The following is a combined list of what Latinos Post Film Reporters David Salazar and Francisco Salazar believed stood out as the Best of the 2013.
Best Actor
David Salazar Leonardo DiCaprio for "The Wolf of Wall Street:" DiCaprio has been such a great actor for so long that it is hard to remember that he is only 39-years-old. His turn as Jordan Belfort is the most dynamic this year in a number of ways. Even though Belfort is as despicable as they come, DiCaprio manages to imbue him with moments of sincere humanity that make it impossible to complete turn a cold shoulder to him.
Runner-up - Chiwetel Ejiofor for "12 Years a Slave:" For raw intensity and pathos, no one is better than Ejiofor. The most potent seen in this film features a number of slaves singing over a grave. The camera focuses on Ejiofor as he listens to the spiritual and slowly builds up his strength; this scene alone is one of the most potent moments of acting this year.
Francisco Salazar Chiwetel Ejiofor- "12 Years a Slave:" Ejiofor brings raw emotion to the role of Solomon Northup in one of the most harrowing roles this year. The use of long takes in the film allows the actor to show his vulnerability and despair. Without a doubt his work in "12 Years a Slave" is a tour-de-force.
Runner-Up- Leonardo DiCaprio-"The Wolf of Wall Street-" DiCaprio has created some of the most iconic characters in recent times. His role as Jordan Belfort is by far his showiest and most eccentric to date as it is his most physical and comic to date.
Best Supporting Actor
David Salazar Michael Fassbender for "12 Years a Slave:" There is little to love about Fassbender's character in this film, but the thespian is imposing and truly unforgettable as the ruthless plantation owner. Every time, the actor appears on screen, it is impossible to not cringe with dread over something violent or painful potentially happening.
Runner-up - Barkhad Abdi for "Captain Phillips:" The Somalian actor goes head to head with Tom Hanks in one of the most powerful performances this year. His frailty and suffering makes the viewer root for his character despite his awful actions.
Francisco Salazar Michael Fassbender-"12 Years a Slave:" The actor threatens to steal the show in every scene he is in. Fassbender creates an evil character that is both imposing and dynamic and one that could have easily become a one dimensional character in the hands of another actor.
Runner-Up-Ryan Gosling-"The Place Beyond the Pines:" Most pundits have forgotten about Gosling's incredibly moving performance of desperate young man who chooses the wrong path to provide for his family. Gosling shows off his vulnerability and pours out all his emotions in his best performance to date.
Best Actress
David Salazar Cate Blanchett for "Blue Jasmine:" Blanchett manages to create a character that both attracts the viewer with her sensual and naiveté but also repulses with her arrogance and stupidity at the same time. This film could have easily been a one-sided hate-fest, but Blanchett manages to make the viewer care for her and her inevitable doom.
Runner-up - Julie Delpy for "Before Midnight:" Celine has always been a unique character and she becomes an altogether more complex creation in the third part of the "Before" trilogy. Delpy is at her most ferocious and vulnerable in this film, making for a truly compelling turn.
Francisco Salazar Cate Blanchett-"Blue Jasmine:" Blanchett has always been a dynamic actress and her role as Jasmine shows her best work. Blanchett's character is easily unlikeable but with the actress' masterful work, she is able to bring out the character's weaknesses and make her somewhat sympathetic. It is a powerhouse performance and one that should easily win Blanchett her second Oscar.
Runner-Up- Brie Larson-"Short Term 12:" Larson is a revelation in this movie showing her powerlessness and distraught emotions. Physically commanding the film, Larson is a talent to look forward to in the future.
Best Supporting Actress
David Salazar Lupita Nyong'o for "12 Years a Slave:" The newcomer gives the viewer a portrait of pain and suffering, but strength in the same package. It is easy to look at the performance and really feel for the pain that Nyong'o's Patsy undergoes, but it is altogether more powerful that she manages to create a reminder of the slave that is willing to get up and keep going despite the difficulties.
Runner-up - Lea Seydoux for "Blue is the Warmest Color:" Seydoux manages to go from mysterious to vulnerable throughout this performance. Her scenes with Adele Exarchopoulos are raw and potent in their execution and her final confrontation with Exarchopoulos' character shows Seydoux at her best.
Francisco Salazar Lupita Nyong'o- "12 Years a Slave:" When one watches "12 Years a Slave" audiences would never believe Patsy is Nyong'o's first role in a film. The performance showcases a commanding actress which lets all the emotions out and creates a portrayal of a heartbreaking slave.
Runner-Up-June Squibb-"Nebraska:" Funny and touching are some of the words to describe Squibb's performance in "Nebraska." She easily steals each scene she is in and creates the most memorable role in the movie.
Best Cinematography
David Salazar Sean Bobbit - "12 Years a Slave:" It might sound like a broken record at this point, but the film's visual potency manages to break the fourth wall and make the viewer an active participant in the this harrowing film. The hanging scene is the most memorable, but more subtle moments (like the aforementioned close-up on Ejiofor's face) manage to pack a huge wallop.
Runner-up - Emanuel Lubebzki - "Gravity:" 3D is the worst gimmick of modern cinema, expect in "Gravity." The technique is used to immersive effect and feels like an integral part of the work. The depictions of space are alarmingly real in every possible way; the long take that opens the film makes the viewer feel like he/she is actually in space.
Francisco Salazar Emanuel Lubezki-"Gravity-" Lubezki's opening shot in "Gravity" is reason alone to call him one of the best cinematographers. However the films visual splendor goes beyond the opening with numerous shots of space that immerse the viewer and make them feel like they are in space.
Runner-Up- Sean Bobbit-"12 Years a Slave-"One of the most difficult scenes in the movie is the hanging scene in which Steve McQueen decides to hold on a wide shot as Solomon Northup struggles to survive. The scene lasts a number of minutes but is off-putting. McQueen and Sean Bobbit use this style throughout his film and creates some of the most striking images in cinema this year.
Breakout Star of the year
David Salazar Adele Exarchopoulos for "Blue is the Warmest Color:" The young actress manages to showcase adolescent maturity in just the span of three hours by giving one of the most physical and emotionally engaging performances of the year. Close-ups of the actress are so revealing as her expressive eyes tell us everything we need to know about her emotional turmoil.
Runner-up- Jack Reynor for "What Richard Did:" The actor goes from a jovial and confident teenager to a completely destroyed and humiliated man who may or may not be at fault for the guilt he is feeling. One particular scene late in the film showcases Reynor in all of his animalistic brutality; this moment is the highlight of a complex and powerful performance.
Francisco Salazar Brie Larson for "Short Term 12:" Larson proves that at a young age she can carry a film in one of the most emotionally demanding and revealing movies of the year.
Runner-Up- Jack Reynor-"What Richard Did:" The actor gives one of the best male performances of the year. Reynor transforms from a confident jock into a man filled with agony and guilt for an accidental incident. It is a difficult performance to watch but one that will truly be unforgettable.
Best Director
David Salazar Steve McQueen for "12 Years a Slave:" McQueen not only depicts the horrors of American slavery but he also sears the experience into the viewer's mind by making him/her an active participant in journey. The viewer leaves the experience partly traumatized, but enlightened at the same time.
Runner-up- Joel & Ethan Coen for "Inside Llewyn Davis:" The intellectual geniuses love to play with their audiences and they do just that in this cold but powerful portrayal of failure and depression. Of all the films released this year, "Llewyn Davis" is one that will keep the viewer coming back for more in search of the elusive answer to the puzzle that is its central character.
Francisco Salazar Steve McQueen: "12 Years a Slave:" Each frame in the movie is beautifully shot and each performance is filled with great truth. McQueen easily directs each scene with realism and precision creating the most memorable and best film of the year.
Runner-Up-Joel and Ethan Coen-"Inside Llewyn Davis:" The Coen's have easily put together a heartbreaking and at the same time comically touching movie. There use of song is masterful and they are able to direct Oscar Isaac in a fabulous performance.
Most Memorable Moment in Cinema This Year
David Salazar The hanging scene in "12 Years a Slave:" Here is what I wrote in my review about this particular moment in the film: "In one particular sequence, Northup is hung from a tree. He is low enough to the ground that he can maintain his balance by stepping on his toes, but with his hands tied it is impossible for him to find proper footing and balance. McQueen and cinematographer Sean Bobbitt frame his struggle in a wide shot that encapsulates the entire scene; Northup's body is completely immobile with only his feet moving constantly to keep him alive. Around him, the viewer watches other slaves walk by, only glancing occasionally at the struggling man; in this moment, McQueen forces the audience to participate in the behavior of not only the other slaves, but the plantation workers and even the mistress of the house. The viewer is essentially an accomplice to the horrific act unfolding, but is powerless to change what is happening onscreen. To drive the point home further, McQueen extends the shot for what seems like an eternity and it becomes increasingly difficult to watch; some viewers in the New York Film Festival press screening put their hands over their eyes from the unbearable torment portrayed onscreen. McQueen eventually cuts to another shot in which another slave gives Northup water, creating momentary relief for the audience. However, the moment she leaves the film cuts to another wide shot and extends the scene further with different angles framing Northup's torment from other people's perspective."
Runner-up - The opening scene from "Gravity:" The opening shot in this film completely immerses the viewer in space with its expansiveness; just watching it and thinking about its execution is absolutely mystifying.
Francisco Salazar The final scene of "Captain Phillips" is one of the most heartbreaking and truthful scenes in cinema this year. Tom Hanks delivers an emotional performance in this final scene and provides an emotional catharsis for the viewer.
Runner-Up- The hanging scene in "12 Years a Slave" is one of the most difficult scenes to watch as it forces audiences to feel Solomon Northup's pain as he tries to set himself lose. It is a moment of true genius and it will prove to be exhausting.
Biggest Surprise
Dvaid Salazar "All is Lost:" The film rarely has a single bit of dialogue and is made up of repetitive sequences in which the character goes from one disastrous sea storm to another. This could be the recipe for disaster in the hands of anyone but Robert Redford or J.C. Chandor. The film is a meditative experience that remains with the viewer long after the experience has come to an end.
Runner-up - "The Great Gatsby:" Baz Luhrmann is not my favorite director by any stretch of the imagination. His films are often overzealous and cumbersome due to their excess. However, he managed a solid balance with the adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece alongside a terrific cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan among others.
Francisco Salazar "Short Term 12:" It is hard to believe that a movie out SXSW Film Festival could impact audiences more than the Sundance winner. However Destin Cretton's gem showed off the possibilities of making a small film and brought one of the most powerful films seen this year to the forefront. Compelling with strong direction and a revealing performance by Brie Larson, the film is one of the best and biggest surprises this year.
Runner-Up-"Nebraska:" After seeing many Alexander Payne films, this writer has never enjoyed his films. However "Nebraska" is filled with rich performances by Bruce Dern, June Squibb, and Will Forte and outstanding music by Mark Orton. Payne brings warmth to this family journey which is by far his finest effort to date.
Biggest Disappointment
David Salazar "The Counselor": Cormac McCarthy, Ridley Scott, Javier Bardem, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz. This list of names should immediately create a tremendous amount of anticipation. If only the film lived up to it. "The Counselor" is one of most ill-conceived and poorly executed films of the year and should be avoided at all cost. What a disastrous disappointment.
Runner-up - "Pacific Rim:" After waiting a number of years for his return, director Guillermo del Toro introduces the world to an over bloated and stupid movie that lacks engaging characters or any sense of coherence. Just an example: Why did they wait so long to pull out a damn sword when it could have been more useful during the other four fights with massive monsters? By the logic exhibited in the film, it could have saved a few cities.
Francisco Salazar "Ain't Them Bodies Saints:" This was one of my most anticipated films after Sundance Film festival. The buzz that pundits placed on the film was immense with many stating that it would be one of the best films of the year. However after watching it, the movie ultimately felt generic and was forgettable.
Runner-up- "The Counselor:" When a studio puts together a cast that features Michael Fassbender, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, and Brad Pitt, the audience expects a gem of a movie. Mix in Ridley Scott and Cormac McCarthy and one expects a classic. However this movie proved to be a disaster that was too intricate for its own good.
Best Ensemble
David Salazar "American Hustle:" The cast from David O. Russell's latest masterwork is so varied that it is impossible to overlook any single cast member. From Jennifer Lawrence's recklessness to Amy Adam's allure and sensuality to Christian Bale's collected nature to Jeremy Renner's nobility and Bradley Cooper's emotional chaos, this film features unforgettable characters by top-rate actors.
Runner-up - "August: Osage County:" The film is uneven and messy, but the acting is spot-on. Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts anchor a war of wills while the remaining cast members fill-out one of the most disastrous families in cinematic history.
Francisco Salazar "American Hustle:" David O. Russell brings together five great performances from the likes of Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, and Jeremy Renner. Additionally he also directs hilarious cameos from his secondary cast which includes Louis C.K, Michael Pena and Robert De Niro.
Runner-Up - "The Way Way Back:" The directional debut by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash reunited Steve Carell and Toni Collete from "Little Miss SUnshine" and added to the mix an unforgettable Sam Rockwell, a kind hearted Maya Rudolph, an out of conrtol Allison Janey and a stellar performance by AnnaSophia Robb. It also shows off a new talent Liam James who promises to be one of the young stars to look forward to.
Best Fantasy Film
David Salazar "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug:" Peter Jackson reminds the viewer of what made his first "Lord of the Rings" trilogy so great. The film has unrelenting pace as well as a new sense of discovery and wonder that was utterly lacking in the first part of "The Hobbit" trilogy.
Runner-up - "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire:" A great follow-up to a tedious bore that has Jennifer Lawrence leading the way. The ending is jarring, but the rest of the film suffices quite well.
Francisco Salazar "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire:" After a boring first installment Francis Lawrence infused energy into the second "Hunger Games." Anchored by a powerful performance by Jennifer Lawrence and incredible visuals, "Catching Fire" is an incredible improvement and the best franchise movies of the year.
Runner-Up-The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug:" Peter Jackson had a slow start with his first "Hobbit" with some slow pacing and plot issues. However, the new movie features mesmerizing visual effects especially the creation of Smaug and a more focused plotline. However it still cannot match the original "Lord of the Rings" movies.
Best Science Fiction
David Salazar "Gravity:" It wasn't even close this year. Alfonso Cuaron's latest opus is thrilling and powerful in every possible way. The scripting is a bit overdone late in the work, but it hardly detracts from the adrenaline rush on screen.
Runner-up - No other science fiction movie really stood out this year aside from "Gravity."
Francisco Salazar "Gravity:" Alfonso Cuaron has created one of the most breathtaking and visually rapturous films of the year. With an incredible performance by Sandra Bullock and a Cuaron ingenious direction, "Gravoty" redefines the Sci-Fi movie.
Runner-Up-No other science fiction movie comes close to "Gravity"
Best Sequel
David Salazar "Before Midnight:" The third (and maybe final) installment in Richard Linklater's Magnus opus may not be the most original of the lot, but it is certainly the most potent emotionally. The viewer's connection with the main characters is so strong after the first two films, that the anguish of seeing the relationship on thin ice is breathtaking.
Runner-up - "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug:" The first "Hobbit" was far from excellent, but "Smaug" makes up for it with unrelenting pace and dynamism. Benedict Cumberbatch's motion capture performance as the dragon is up there with Andy Serkis' Gollum; it's that good.
Francisco Salazar "Before Midnight-" Richard Linklater's film is not your typical sequel as it does not feature action or science fiction elements. Instead it continues Celine and Jesse's story nine years after "Before Sunset." The movie is by far the best film in the series and it features strong performances by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.
Runner-Up-"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire-"It wasn't hard to improve upon a dull and tedious first installment and "Catching Fire" brings propulsive action, a strong performance by Jennifer Lawrence and incredible sets that immerse viewers into the world. While it is not a perfect film especially the ending of the movie, "Catching Fire" is a huge step up from the original film.
Best Horror
David Salazar "The Conjuring": James Wan is fearless in directing this solid horror thriller while the performances from Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson imbue the film with humanity that is often lacking in this genre.
Francisco Salazar "Warm Bodies:" While it isn't exactly a horror movie, Jonathon Levine combines comedy, action and horror elements into the film. Having a touching love story mixed in with suspense, "Warm Bodies" will go down as one of the best zombie movies in years and one that should be viewed by fans of the genre.
Biggest Piece of Garbage in Cinema this Year
David Salazar "Getaway:" Would you like a headache? Then Selena Gomez and Courtney Solomon's horrific editing choices are the perfect recipe. No fun, no laughter. Nothing except massive chaos put together. This film has absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever. NONE.
Runner-up- The Host: Leave it Stephanie Meyer to come up with a convoluted romance plot that makes no sense and only manages to bore the viewer. If "Getaway" were not such a painful experience to sit through, then this would take the cake by a mile.
Francisco Salazar "Getaway:" The worst action movies are fun and ultimately forgettable. However Courtney Solomon's latest is a big headache and ultimately tiresome and repetitive. Selena Gomez proves she still has a lot to learn as an actress while Ethan Hawke need a director to guide him in the worst movie out this year.
Runner-Up- "Reaching for the Moon:" When one goes to a festival as prestigious as Tribeca, one expects a great film. However Brazilian director Bruno Barreto proves that theory incorrect with a boring biopic about the life of Elizabeth Bishop. The movie features bad acting, flat cinematography and childish dialogue that make the viewer cringe.