Well, here I am, your trusty guide through the world of cinema, and this year’s Oscar race is shaping up to be quite a spectacle! With so many compelling stories, captivating performances, and technical masterpieces gracing our screens, it’s hard not to feel a sense of awe.
As the 2023 awards season gathers momentum and generates even more Oscars speculation, there’s one question on many minds: How can I watch these movies? The abundance of streaming platforms and studios releasing top-tier productions makes it challenging to locate the next Best Picture contender. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. These 27 films span a range of Oscars buzz, with some vying for major awards while others are satisfied with technical or critics recognition. However, if you aim to be an Oscar party guru in March, these movies are worth your time and attention.
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Anora
The Discourse on Awards: It began with the Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, a prize that has been claimed by recent favorites at the Oscars such as “Anatomy of a Fall”, “Triangle of Sadness”, and “Parasite”. The film directed by Sean Baker then earned seven nominations from the Critics Choice Awards, along with five nods from the Golden Globes, including Best Picture.
How to Watch It: Available to rent or buy on demand.
Blitz
The Awards Chatter: The buzz is a little quieter than most people predicted when this premiered at NYFF — no Critics Choice or Golden Globe nods — but don’t rule out Saoirse Ronan or the tech accomplishments of Steve McQueen’s wartime drama. If nothing else, Hans Zimmer always has a shot.
How to Watch It: Apple TV+.
Challengers
From My Perspective: While it might be a stretch for Zendaya, Mike Faist, or Josh O’Connor to secure an Oscar nomination, I firmly believe that Luca Guadagnino’s captivating tennis drama deserves recognition from the Academy. The outstanding score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, the meticulous editing by Marco Costa, and the thought-provoking cinematography by Sayombhu Mukdeeprom are aspects that truly stand out. Notably, the score and editing have garnered critical acclaim (both previously won awards in Chicago), received Critics Choice nominations, and were even nominated for four Golden Globes, including Best Picture.
How to Watch It: Prime Video.
Conclave
Discussion Point: The papal drama has been consistently mentioned in awards discussions and seems to be headed towards a Best Picture nomination. Let’s dive in! This film was ranked among the Top 10 by the National Board of Review, received numerous regional critics group nominations, secured six Golden Globe nominations, and an astonishing 11 Critics Choice nominations, one of which is for Best Picture.
How to Watch It: Peacock.
A Different Man
The Conversation About Awards: A Less Ordinary Contender might initially appear too unconventional to secure significant recognition at the Oscars, yet one should not disregard a potential (and merited) Supporting Actor nomination for Adam Pearson. He has garnered praise from various critics groups, and the film even claimed the Best Picture award from Gotham. Sebastian Stan also received a nod in the acting category at the Golden Globes. Although it may hover on the periphery of the awards discussion, it undoubtedly holds its place there.
How to Watch It: On Max on January 17.
Dune: Part Two
Discussing The Awards Chatter: Will the first part of Dune, which garnered ten Oscar nominations and won six in 2021, surpass itself with Part Two released early in 2024? It may not perform as strongly due to its earlier release, but it’s expected to be a contender on nomination day. Moreover, it has already secured two Golden Globe mentions and ten Critics Choice nods, including Best Picture recognition from both. Let the spice guide you.
How to Watch It: Max.
Emilia Pérez
The Awards Chatter: One of the most divisive films of the year remains an awards-season juggernaut, landing eight Golden Globe nominations to go with a mind-blowing ten nominations from the folks who choose Critics Choice Awards, including Best Picture from both groups. The Jacques Audiard–directed musical-crime film’s run actually started much earlier, when it won three prizes at Cannes, including a special joint Best Actress award for stars Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Zoe Saldaña.
How to Watch It: Netflix.
His Three Daughters
A Discussion About Awards: If fairness were a priority in award-giving organizations, this heart-wrenching film featuring Elizabeth Olsen, Carrie Coon, and Natasha Lyonne would be a strong contender for numerous Oscars. However, it seems that its only potential nominations are Best Original Screenplay and perhaps Best Supporting Actress. In December, Lyonne was recognized with the Best Supporting Actress award from the Chicago Film Critics Association, while Azazel Jacobs won the script prize from Gotham during the same month. Moreover, it is set to receive the Robert Altman Award for ensemble at the Independent Spirit Awards in February 2025.
How to Watch It: Netflix.
Inside Out 2
Discussion Point: This is a film produced by Pixar. It has been the top-earning movie of the year. Not only that, it has broken records to become the highest-grossing animated film ever made. Given these facts, it seems almost inevitable that it will receive an Oscar nomination.
How to Watch It: Disney+.
Maria
Pablo Larraín finishes his trilogy of 21st-century women’s stories (having previously directed Jackie and Spencer) with this account of Maria Callas. This role could potentially earn Angelina Jolie her second Academy Award, as she has been nominated for Best Actress several times already this award season, even receiving nominations from the Golden Globes and Critics Choice. (It’s also worth noting that a costume design recognition is likely coming her way as well.)
How to Watch It: Netflix.
The Piano Lesson
Discussion on The Awards Chatter: It appears that Malcolm Washington’s adaptation of August Wilson’s play isn’t maintaining the Oscars traction it had following its Telluride debut, but we sincerely hope Danielle Deadwyler won’t be overlooked a second time – we’re still irked she didn’t get recognized for Till. She has been acknowledged by several critics groups (claiming the category from the African American Film Critics Association) and received an Independent Spirit nomination in December.
How to Watch It: Netflix.
A Real Pain
Predict a Kieran Culkin nomination for Best Supporting Actor and perhaps a screenplay recognition for the multi-talented Jesse Eisenberg as writer, director, and star of this film. The praises for this movie, which follows two brothers visiting their deceased grandmother’s childhood home in Poland, have been accumulating since it won a screenwriting prize at Sundance in January 2024. It has received three Critics Choice nominations and four Golden Globe nominations, including Best Picture, Actor, Supporting Actor, and Screenplay.
How to Watch It: Available to rent on demand on December 31.
The Substance
Will the Academy award a horror film this year that has been generating unexpected success? We’ll see soon enough, but the film featuring Demi Moore has already made a significant impact this awards season, with its victory for Best Screenplay at Cannes in May 2024 being just the beginning. Subsequently, it received two Independent Spirit nominations, five Golden Globe nominations, seven Critics Choice nominations, and numerous citations from critics groups. Many are hoping Moore will secure a Best Actress nomination. It’s hard to imagine the Oscars overlooking this powerful performance.
How to Watch It: Mubi.
The Wild Robot
Discussion on Awards: This contender for the Animated Feature category (and perhaps Original Score and Original Song) offers a refreshing change from the heavy dramas of awards season. With four Golden Globe nominations and three Critics Choice nods, it’s almost certain to be an Oscar nominee. Notably, it received recognition in the Animated Feature, Song, and Score categories from both award groups.
How to Watch It: Available to rent on demand.
Only in Theaters
All We Imagine As Light
Discussion on Awards: From May 2024, a profound drama revolving around three Indian women has been a significant contender in the awards circuit. It clinched the Best International Feature award at the Gotham Awards, New York Film Critics Circle, National Board of Review, among others. However, the film was overlooked by India’s and France’s selection processes for the Best International Feature Film (with India choosing Laapataa Ladies and France opting for Emilia Pérez). This could potentially pave the way for recognition in the Director or Screenplay categories at the Academy. It’s not impossible to expect such an outcome.
How to Watch It: In theaters now.
Babygirl
In this sensual thriller, Nicole Kidman delivers one of her finest performances alongside Harris Dickinson. Despite the intensely competitive Best Actress category, Kidman’s exceptional work could still earn her a nomination. With her sixth Golden Globe nomination this year, the chances are looking promising for an Oscar nod as well – it’s quite possible indeed!
How to Watch It: In theaters on Christmas Day.
The Brutalist
This film could potentially receive the most Oscar nominations on its release day due to its exceptional cast and technical prowess. The epic drama, featuring Adrien Brody as a Hungarian architect in post-war America, premiered at Venice Film Festival where it received the Silver Lion award, and subsequently garnered recognition from various critics groups (for instance, winning Best Picture at Chicago). With seven Golden Globe nominations and nine Critics Choice citations, including Best Picture nods from both, there’s no doubt that this film will be among the ten contenders for Best Picture in 2025.
How to Watch It: In theaters on December 18.
A Complete Unknown
The Discussion on Awards: It appears that Timothée Chalamet is poised for a second Academy Award nomination due to his portrayal of Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s critically acclaimed drama about the folk-music icon. There’s a possibility that his friend, Edward Norton, could also earn a Best Supporting Actor nomination, following nods from Critics Choice and the Golden Globes for his musical performance.
How to Watch It: In theaters on Christmas Day.
Gladiator II
Discussion on Awards: Initially perceived as a film that could potentially dominate multiple categories, much like the original, this movie appears to be mainly competing in just a few categories, primarily for technical merits and the iconic performance of Denzel Washington. The award-winning actor has already garnered recognition from the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. Securing his 11th Academy Award nomination seems quite plausible.
How to Watch It: In theaters now.
Hard Truths
Discussion on Awards: Mike Leigh has only truly shone at the Oscars once, for the film Secrets and Lies, yet this dramatic comedy brings him together again with Marianne Jean-Baptiste from that movie. It’s high time she receives an Oscar nomination. Unfortunately, she missed out on a Golden Globe nod but secured one at Critics Choice Awards, accompanied by numerous critics groups recognition.
How to Watch It: In theaters now.
Nickel Boys
Discussion about Awards: Adapted from Colson Whitehead’s acclaimed novel, the drama “Nickel Boys” directed by RaMell Ross has been highly praised since its premieres during film festivals. This movie garnered numerous accolades such as Best Director at Gotham and the New York Film Critics Circle, followed by five nominations from Critics Choice, including Best Picture, and two Independent Spirit nominations. Despite receiving only one Golden Globe nomination, its recognition is significant: Best Picture.
How to Watch It: In theaters now.
Nosferatu
Robert Eggers’ film might not traditionally align with the Academy, but its technical accomplishments could prove hard to overlook. You can anticipate it being recognized in categories such as Costume Design and Art Direction, areas where it has already received recognition from critics groups this season. The Critics Choice Awards have even given it four nominations.
How to Watch It: In theaters on Christmas Day.
Queer
Discussion Topic: The Awards Chatter
How to Watch It: In theaters now.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Mohammad Rasoulof’s film carries a compelling history, as it was covertly filmed in Iran and completed in Germany to prevent the director from serving more time in prison. This cinematic work has also enjoyed significant success during awards season, with recognition from the National Board of Review for Best International Film and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association’s Best Director award. During the Oscars, it seems likely that the German entry will secure at least a nomination for Best International Feature Film.
How to Watch It: In theaters now.
September 5
Discussing the narrative of the Munich Olympics depicted from a journalist’s perspective has been consistently well-received this season, primarily in the editing category, yet it might also appear in more significant categories. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association recognized it with a Best Picture nomination, but it only received two nominations from the Costume Designers Guild (screenplay and editing). It holds some influence, though perhaps not a leading one.
How to Watch It: In limited release now, wider on January 17.
Sing Sing
The Discussion on Awards: This outstanding A24 drama narrates a real-life tale of prisoners transformed through theater work, and its popularity is growing throughout the season. It has already secured Best Actor for Colman Domingo from Gotham, and numerous nominations for its lead actor and exceptional supporting role by Clarence Maclin. Despite being overlooked at the Golden Globes, it garnered five Critics Choice nominations, including Best Picture.
How to Watch It: Being re-released in theaters on January 17.
Wicked
Could the top film on the list also be a significant contender for Oscars? Absolutely. Cynthia Erivo has already secured a spot, while Ariana Grande-Butera is nearly there – anticipate multiple technical nominations as well. The tale of Elphaba and Galinda is currently doing exceptionally well, with four Golden Globe nominations and an impressive 11 nods from the CCA, including Best Picture recognition from both bodies. This season, don’t underestimate this enchanting storyline.
How to Watch It: In theaters now.
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2024-12-21 00:54