John Powers

In the new film "I'm Still Here," the Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles tells the true story of a Rio de Janeiro mother who reinvents herself when Brazil's military dictatorship goes after her husband. The movie has been Oscar-nominated for both Best Picture and Best International Feature Film. Our critic-at-large, John Powers, says that "I'm Still Here" is a moving, inspiring, beautifully made story about learning to confront tyranny.

The new movie "Babygirl" by Halina Reijn is a drama about a successful, married businesswoman who begins an affair with an intern half her age. Currently in theaters, it stars Nicole Kidman in a turn that has made her one of this year's awards front-runners. Our critic-at-large John Powers says that this erotic drama pulls you right in but isn't quite as daring as its lead performance.

John Powers celebrates the books, shows and performances that stayed with him, including Miranda July's novel All Fours, Interior Chinatown on Netflix and an iconic Olympic moment with Simone Biles.