Over the past few weeks, as part of our series “The Best Case for Best Picture,” Slate staffers and critics have mounted their strongest arguments for the movie they think should win the Oscars’ biggest prize. It hasn’t been easy: They’ve also had to contend against the counterarguments of Slate culture editor Dan Kois. From the quiet romanticism of Brooklyn to the pulse-racing spectacle of Mad Max: Fury Road, this year’s Best Picture contenders are all over the map. But every movie deserves a defense. Watch them all, and decide which movie you think comes out on top.
Aisha Harris, for Mad Max: Fury Road
Alan Scherstuhl, for The Revenant
Forrest Wickman, for The Big Short
Laura Bennett, for Room
Willa Paskin, for Brooklyn
Dana Stevens, for Spotlight
Julia Turner, for The Martian