Nomadland has taken home the coveted Best Picture award at the 93rd Academy Awards.
The film was directed by Chloé Zhao who earlier in the night made history by becoming the first woman of colour to win the best director prize.
The beautifully crafted film stars Oscar Winner (and 2021 nominee) Frances McDormand as Fern — a woman who has lost everything in the global financial crisis and now spends her days traversing America in her van, acquiring work where and whenever she can.
McDormand stars opposite real-life nomads in this ode to simplicity and anti-capitalism with impeccable performances across the board. Read our review of the film, here.
It was a historic year in the top category with The Father, Judas and the Black Messiah, Mank, Minari, Nomadland, Promising Young Woman, Sound of Metal and The Trial of the Chicago 7 all receiving recognition — showcasing a diverse range of voices and the stories they have to tell.
For example, Minari — which was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Musical Score — tells the story of a young Korean-American family who moves to a rural Arkansas farm during the 1980s.
The family struggle to find roots in their new home, yet are dedicated to pursuing the ever enticing “American Dream” in order to ensure their children have a more promising future.
The beautiful film is a commentary on the experience of immigrants in America and is inspired by filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung’s own childhood memories.
Meanwhile, Judas and the Black Messiah is a historical dramatisation of the betrayal and assassination of Fred Hampton, who was chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party in the 1960s
Oscar nominee Lakeith Stanfield stars as FBI informant William O’Neal, who infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party, tasked with keeping tabs on Hampton (played by Oscar-winner Daniel Kaluuya) as he was considered a radical threat by the Bureau. Hampton was just 21 years old when he was assassinated.
The film explores the themes of racism, inequality and police brutality in Civil Rights-era America, which are of course equally — and tragically — relevant today.
What better way to experience this year’s Oscar winners than on the big screen at HOYTS? Watch Nomadland at a HOYTS cinema now.
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