MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – There’s no better time to be current than Oscar season.

The Academy Awards happen Sunday, March 4, so Middletown Art Center has planned extra screenings as the Best Picture nominees become available.

First up is “Get Out,” on Friday, February 23. This movie came out early last year, so you may have seen it already, but perhaps not on a big screen.

If you’ve avoided it by thinking it’s a “horror” film, you’ve missed out on a groundbreaking movie that’s actually more psychological thriller and unique social commentary.

First-time director Jordan Peele (of the TV comedy act Key and Peele) surprised the movie industry with “Get Out,” which was No. 1 at the box office for several weeks.

And, though it’s been out many months, the conversation around it has launched in into the top tier, earning nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Daniel Kaluuya) and Best Original Screenplay.

Peele, who is biracial, deals with our supposed progress in civil rights with a satirical, sci-fi-premised originality that is brilliant and entertaining.

They’ll follow “Get Out” with another sleeper, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” on Saturday, March 3.

Almost certain to win two or three Oscars, this also might be considered social commentary of a darker, less fanciful type.

Oscar winner Frances McDormand, for whom the part was specifically written, is nominated for Best Actress. Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson are both nominated for Best Supporting Actor, and the film is also nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

Moral ambiguity is key in this story; who’s completely right or completely wrong?

On Friday, March 9, they’ll screen “Darkest Hour”, which is almost certain to win Gary Oldman the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Winston Churchill assuming the terrible responsibilities as prime minister at the outset of World War II.

Hitler has conquered the European continent; is there any hope of resisting him in England?
Oldman disappears into the role, and director Joe Wright (“Atonement”) once again gets the period feeling perfect.

All screenings will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Middletown Art Center 21456 Highway 175, at the junction of Highway 29.

As the gallery will be closed, entrance will be on the left side of the building, in the rear.

Visit www.MiddletownArtCenter.org to learn more about the art center’s offerings.

Donations are graciously accepted to support MAC’s programs.

See you at the movies!