Oscar voting began Thursday. Here is film critic Justin Chang's dream ballot

I don't envy the members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences their decisions this year, and not simply because of their tighter deadlines. Typically held at the end of February or beginning of March, the Oscars ceremony will take place on the relatively early date of Feb. 9, which means that voters have only until Jan. 7 to submit their nominations ballots. (Nominations will be announced Jan. 13.)

But the task before them would be difficult even if they had all the time in the world. Even more than in previous years, I am astounded at the sheer number of terrific movies I saw in 2019, the persistence and ingenuity of so many great filmmakers in the face of an industry that has rarely seemed more indifferent to their survival. I am also troubled by how little my imaginary ballot reflects the breadth and range of the year's achievements: Were I to flout the academy's rules and allow myself a generous 20 slots per category, I