By Natalie Killion, Columnist

Oscar season is upon us. The Screen Actors Guild Awards® have left us with an amuse-bouche of sorts as film aficionados across the country wait in eager anticipation for the most epic night in Hollywood.

Every year, I take it upon myself to view as many Academy Award-nominated films as I can, partly because they are very high caliber movies, but also because I like the cultural experience of going to the movie theater.

This year, in particular, there are many fine films and performances nominated. But one in particular caught both my eye and my heart: “The King’s Speech.”

My love for “The King’s Speech” may be because I have a semi-secret and totally inappropriate celebrity crush on Colin Firth, or it may even be my obsession with British culture. But those reasons aside, this film is one of the best of the year.

“The King’s Speech” tells the story of Prince Albert of England, second in line to his father’s throne. Bertie, as his family calls him, suffers from a speech impediment. And in an era where radio broadcasts are becoming more popular, public speaking becomes a nightmare for the prince.

He seeks the services of Lionel Logue, a speech therapist. The movie depicts the relationship between Bertie and Lionel as they work through his speech impediment and deal with his uncanny ascension to the throne amidst the beginning of World War II.

Firth gives an amazing and laudable performance as Bertie, later King George VI. I could feel his struggles; I could sense his desperation. It was one of the most believable performances I have ever seen on the silver screen.

Even Helena Bonham Carter’s portrayal of Bertie’s wife, Queen Elizabeth, was impeccable. She was humorous when she needed to be, but also comforting when it was more appropriate. It was so nice to see such a strong woman stick by her man when he needed her most. Her love for him was very admirable.

This movie, which has earned a coveted spot on my list of favorite movies, entertained me from start to finish.

I have an awful habit of becoming immensely bored in the middle of a movie. The beginning often sparks my interest, but the middle cannot hold it.

But this was not so with “The King’s Speech.” I couldn’t keep my eyes away from the screen. In a way, I became emotionally invested in Bertie’s plight.

And other critics agree with me. “The King’s Speech” has been nominated for 12 Academy Awards and has already taken home SAG awards for Best Lead Actor and Best Cast Performance.

I would highly recommend this film to not only the Colin Firth fans or the Anglophiles, but to anyone who enjoys a good, uplifting movie.

I urge you: Do not wait for “The King’s Speech” to make it to DVD. Go see it as soon as humanly possible.