With the Oscars just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to head to the movies or to get some friends around for a cozy night in. With so many great films nominated for Academy Awards this year, we thought we’d round up all the films you need to check out.
Catch it in cinemas ASAP
These are the films you’re going to have to work a little harder to find in cinemas, either because they’ve been out for awhile, or have a limited release. Still, they’re all going to be big players in this year’s ceremony, so they’re worth the extra work to go see on the big screen!
Ford V Ferrari
Nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture, Ford V Ferrari stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale, whose characters team up to build a Ford race car that will be able to take on Ferrari at the 1966 Le Mans.
Joker
By now you’ve probably heard all about Joker. Some people love it, others hated it! Still screening in cinemas, there’s still time to check out Joaquin Phoenix’s stellar performance as the Joker, which has already scored him a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild award this season. Aside from Best Actor in a Leading Role, Joker is also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Cinematography, as well as Best Costume Design, Film Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Original Score, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing and Adapted Screenplay. Basically? It’s a heavy hitter for this season.
Parasite
If you haven’t seen Parasite yet, you really need to get on board, because it is an absolutely wild ride from start to finish that lives up to every bit of hype it’s received since its release last year. It’s still in select cinemas and the less you know about it going in, the better, so now’s the time! One of the rare foreign films that has also scored a Best Picture nod, it’s nominated for six Oscars, including Best Director, Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay.
Pain and Glory
A gorgeous and touching film, Pain and Glory follows the story of Salvador Mallo, a renowned film director reflecting on his life in the wake of ailing health. The film is nominated for Best International Feature, and Antonio Banderas is up for Best Actor.
Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood
Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film is jam-packed with star power in Leo, Brad and Margot, and with 10 nominations in total, it’s definitely worth checking out. Part Manson family murder and part Hollywood in 1969, Tarantino scored Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay nods, while stars Leo and Brad have been nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively.
Judy
The Renée-ssance is here, babes! After winning the Golden Globe and the Screen Actor’s Guild Award for her portrayal of Judy Garland, it seems like Renée Zellweger is all set to claim this year’s Best Actress Oscar. If she does, it will be her second Oscar from her four nominations. She also won Best Supporting Actress back in 2004 for Cold Mountain, and was nominated for Best Actress in 2002 and 2003 for Bridget Jones’ Diary and Chicago, respectively.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood
Just when you thought Tom Hanks couldn’t be any more wholesome, here he is playing America’s most beloved children’s television host, Fred Rogers. He’s up for Best Supporting Actor for his performance, his first Oscar nod in nearly 20 years!
Now Screening in cinemas
Jojo Rabbit
You don’t normally hear the words “World War Two” and “comedy” in the same sentence, but somehow, New Zealand’s Taika Waititi manage to make it work in Jojo Rabbit. Among its six nominations, it’s up for Best Picture, and Scarlett Johansson is nominated for Best Supporting Actress.
1917
If you thought we were going to get through an award season without a Serious War Film, sorry babe! You’re kidding yourself. Still, there’s a reason war films make it to the Oscars and it’s because when they’re done right, they tug at the heartstrings and show you the depths of humanity, and 1917 does just that. It’s up for Best Picture, along with a nod for Director Sam Mendes, with 10 nominations in total.
Little Women
Little Women is a story we already know and love, and Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott classic is no exception. While the Academy may have snubbed Gerwig for Best Director, the film still has six nominations to its name, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Saoirse Ronan) and Best Supporting Actress (Florence Pugh).
Bombshell
With a cast that includes Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, you know you’re going to get quality performances, and that’s exactly what Bombshell delivers. Charlize and Margot nabbed Oscar nods for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively, for their portrayals of women taking on Fox News.
Now Streaming on Netflix
Marriage Story
ScarJo has two nominations in one year! Aside from her JoJo Rabbit nod for Best Supporting Actress, she’s also up for Best Actress in Marriage Story, which follows the heartbreaking story of a young couple as they navigate their impending divorce. With six nominations, it’s also up for Best Picture, and ScarJo’s onscreen hubby Adam Driver is also nominated for Best Actor.
The Two Popes
The true story of Pope Benedict and his harshest critic, Cardinal Bargoglio as they came together to discuss the state of the Catholic Church in 2012. Delivering powerhouse performances, The Two Popes snagged three Oscar nods, with both Jonathan Pryce and Sir Anthony Hopkins nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively.
The Irishman
With 10 nominations including Best Picture The Irishman serves up everything you’d expect from a Marty Scorsese mob drama. Scorsese is up for Best Director, and co-stars Al Pacino and Joe Pesci will compete for Actor in a Supporting Role.