While the “Barbenheimer” debut will live in our collective memory for a long time, 2023 saw an impressive spread of movie debuts overall. Leonardo DiCaprio made his way back to the screen in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Saltburn” captivated the internet and Timothée Chalamet serenaded audiences with his musical remake “Wonka.”
With the Oscars set to air March 10, UCCS students discussed how they watched movies last year and their favorite films of 2023.
Haden Gillespie (he/him), senior filmmaking major
What was your favorite movie of 2023?
“Killers of the Flower Moon.” I’ve never seen a Scorsese movie in theaters, so it’s the first and only one I’ll probably get to see because he’s getting old. It was good, and I’m part Native American, and it’s about the struggle of [Native American people].
How did you watch most movies last year?
In the theater. I started going back to the theater a lot. I got an AMC pass so you can get like four free movies a week. It’s [about] 20 bucks a month.
Who do you think will win best picture at the Oscars this year?
“Oppenheimer,” probably. I think “Oppenheimer” is going to win it, but I would like “The Zone of Interest” to win.
Kirra Shannon (she/her), freshman game design major
What was your favorite movie of 2023?
“Evil Dead Rise.” It’s a horror movie, and it was really gory, and it was cool.
How did you watch most movies last year?
Pirating on illegal websites.
Who do you think will win best picture at the Oscars this year?
I’ve never seen any of them, so I’m just going to say “Oppenheimer.”
Nick Inman (he/him), sophomore business major
What was your favorite movie of 2023?
I’m going to go with “Extraction 2” because it has Chris Hemsworth in it. He’s a favorite actor for sure.
How did you watch most movies last year?
Online streaming.
Who do you think will win best picture at the Oscars this year?
Probably “Oppenheimer,” right?
Krisayda Flores (she/her), freshman business major
What was your favorite movie of 2023?
I can’t even remember what came out. I didn’t watch “Oppenheimer.” I did see “Barbie,” but I wouldn’t say it was my favorite. “The Hunger Games [: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes]” for sure.
How did you watch most movies last year?
Probably through Netflix or Amazon Prime.
Who do you think will win best picture at the Oscars this year?
I have no idea. I literally have not watched any of these. From what I’ve heard, maybe “Oppenheimer.”
Delonte Howard (he/him), freshman computer science major
What was your favorite movie of 2023?
All these [movies are bad.] I didn’t see the “[Spider-Man: Across the] Spider-Verse,” though. I’ll give it the “Barbie” movie. I’ll say that.
How did you watch most movies last year?
Firestick or theater. Theater mostly.
Who do you think will win best picture at the Oscars this year?
Hm. I’m not going to say “Barbie.” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” that’s doable.
Photo courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter.