Jason Fraley, WTOP film critic

WASHINGTON – When the Academy expanded its best picture nominees beyond five, it seemed like a shaky move three years ago.

But this year’s class of nine may be the strongest from top to bottom.

Check out the gallery to the right to see the case for and against each Best Picture nominee.

Follow WTOP Film Critic Jason Fraley on Twitter @JasonFraleyWTOP or check out his blog The Film Spectrum.