The 97th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and movie lovers everywhere are eager to catch up on this year’s Best Picture nominees. With 10 incredible films competing for the top honor on March 2, you still have time to experience them before the big night. Whether streaming with a subscription, or available to rent or purchase online, many of these films are accessible now—or will be before the ceremony. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of each contender, along with their synopsis, trailers, and where to watch them.
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“Anora”
Rated: R
Starring: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov
Also Nominated For: Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Achievement in Film Editing
In “Anora,” director Sean Baker presents a modern-day anti-fairytale set against the vibrant backdrop of Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach. The film follows Ani (Mikey Madison), a young exotic dancer whose life takes an unexpected turn when she impulsively marries Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a Russian oligarch. As their whirlwind romance faces the harsh realities of their contrasting worlds, Ani must navigate the complexities of love, identity, and societal expectations. Yura Borisov delivers a standout performance as Igor, adding depth to this compelling narrative. “Anora” has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and positioning itself as a frontrunner in the awards circuit.
Available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+
“The Brutalist”
Rated: R
Starring: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce
Also Nominated For: Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Film Editing, Best Achievement in Production Design
In “The Brutalist,” director Brady Corbet presents an epic narrative following László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a Hungarian-Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor who immigrates to America post-World War II. As László strives to rebuild his life and career, he encounters the enigmatic industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren (Guy Pearce), whose patronage offers both opportunity and peril. Felicity Jones portrays Erzsébet, László’s resilient wife, as they navigate the complexities of ambition, identity, and the American Dream. Spanning decades and featuring a powerful score by Daniel Blumberg, “The Brutalist” is a visually striking exploration of art, survival, and the pursuit of legacy.
In theaters now; available for pre-order on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+
“A Complete Unknown”
Rated: R
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Monica Barbaro, Elle Fanning, Edward Norton
Also Nominated For: Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound and Best Achievement in Costume Design.
In “A Complete Unknown,” director James Mangold chronicles the transformative years of Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) as he emerges in the 1960s New York folk scene. The film delves into Dylan’s relationships with fellow musicians, including Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), and his controversial shift to electric music at the Newport Folk Festival. Chalamet delivers a compelling performance, capturing Dylan’s enigmatic persona and musical evolution. The supporting cast, featuring Elle Fanning and Edward Norton, enriches this portrayal of a pivotal era in American music history. “A Complete Unknown” offers an intimate look at the complexities of fame, artistry, and personal growth.
Available for pre-order on Amazon Prime (Release date: Feb. 24)
“Conclave”
Rated: PG
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini
Also Nominated For: Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Achievement in Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Achievement in Production Design, and Best Achievement in Costume Design.
Following the sudden death of the Pope, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with overseeing the secretive process of electing a new pontiff. As the College of Cardinals convenes, political intrigue and personal ambitions surface. Cardinal Aldo Bellini (Stanley Tucci) emerges as a progressive candidate, while Cardinal Goffredo Tedesco (John Lithgow) represents the traditionalist faction. Amidst the deliberations, a mysterious figure (Isabella Rossellini) arrives, challenging the established order and revealing hidden truths within the Vatican’s hallowed walls. Directed by Edward Berger, “Conclave” offers a gripping exploration of faith, power, and secrecy.
Streaming on Peacock; available to rent or buy on Fandango.
“Dune: Part Two”
Rated: PG-13
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh
Also Nominated For: Best Achievement in Visual Effects, Best Achievement in Production Design, Best Sound, and Best Achievement in Cinematography.
In “Dune: Part Two,” director Denis Villeneuve continues the epic saga of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he joins forces with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen to seek vengeance against those who destroyed his family. As Paul embraces his destiny amidst the desert landscapes of Arrakis, he faces new adversaries, including the formidable Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler), and navigates complex political alliances with figures like Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh). Rebecca Ferguson returns as Lady Jessica, guiding Paul through the intricate dynamics of power, prophecy, and survival. Villeneuve’s masterful storytelling and visual grandeur bring to life Frank Herbert’s visionary universe in this highly anticipated sequel.
“Emilia Pérez”
Rated: R
Starring: Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez
Also Nominated For: Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best International Feature Film, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Sound, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Film Editing, and Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling.
In “Emilia Pérez,” director Jacques Audiard presents a musical crime drama centered on Juan “Manitas” Del Monte (Karla Sofía Gascón), a Mexican cartel leader who, yearning for an authentic life, decides to undergo gender-affirming surgery and become Emilia Pérez. To facilitate this transformation, he seeks the assistance of Rita Mora Castro (Zoe Saldaña), a struggling attorney. As Emilia embraces her new identity, she faces challenges in reconnecting with her family, including her wife Jessi (Selena Gomez), and contends with the complexities of her past life. The film delves into themes of identity, redemption, and the pursuit of happiness, all set against a backdrop of vibrant musical sequences.
Streaming on Netflix.
“I’m Still Here”
Rated: PG-13
Starring: Fernanda Torres, Selton Mello, Fernanda Montenegro
Also Nominated For: Best Actress and Best International Feature Film
In “I’m Still Here,” director Walter Salles brings to life the poignant true story of Eunice Paiva (Fernanda Torres), whose husband, former congressman Rubens Paiva (Selton Mello), is forcibly disappeared during Brazil’s military dictatorship in the 1970s. As Eunice confronts the oppressive regime’s silence and evasion, she transforms into a determined human rights advocate, striving to uncover the truth while safeguarding her five children. Fernanda Montenegro delivers a compelling performance as the elder Eunice, reflecting on decades of resilience and the enduring quest for justice. The film has received critical acclaim, with Torres winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.
In theaters now; available for pre-order on Apple TV+
“Nickel Boys”
Rated: R
Starring: Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
Also Nominated For: Best Adapted Screenplay
In “Nickel Boys,” director RaMell Ross adapts Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel to tell the harrowing story of Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse), a diligent African-American teenager in 1960s Florida. Wrongly convicted and sent to the segregated Nickel Academy, Elwood befriends the cynical Turner (Brandon Wilson). Together, they navigate the institution’s systemic abuse and corruption. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor portrays Hattie, Elwood’s supportive grandmother, adding depth to this poignant narrative. Ross employs a unique first-person perspective, immersing viewers in the characters’ experiences and highlighting themes of resilience and friendship amidst adversity.
Available to buy on Amazon Prime.
“The Substance”
Rated: R
Starring: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid
Also Nominated For: Best Actress, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling
In “The Substance,” director Coralie Fargeat presents a provocative body horror that delves into society’s obsession with youth and beauty. Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a once-celebrated actress facing the harsh realities of aging in Hollywood, turns to a clandestine drug promising rejuvenation. This leads to the emergence of Sue (Margaret Qualley), a younger version of herself. As Elisabeth and Sue alternate existences, they confront the grotesque consequences of defying nature. Dennis Quaid portrays Harvey, Elisabeth’s opportunistic producer. The film’s unflinching narrative and striking practical effects offer a visceral critique of societal pressures on women to maintain perpetual youth.
Streaming on Mubi; available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video.
“Wicked”
Rated: PG
Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum
Also Nominated For: Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Score, Best Achievement in Film Editing, Best Achievement in Production Design, Best Achievement in Visual Effects, Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling,, Best Achievement in Costume Design, and Best Sound.
In “Wicked,” director Jon M. Chu brings to life the untold story of the witches of Oz, focusing on the unlikely friendship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a passionate and misunderstood young woman with emerald-green skin, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), a popular and ambitious peer. As they navigate their contrasting personalities and shared experiences at Shiz University, their bond is tested by the corrupt Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) and societal expectations. Jonathan Bailey portrays Fiyero, adding complexity to the narrative, while Michelle Yeoh embodies Madame Morrible, the school’s headmistress. The film delves into themes of identity, prejudice, and the nature of good and evil, all set against a backdrop of captivating musical numbers and stunning visuals.
Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.
From epic sci-fi spectacles to intimate character studies, this year’s Best Picture nominees offer something for everyone. Whether you’re catching up on the frontrunners or revisiting your favorites before Oscar night, these films are readily available across various streaming platforms. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the best cinema has to offer before the winners are revealed!