It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Sure, yes, Christmas is just around the corner, that’s fine, but what I’m actually talking about is AWARD SEASON, babyyyy!
If you like to keep up with the race to the Oscars, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of all the Best Picture frontrunners, complete with trailers and their Australian release dates.
Belfast
Synopsis: A young boy and his working class family experience the tumultuous late 1960s in Ireland.
Why you should watch it:Â Belfast is heavily tipped to become one of the frontrunners for the Best Picture campaign, and is expected to pick up nods for Best Director (Kenneth Branagh), Best Supporting Actress (Caitriona Balfe), Best Supporting Actor (Ciaran Hinds) and Best Original Screenplay.
Australian release: 20 January 2022
Coda
Synopsis: As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family’s fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her love of music and her fear of abandoning her parents.
Why you should watch it: CODA may not be a huge production like some of the other Best Picture hopefuls, but its still in the conversation, and could also pick up a nod for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Streaming now on AppleTV+.
Don’t Look Up
Synopsis: Two low-level astronomers must go on a giant media tour to warn mankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth.
Why you should watch it: No one’s seen Don’t Look Up yet, but you can’t count out a film by Adam McKay starring Leo and J-Law!
Netflix release date: 9 December 2021
Dune
Synopsis: Feature adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel, about the son of a noble family entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy.
Why you should watch it:Â Dune is an undeniable force to be reckoned with at this point. A two-and-a-half hour sci-fi blockbuster, you can expect to see this one being hard to beat across the technical categories.
Australian release: December 2, 2021
House of Gucci
Synopsis: When Patrizia Reggiani, an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel their legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately…murder.
Why you should watch it: Lady Gaga is back in the Oscar race for Best Actress! Whether she can beat out K-Stew for Spencer remains to be seen, but it’s going to be an exciting race to the finish. Now, remind us. How many people can be in a room?
Australian release: 26 December 2021
King Richard
Synopsis: A look at how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after the coaching from their father Richard Williams.
Why you should watch it: Everyone’s favourite Fresh Prince is set to become an Oscar winner! Will Smith is currently dominating the conversation around the Best Actor category, and you can expect to see this in the conversation for Best Picture and a slew of other awards, as well.
Australian release: 18 November 2021
Licorice Pizza
Synopsis: The story of Alana Kane and Gary Valentine growing up, running around and going through the treacherous navigation of first love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973.
Why you should watch it: Aside from Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, Paul Thomas Anderson is tipped to be a Best Director nominee, and Bradley Cooper might snag himself a Best Supporting Actor nom.
Australian release: December 26th, 2021.
Nightmare Alley
Synopsis: An ambitious carny with a talent for manipulating people with a few well-chosen words hooks up with a female psychiatrist who is even more dangerous than he is.
Why you should watch it: Expect to see Guillermo Del Toro back in the conversation for Best Director after his 2018 win for The Shape of Water. Bradley Cooper is ALSO tipped to get a nod for this, in the Best Actor category, which, if he can pull it off, would mean he’d be competing in both Actor and Supporting Actor. It’s also looking likely that it’ll be nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Australian release: 20 January 2022
The Power of the Dog
Synopsis: Charismatic rancher Phil Burbank inspires fear and awe in those around him. When his brother brings home a new wife and her son, Phil torments them until he finds himself exposed to the possibility of love.
Why you should watch it:Â The Power of the Dog is set to be a heavy hitter this award season. You can expect to see director Jane Campion be a frontrunner of the season, and its expected to pick up a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay as well. On top of that, Benedict Cumberbatch will likely snag a Best Actor nod, Kirsten Dunst will likely receive a long-overdue Best Supporting Actress nod, and Jesse Plemons is also in the conversation for Best Supporting Actor.
Netflix release: December 1st, 2021
Spencer
Synopsis: During her Christmas holidays with the royal family at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, Diana Spencer, struggling with mental health problems, decides to end her year-long marriage to Prince Charles.
Why you should watch it: Kristen Stewart is THE one to beat in the Best Actress race this year, and right now, it looks like any other nominees will have a tough time competing.
Australian release: 26 January 2022
The Tragedy of Macbeth
Synopsis: A Scottish lord becomes convinced by a trio of witches that he will become the next King of Scotland, and his ambitious wife supports him in his plans of seizing power.
Why you should watch it: Frances McDormand is back, back, back again, baby! Directed by Joel Coen, who you can expect to see in the Best Director convo, The Tragedy of Macbeth brings us another fierce competitor for the Best Actor race in Denzel Washington. It’s likely that it’ll pick up a nod for Best Adapted Screenplay, as well.
AppleTV+ release: January 14, 2022.