These aren’t necessarily the films I think will get the 9 Best Picture nominations from the Academy. But these are the ones I enjoyed the most.

1. Manchester by the Sea, directed by Kenneth Lonergan– this is without a doubt the best original screenplay. Tragic and absorbing, a work of such profound originality and depth that it resonates far after a screening. PS I was so tense during most of that when Matthew Broderick showed up– despite his character– I was happy to see a friendly face.
2. Silence, directed by Martin Scorsese– another remarkable work of originality and thoughtfulness. A movie about ideas, not just religion. The scope of “Silence” is bigger than any other movie this year. Will it win the Oscar? Maybe not, but in 10 or 20 years this is the movie from 2016 we’ll be talking about. Andrew Garfield’s best performance ever.
3. La La Land, directed by Damien Chazelle — the biggest dessert in the world, which we need now more than anything. Happy, innovative, a diversion of the best kind
4. Lion, directed by Garth Davis– The story of Saroo, his adoptive parents, his mother, his brother– get out the Kleenex. So lovely. So moving. Just perfection. In 2005 this would have won Best Picture. It may get the Golden Globe for Best Drama. This was the best adapted screenplay, hands down.
5. Hell or High Water, directed by David Mackenzie– Two people we already really like (Jeff Bridges, Ben Foster), one we’re getting to know (Chris Pine), and a director who reignited an old genre, the modern western.  The last good bank robbery movie was Barry Levinson’s “Bandits.”
6. Fences, directed by Denzel Washington– Modern Shakespeare, or Arthur Miller, and the entire cast is so superb, not just Viola Davis. I’m thinking Stephen Henderson standing on the back of that garbage truck, Mykelti Williamson and his horn, and Denzel just dissolved into August Wilson.
7. 20th Century Women, directed by Mike Mills– Annette Bening can do no wrong in this not-linear saga of a 15 year old coming of age with a too old mother, out of sync with time and space. Another brilliant ensemble.
8. Moonlight, directed by Barry Jenkins– a triptych that I liked more in the first two thirds, but the final act has its moments. Naomie Harris and Mahershala Ali are unexpected treasures in what has to be the most audaciously constructed film in years.
9. Florence Foster Jenkins, directed by Stephen Frears — a great character study, with performances by Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant and Simon Helberg that cannot be beat.
10. Sully, directed by Clint Eastwood — economic, thrilling filmmaking by a pro, with a star (Tom Hanks) who really goes from strength to strength. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, these guys pull a new rabbit from their hats.
11. The Birth of a Nation, directed by Nate Parker — if this film had not been destroyed by its director’s hubris, it would have gone on to great things. Five years from now, this “Nation” will have a rebirth. But Parker just did himself in, over and over again. Worst-handled scandal in years.
12. Runners up: Arrival, Captain Fantastic, Denial, Sing Street, Cafe Society, Elle, Rogue One, Toni Erdmann, The Founder, Rules Don’t Apply

Consider it a tribute to Carrie Fisher, and to George Lucas: “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” will ring in the new year tonight with $400 mil after 16 days release. Worldwide, the number is $700 million. The end is not in sight, either.

There are lots of disasters but let’s concentrate on the good news today. “Arrival” is heading t9 $100 million. “La La Land”– possibly the Best Picture– is a hit. So is “Manchester by the Sea.” “Fences” is doing very well. “Lion” and “Jackie” are making some noise now. “Silence” is biding its time, waiting for Oscar noms mid-January. So at least the big Academy contenders had nice audiences. People will know what they are when the statues are handed out in late February.

Meanwhile, “Why Him?” is starting to drop. But it didn’t cost much — $38 million– so it won’t be a total loser. And you know if Fox has the TV rights, the series is close at hand. The movie is like a big pilot anyway.

More good news: “Hacksaw Ridge” is coming to an end at $65 million. It is NOT a Best Picture nominee. And Andrew Garfield is a thousand times better in “Silence.” Academy voters take note– “Silence” is a real movie.

Meantime…Debbie Reynolds’ most famous movie, “Singin’ in the Rain,” is number 1 on amazon. It’s also sold out on both DVD and Blu-ray. How do you like that?

Stanley Donen (still very much alive) directed and Gene Kelly choreographed the 1952 classic starring Debbie, Gene, Donald O’Connor and Cyd Charisse. Donen, who’s 92, has lived for years with the great writer-director Elaine May (she’s a decade younger).

Betty Comden and Adolph Green wrote lyrics for the famous title song and wrote the book of the musical. The music for the songs came from a bunch of different places, all written by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown. They’re all gone now. But Green’s famous Broadway star widow, Phyllis Newman, survives him, as do their kids, composer Amanda Green and journalist Adam Green.

The Broadway musical version of “Singin’ in the Rain” was a minor Broadway hit in 1985-86. Harvey Weinstein is supposedly bringing it back in 2017. The show has had several productions in London.

As for Carrie Fisher’s movies: all the “Star Wars” movies are in the top 100. So are some of her others. I always loved Carrie in “Soapdish” and “When Harry Met Sally,” but there are plenty of others, too.

Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher are getting plenty of celebrations.

HBO just announced they’re showing Fisher Stevens’s documentary “Bright Lights” on January 7th at 8pm. The film was shown in Cannes, Telluride and at the NY Film Festivals, and was supposed to air sometime this winter. HBO has moved the date way up. They’re also showing Carrie Fisher’s “Wishful Drinking” on New Years Day at 10pm.

Meanwhile, Fathom Events is bringing “Singin’ in the Rain” back to the big screen on January 15th and 18th. I’ve found locations in Manhattan and Los Angeles. Check their website for more.

And Carrie’s other current movie, called “Rogue One,” is doing very well. It’s playing in most theaters. Plus her books are flying off the shelves.

Carrie’s brother Todd Fisher says he’s planning a double funeral, which will probably come during Golden Globes week. The timing couldn’t be better.