men, and There Will Be Blood.