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2014 is one of those glorious years when I believe that the Academy (mostly) got it right with their eight nominees for Best Picture. I’d be genuinely excited to see any of five films win this year, and two of the other three wouldn’t offend me. In a preferential ballot, ordering matters. If I had the real opportunity to vote this year, this is how I stack up the Best Picture candidates.

1) Birdman

When I walked out of the theater after seeing Birdman, I leaned over to my husband and whispered, “That movie was like jazz.” Part of that feeling was because of the relentless percussion that made up the score of the film, but it also came from Alejandro González Iñárritu’s taking a genre (comedy) and riffing on it in a way that made it fresh and engaging. Of all the movies I watched in 2014, Birdman is the one I’ve thought about (and read about) the most. One article that I discovered on the Electric Literature website specifically discusses “what Birdman… says about short story writing,” and as a writer of fiction, it has haunted me. I feel confident that I will discover new interpretations and nuances on repeated viewings of the film. I do admit to a bit of sentimental attachment to the project because Michael Keaton, a favorite of mine dating back to his first film role in Night Shift (corndog!), and I doubt if any other performer could have brought Riggan Thomson to life in such spectacular fashion.

2) Whiplash

If Birdman is my top pick (and indeed it was my favorite film of 2014), Whiplash is 1a. Once upon a time, I was an aspiring musician trying to be in the best, most high quality band in a group of students that numbered somewhere between 200-300. I was a member of the top-tier wind ensemble and we were expected to be near perfect. By no means am I saying that our director was as intense (or inappropriate) as J.K. Simmons’ Terence Fletcher, but there were those moments… like the time he threw his baton in frustration that someone wasn’t staying on the beat. Or his angry glowers at someone who came in too early. Whiplash was relatable, but more than that, it was a thrilling dance between two men with specific artistic ideals. I love that Whiplash was nominated, because it deserves every bit of attention that it has received.

3) Boyhood

Although I’d agree with my fellow site members who have said that Boyhood is too long and over-indulgent, I really enjoyed the ride. Naturally, I appreciate the craft and ambition of the film. To undertake a 12-year project and edit it so seamlessly (while eliciting memorable performances from all of the major cast members) is almost awe-inspiring. Sure, the “Up” series also spanned a number of years (and Boyhood director Richard Linklater acknowledges the influence), but I am more impressed by the fact that Linklater was able to pull it off in a fictional format. I really liked hanging out with these characters, warts and all.

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