The winners of the 98th Academy Awards were revealed last night at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrating the best films of the past year. The evening’s biggest prize went to “One Battle After Another,” which took home Best Picture and led the ceremony with multiple wins, including Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson.

If the ceremony has put you in the mood to revisit some of Hollywood’s most celebrated films, Prime Video has a surprisingly strong selection of Oscar-winning titles ready to stream right now. From acclaimed performances to masterfully crafted screenplays, these movies earned their place in Academy Awards history by winning in one of the major categories, whether Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best International Feature or an acting award.

To make things easier, we’ve rounded up five Oscar-winning movies currently available on Prime Video that meet those criteria. These are perfect picks if you’re looking to keep the awards-season buzz going with some truly award-winning cinema.

‘Sinners’ (2025)

“Sinners” had a strong showing at the 98th Academy Awards, ultimately taking home four Oscars, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan, Best Original Screenplay for Ryan Coogler, as well as wins for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score. In many ways, the film’s success felt inevitable. Not only did it dominate the nominations with a record-breaking 16 nods, the most ever for a single movie, but it had also built huge momentum throughout awards season thanks to its critical acclaim and standout performances.

Identical twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both played by Jordan) return to their hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1932 hoping to start a new life by opening a blues‑focused juke joint for their community. Shortly after their arrival, a mysterious vampire named Remmick (Jack O'Connell) and his coven are drawn to the club, enticed by the transcendent music of a young blues prodigy, Sammie (Miles Caton). As the night unfolds, invited guests find themselves besieged by the supernatural threat.

Stream on Prime Video

‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

One movie that made history at the Oscars by winning the “Big Five” is “The Silence of the Lambs,” which took home Best Picture, Best Director (Jonathan Demme), Best Actor (Anthony Hopkins), Best Actress (Jodie Foster), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Ted Tally) at the 64th Academy Awards. This is a rare sweep achieved by only three films in Academy history. The psychological thriller’s success was particularly notable because it remains the only horror‑flavored movie to ever win Best Picture.

“The Silence of the Lambs” centers on FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Foster), who is pulled from her training at the FBI Academy to seek help from Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Hopkins), a brilliant psychiatrist locked away as a cannibalistic serial killer. Assigned by her superior, Starling meets Lecter in a high‑security institution to gather insight into another killer dubbed “Buffalo Bill”, responsible for abducting and killing women. Lecter agrees to provide cryptic clues about Buffalo Bill’s identity, but only in exchange for personal information about Starling.

Stream on Prime Video

‘Another Round’ (2020)

Among recent Oscar winners, “Another Round” snagged major recognition by taking home the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Oscars. Directed by Thomas Vinterberg, the Danish drama was chosen as Denmark’s official submission and ultimately won the Oscar in the category, making it the fourth Danish film ever to receive that honor. Its compelling performances and inventive storytelling solidified its place among the most celebrated international films of the early 2020s.

“Another Round” follows four high‑school teachers in Copenhagen who, feeling stuck in their everyday routines, decide to try an unusual experiment based on a psychiatrist’s theory that maintaining a constant low level of alcohol (around 0.05% BAC) might improve their creativity and confidence. Martin (Mads Mikkelsen) and his friends begin drinking during the day to keep their blood alcohol level steady, but as the drinking continues, the situation becomes more complicated, and their lives take unexpected turns.

Stream on Prime Video

‘Manchester by the Sea’ (2016)

“Manchester by the Sea” made a strong showing at the 89th Academy Awards. It received six Oscar noms, including Best Picture and Best Director for Kenneth Lonergan, and went on to win two of them: Best Actor for Casey Affleck’s powerful performance as Lee Chandler, and Best Original Screenplay for Lonergan’s script. At the same ceremony, the film’s writing was also honored, affirming Lonergan’s script as one of the year’s most compelling.

Lee Chandler (Affleck) is a solitary Boston janitor who is suddenly called back to his hometown of Manchester‑by‑the‑Sea, Massachusetts, when his older brother Joe dies unexpectedly. Lee travels north to handle funeral arrangements and is shocked to learn that Joe has named him legal guardian of his teenage nephew, Patrick (Lucas Hedges). As Lee assists Patrick and interacts with people from his past (including Joe’s ex and old acquaintances) he confronts long‑buried memories that led him away from Manchester and shaped the life he now leads.

Stream on Prime Video

‘Raging Bull’ (1980)

At the 53rd Academy Awards, Robert De Niro earned the Best Actor Oscar for his unforgettable portrayal of boxer Jake LaMotta in “Raging Bull,” a performance often hailed as one of the finest in Academy history. The honor recognized De Niro’s intense physical and emotional commitment to the role, which included altering his physique completely to portray LaMotta at different stages of his life and delivering a deeply immersive character study.

“Raging Bull” follows the rise and fall of Jake LaMotta (De Niro), a middleweight boxer from the Bronx whose aggressive fighting style earns him both the nickname “The Bronx Bull” and success in the ring. After a controversial early loss, Jake works his way toward title contention. As his boxing career advances, his volatile temper and jealousy strain his marriage to Vickie (Cathy Moriarty) and his bond with his brother Joey (Joe Pesci), who also serves as his manager. The film shifts between intense fight scenes and moments from Jake’s life outside the ring.

Stream on Prime Video

More from Tom's Guide

• 10 top new shows you can stream this week
• How to watch Oscars 2026 online for free
• 7 Netflix shows and movies to stream this week

• Oscars 2026 – starts at 7 p.m. ET (full replay)
• Watch free on 7Plus
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Hollywood’s biggest night is ready for its close-up. The 98th Academy Awards hits the Dolby Theatre with Conan O’Brien back on hosting duty, and movie fans in Mexico can watch the Oscars for free on 7Plus in Australia.

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If you're stuck in Mexico right now and want access to your 7Plus Oscars live stream you'll need a specific VPN to watch the awards at 7pm ET plus the replay/highlights.

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TV audience figures for the Oscars have dropped massively, from 57 million viewers in the 90s to around 19 million last year. Critics claim that audiences are fed up with being lectured about how to live their lives by Hollywood stars.

But does that mean you should switch off? No. The Oscars is still the biggest awards show in showbiz and this year, a refreshing number of mainstream movies have been nominated. It's offically the peoples' Oscars once more...

Blood-sucking front-runner, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, stormed in with a record 16 nominations.

The main cage match? Sinners vs. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. Marty Supreme, Frankenstein and Hamnet lurk as spoiler alerts.

Jessie Buckley is riding serious buzz for Best Actress, while Timothée Chalamet could charm voters again.

A new “Best Casting” prize joins the lineup — because even the Oscars love a good call sheet. Bottom line: expect drama, surprises… and at least one speech that runs longer than the movie.

More from Tom's Guide

• Oscars 2026 LIVE updates
• Paramount+ full review
• How to watch the Oscars for free

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The 98th Academy Awards, aka the Oscars 2026, are almost upon us. In just a few hours, Hollywood’s biggest awards show begins, as stars of the silver screen pack the Dolby Theatre to see which movies of 2025 etch their name in history and become Oscar winners.

This year’s awards ceremony is shaping up to be a battle between black comedy action-thriller "One Battle After Another" and fan-favorite horror "Sinners." The latter set a new record for the most Oscar nominations by a single movie with 16. Other contenders that could win a little gold statue include “Hamnet,” “Sentimental Value,” “Marty Supreme,” and “Frankenstein.”

Half of the fun of the glitzy awards show is trying to guess the winners in advance, so we’re running our own fiercely fought Oscar pool (with most of the categories), and you can play along at home. Plus, our team of movie experts will bring you live updates before, during and after the Oscars right here.

How to watch the Oscars 2026

The 98th Academy Awards will be broadcast around the world. In the Oscars native U.S., you can tune in via your local ABC station, including on live TV streaming services like Sling, Fubo or YouTube TV. Alternatively, you can watch along on Hulu with any subscription tier.

In the U.K., the Oscars are on ITV. The show starts at 10:15 pm GMT, with pre-ceremony build-up hosted by national treasure and “Celebrity Traitors” contestant, Jonathan Ross.

Welcome to Tom’s Guide live Oscars 2026 coverage

Welcome to Tom’s Guide live coverage of the Oscars 2026. It’s set to be a night full of A-list stars, tearful (overly long) speeches, and a fond look back at the best movies of 2025.

This year’s Academy Awards are shaping up to be a fiercely fought contest between "Sinners" and “"One Battle After Another".” It’s a race that is tough to call. But we’re going to try, with our own competitive Oscars 2026 prediction game. We’ll run you through most of the categories and give you our predictions of which movie will be taking home the Oscar gold.

Then, when the show starts at 7 p.m. ET, we’ll bring you the latest live updates, a confirmed list of every winner, and our up-to-the-minute reactions to the 98th Academy Awards.

Best Visual Effects

And the nominees are...

• “Avatar: Fire and Ash”
• “F1”
• “Jurassic World Rebirth”
• ”The Lost Bus”
• "Sinners"

Kelly Woo: “Avatar: Fire and Ash” swept the guilds, so that’s what I’m going with.

Malcolm McMillan: I wouldn’t necessarily vote for it — my vote would probably go to “F1” — but this is the only Oscar I expect “Avatar: Fire And Ash” to win tonight.

Martin Shore: The big reason to revisit Pandora is because it looks as good as it does on the big screen; I can’t see a world in which “Avatar: Fire and Ash” doesn’t win.

Rory Mellon: James Cameron’s sci-fi franchise has this category on lockdown, so “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is the obvious choice.

Best Film Editing

And the nominees are...

• "F1”
• "Marty Supreme"
• "One Battle After Another"
• “Sentimental Value“
• "Sinners"

KW: "One Battle After Another" picked up all the right precursors. That chase through the hills alone deserves the win.

MM: Best Editing tends to (but doesn’t always) go to the Best Picture winner, so look at this to be a bellwether award. I’m picking “One Battle After Another,” regardless of how it does further down the line.

MS: Tougher call, but I think it’s "One Battle After Another."

RM: “One Battle After Another,” the Best Picture frontrunner, should do well in the technical categories.

Best Costume Design

And the nominees are...

• “Avatar: Fire and Ash“
• "Frankenstein"
• "Hamnet"
• "Marty Supreme"
• "Sinners"

KW: In craft categories, I always look to the guild. "Frankenstein" took the period prize there, and Oscar usually follows suit.

MM: I’d love for "Sinners" to win this one, but frankly, all of the nominees (save “Avatar: Fire and Ash”) wouldn’t get a complaint from me if they won. So I’m not going to be mad when "Frankenstein" takes this award home as a consolation prize.

MS: I have my fingers crossed for this to be one of "Frankenstein’s” wins of the night.

RM: Hard to see the Academy overlooking “Frankenstein’s” incredible gothic outfits.

"Sinners,” the most nominated movie in Oscar history

When I left the theater after seeing “Sinners,” I knew I had just witnessed something special. But even I couldn’t have guessed that I’d just witnessed one of the most special movies in Oscars history, at least, by the numbers. On January 22, the nominations for this year’s Academy Awards were announced, and "Sinners" secured a record 16 Oscar nominations.

Now, getting a lot of nominations and winning a lot of awards aren’t guaranteed to be correlated. Just last year, “Emilia Pérez” scored 13 nominations and won just two awards. Granted, it had its own controversy to deal with, but there are multiple movies with 10+ nominations and zero wins.

So will "Sinners" take home a record number of wins to go with its record number of nominations? Probably not; the record for wins is 11, shared by “Ben-Hur,” “Titanic,” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” and the competition from "One Battle After Another" is far too fierce to let "Sinners" take home that many wins. But I’ll be truly surprised if it doesn’t take home at least three awards tonight. — Malcolm McMillan

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

And the nominees are...

• "Frankenstein"
• "Kokuho"
• "Sinners"
• "The Smashing Machine"
• "The Ugly Stepsister"

KW: Again, look to the guild. "Frankenstein" will prevail for the stunning work on Jacob Elordi’s Creature.

MM: This is another technical award I expect "Frankenstein" to win in lieu of bigger prizes later in the night.

MS: "Frankenstein" seems the likely winner, though “Kokuho” could scoop a win here after missing out on a spot in Best International Feature.

RM: Jacob Elordi’s transformation into a patchwork monster alone makes "Frankenstein" worthy of this Oscar, and I don’t foresee an upset here.

Best Cinematography

• "Frankenstein"
• "Marty Supreme"
• "One Battle After Another"
• "Sinners"
• "Train Dreams"

KW: This is a close one and all of the nominees are worthy, but "One Battle After Another" picked up the three most important precursors.

MM: This should go to “Train Dreams,” but this is a lock for “One Battle After Another,” and I am not mad about it.

MS: At the risk of repeating myself… this feels like a "One Battle After Another" win. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that one stretch of road and how they staged that car chase.

RM: "One Battle After Another" has the precursor wins, forcing me to pick it (I’m in this to win), but justice for “Train Dreams."

Best Production Design

And the nominees are...

• "Frankenstein"
• "Hamnet"
• "Marty Supreme"
• "One Battle After Another"
• "Sinners"

KW: "Frankenstein" will make it a trifecta with Costume and Makeup, a rare feat.

MM: "Sinners" is a dark horse here, but I fully expect "Frankenstein" to win.

MS: This could be another "Frankenstein" lock.

RM: Guillermo del Toro's movies have a strong track record in this category, and I expect that to continue with "Frankenstein.”

A new category for the first time in 20+ years

“Best Casting” is the first new addition to the Oscars since Best Animated Feature was added to the roster back in 2002. It was announced back in 2024 — after years of lobbying to bring the category to the competition — and recognizes casting directors’ work in selecting the right actors to bring filmmakers’ stories to life on the big screen.

“Casting directors play an essential role in filmmaking, and as the Academy evolves, we are proud to add casting to the disciplines that we recognize and celebrate,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang in a 2024 statement. “We congratulate our Casting Directors Branch members on this exciting milestone and for their commitment and diligence throughout this process.” — MS

Best Casting

And the nominees are...

• "Hamnet"
• "Marty Supreme"
• "One Battle After Another"
• "The Secret Agent"
• "Sinners"

KW: As a new category, there are no precedents to ponder. Still, it seems like a sure victory for Francine Maisler, a respected veteran who put together an outstanding cast in “Sinners.”

MM: Even if "Sinners" didn’t deserve to win this award (it does), Francine Maisler would probably win anyway as a nod to her legacy and the goodwill she has in the industry.

MS: Much as the other films on the roster all boast phenomenal performances, this goes to "Sinners" for me.

RM: "Sinners" is an ensemble piece with pretty much the whole cast celebrated over the past year, and its other acting nominations make it an obvious favorite

Best Sound

And the nominees are...

• "F1"
• "Frankenstein"
• "One Battle After Another"
• "Sinners"
• "Sirât"

KW: Well, “F1” had to earn its Best Picture nomination somewhere, and it’s here.

MM: “F1” baby! Fast cars go vroom! Don’t be shocked to see “Sirât” steal this one, though.

MS: I haven’t managed to see “Sirât” at the time of writing, so I’d say this feels like a "Sinners" win, too.

RM: I’m torn between the Brad Pitt-starring racing blockbuster and “Sinners,” but going “F1” just because it must have some fans somewhere to nab a Best Picture nomination. “Warfare” being absent from the category is my main grumble.

Best Original Song

And the nominees are...

• “Dear Me” from "Diane Warren: Relentless"
• “Golden” from "KPop Demon Hunters"
• “I Lied to You” from "Sinners"
• “Sweet Dreams of Joy” from "Viva Verdi!"
• “Train Dreams” from "Train Dreams"

KW: Up, up, up with “Golden.” The smash hit was not only ubiquitously played last year, it won most of the important precursors, including the Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

MM: If you were a gambler, betting on any song other than “Golden” would be akin to throwing your money into a toilet full of gasoline, lighting it on fire, then flushing it. It’s my second biggest lock of the night.

MS: Miles Caton has all my support here, give the win to “I Lied to You.”

RM: I almost went for “I Lied to You” as I could sniff an upset, but “Golden” is the safest choice, and better safe than sorry!

Conan O’Brien returns to host his second Oscars

The 98th Academy Awards will be hosted by Conan O’Brien, returning for his second Oscars hosting gig after emceeing last year’s awards show. The former late-night talk show host makes for a solid choice, in my opinion. Charismatic enough to keep viewers engaged, and able to walk the line between playfully poking fun at the pomp and excess of Hollywood, without crossing over into outright mockery. I’m sure he’ll have some funny gags tonight.

Best Score

And the nominees are...

• "Bugonia"
• "Frankenstein"
• "Hamnet"
• "One Battle After Another"
• "Sinners"

KW: Ludwig Göransson should walk away with his third Oscar for masterful work in a movie so deeply enmeshed with music.

MM: "Sinners" — and this is borderline a lock for me. As good as Jonny Greenwood is, Ludwig Göransson is just as good and produced an iconic score for a movie all about music. That’s not even taking into account he’s already a multi-time winner (which I think helps) here and is really well-liked in the industry.

MS: Much as I loved Jonny Greenwood’s piercing piano-work on "One Battle After Another" and Max Richter’s work on “Hamnet,” this is a "Sinners" lock for me.

RM: “Sinners,” its musical component is too integral to overlook

Best International Feature

And the nominees are...

• "It Was Just an Accident"
• "The Secret Agent"
• "Sentimental Value"
• "Sirat"
• "The Voice of Hind Rajab"

KW: Two of these films are also nominated for Best Picture. But I think Joachim Trier’s inclusion in Best Director signals broader support for “Sentimental Value.”

MM: Everything in my being wants to say “Sentimental Value,” but I’m going with its fellow Best Picture contender, “The Secret Agent.” A lot of Brazilian voters in the Academy.

MS: I wouldn’t be surprised if it was “Sentimental Value,” but I’m opting for “The Secret Agent” here.

RM: I feel like this is the category where the Academy gives “Sentimental Value” its flowers

Best Animated Feature

And the nominees are...

• "Arco"
• "Elio"
• "KPop Demon Hunters"
• "Little Amelie or the Character of Rain"
• "Zootopia 2"

KW: ”Kpop Demon Hunters” cleaned up at all the precursors. This might be the lockiest of locks.

MM: Much like I will be stunned if “Golden” doesn’t win, I’ll be shocked if “KPop Demon Hunters” doesn’t win, in no small part due to its hit song. “Zootopia 2” is a dark horse here, though.

MS: I’d personally love the delightfully charming “Little Amelie” to land the win here, but it’s gonna be “KPop Demon Hunters,” right?

RM: Social media will be furious if anything but “KPop Demon Hunters” wins. Stand down, K-pop fans, I think your horse has got this one.

And the Tom’s Guide Movie Award winners are …

Ahead of the 2026 Oscars, Tom’s Guide’s streaming team sat down to highlight some of the very best movies of 2025, celebrating (among other things) the Best Theatrical Movie of the last 12 months, Netflix’s best release of 2025, and I got to shout my mouth off about “No Other Choice” getting entirely shut out of the Oscars since it came out on top in our Best Thriller category. We also asked our readers to choose their top watch of 2025, too, and more than 3300 people had their say (though I won’t spoil which film came out on top).

If you’re looking forward to seeing which filmmakers The Academy will recognize this evening, why not check out the inaugural Tom’s Guide Movie Awards to see which films we loved the most, too?

— MS

Best Adapted Screenplay

And the nominees are...

• “Bugonia“
• "Frankenstein"
• "Hamnet"
• "One Battle After Another"
• “Train Dreams“

KW: "One Battle After Another" will add this to the trophy pile.

MM: "One Battle After Another" just won this award from the Writers Guild of America. That doesn’t make it a lock, but I will be surprised if it doesn’t win here as well.

MS: Ditto what everyone else is seeing; it’s another "One Battle After Another" win here, I feel.

RM: “One Battle After Another", a front-runner for Best Picture, so a screenplay win seems logical.

Best original screenplay

And the nominees are...

• “Blue Moon“
• “It Was Just an Accident“
• "Marty Supreme"
• “Sentimental Value"
• "Sinners"

KW: Just as its biggest rival will prevail in adapted, "Sinners" will win original screenplay.

MM: Just like with “One Battle After Another,” I expect that "Sinners" will repeat its WGA win here.

MS: Anything else than "Sinners" in this category feels like it’d be a real surprise.

RM: Same logic as before, "Sinners" is the other major Best Picture contender, so it also wins in its screenplay field, keeping the battle alive going into the final few awards.

Best Supporting Actor

And the nominees are...

• Benicio del Toro ("One Battle After Another")
• Jacob Elordi ("Frankenstein")
• Delroy Lindo ("Sinners")
• Sean Penn ("One Battle After Another")
• Stellan Skarsgard ("Sentimental Value")

KW: While I’d love for this to go to Stellan Skarsgard or Delroy Lindo, it’s very unlikely. When a supporting actor wins SAG and BAFTA, 13 out of 15 times, he goes on to win Oscar. And that’s Sean Penn.

MM: I think this is where “Sentimental Value” gets its flowers, with Stellan Skarsgård taking home his first Academy Award in a decades-long career. Sadly, I don’t think Benicio will be drinking a few small beers with a tiny golden statuette.

MS: Much as I’d love to award this to Jacob Elordi or Benicio del Toro (his “few small beers” dance deserves that trophy, frankly), I could see this being a Sean Penn win.

RM: Sean Penn, based on his wins at the BAFTAs and the Actor Awards.

Best Supporting Actress

And the nominees are...

• Elle Fanning ("Sentimental Value")
• Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas ("Sentimental Value")
• Amy Madigan ("Weapons")
• Wunmi Mosaku ("Sinners")
• Teyana Taylor ("One Battle After Another")

KW: This is, by far, the hardest category to predict. Amy Madigan, Wunmi Mosaku and Teyana Taylor each took precursors. SAG is the most predictive of all of them, so I’m going with Madigan.

MM: I’ve picked Teyana Taylor in an Oscars pool I’m participating in, but I’m starting to think there’s a real chance Amy Madigan gets a deserved win for her villainous performance in “Weapons.” I’m okay with being wrong here.

MS: I’d like to board the Amy Madigan hype train, myself, but would also not be surprised to see Wunmi Mosaku or Teyana Taylor lifting that trophy.

RM: 40 years between Oscar nominations is the type of narrative the Academy loves to recognize, so even with the horror genre often being overlooked, I’m saying Amy Madigan.

Can you guess the Oscar Best Picture winners?

Best Actress

And the nominees are...

• Jessie Buckley ("Hamnet")
• Rose Byrne ("If I Had Legs I’d Kick You")
• Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”)
• Renate Reinsve ("Sentimental Value")
• Emma Stone ("Bugonia")

KW: Jessie Buckley is the second lockiest of locks in this year’s Oscars.

MM: Buckley.

MS: If this block of text isn’t five people predicting Jessie Buckley will win, I don’t know what we’re doing here.

RM: Jessie Buckley, it’s not even a debate.

Best Actor

And the nominees are...

• Timothée Chalamet ("Marty Supreme")
• Leonardo DiCaprio ("One Battle After Another")
• Ethan Hawke ("Blue Moon")
• Michael B. Jordan ("Sinners")
• Wagner Moura ("The Secret Agent")

KW: Another topsy-turvy race. Early on, Timothée Chalamet looked unbeatable, but he didn’t win the most important precursors. As his star dimmed, Michael B. Jordan’s brightened. I think that SAG win paves the way for Oscar glory.

MM: The SAG Awards may be rebranded as The Actor Awards, but they’re still not highly predictive of a Best Actor Oscar win. That said, I do think Michael B. Jordan beats out Timothée Chalamet, with Ethan Hawke coming in a surprisingly close third (not that we’ll ever know).

MS: After lifting the trophy at the Actor Awards, this feels like a Michael B. Jordan win to me — sorry, Timothée, I don’t think you’re bagging that Oscar just yet.

RM: Momentum is big in the Oscar race, and Michael B. Jordan has picked up speed at the perfect moment. I might be a card-carrying member of Club Chalamet, but his campaign has lost steam at the worst possible time. The cocky interviews probably didn’t help his cause.

Best Directing

And the nominees are...

• Chloe Zhao ("Hamnet")
• Josh Safdie ("Marty Supreme")
• Paul Thomas Anderson ("One Battle After Another")
• Joachim Trier ("Sentimental Value")
• Ryan Coogler ("Sinners")

KW: Paul Thomas Anderson is due. He’s got 14 nominations, no wins — that will be corrected this year.

MM: The last Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film winner not to win the Oscar for Best Director was Sam Mendes in 2019. Before that, it was Ben Affleck for Argo in 2012. This is a highly predictive award, and so Paul Thomas Anderson is a prohibitive favorite to win after taking home the DGA precursor.

MS: The real question is "One Battle After Another" or “Sinners,” or in this case, will it be Paul Thomas Anderson or Ryan Coogler? My money’s on PTA here.

RM: After 14 nominations without a win across various categories over the years, I think 2026 is the year Paul Thomas Anderson finally gets his hands on a gold statue.

Best Picture

And the nominees are...

• "Bugonia"
• "F1"
• "Frankenstein"
• "Hamnet"
• "Marty Supreme"
• "One Battle After Another"
• "The Secret Agent"
• "Sentimental Value"
• "Sinners"
• "Train Dreams"

KW: This is a two-horse race between "One Battle After Another" and “Sinners.” The latter has seemingly surged in recent weeks, thanks to the SAG ensemble win. But I still think “OBAA” will win the big prize. It took almost all of the other major precursors and many guild awards, indicating broad support across the industry. Will I be shocked at a "Sinners" upset? Not at all, but I still think it’ll be a very close No. 2 to “One Battle After Another.”

MM: "Sinners" will deliver the stunning moment of this Oscars ceremony when it beats out “One Battle After Another.” It would be one of the most shocking upsets in the history of the Academy Awards, but I have a gut feeling that the "Sinners" hive is real and will take the crown thanks to the use of ranked choice voting. I think it’s a lot of people’s first or second favorite, and certainly in most people’s top 3. I can see "One Battle After Another" scoring more first-place votes but then falling further down the rankings for those who didn’t think it’s a masterpiece.

MS: Even though there are plenty of deserving films in the running, I’ve long assumed Best Picture would be a two-horse race between "One Battle After Another" and “Sinners,” and after it picked up Best Film at the BAFTAs, I think "One Battle After Another" might land the win over Ryan Coogler’s thriller (but I would be more than happy to be wrong).

RM: I’m sticking with the prediction I’ve had all awards season and going with "One Battle After Another." It has the precursor awards and the industry support to hold off “Sinners” formidable challenge.

Which movie will win Best Picture tonight?

Where to watch the Oscars 2026 red carpet coverage

The Oscars don’t officially start until the ceremony, but the real spectacle begins hours earlier when Hollywood hits the red carpet in couture, diamonds and the occasional “bold” fashion choice. The main lead-in is “The Oscars Red Carpet Show,” airing at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT on ABC and Hulu. Hosted by Tamron Hall and Jesse Palmer, the official 30-minute special highlights the nominees, performers and presenters as they arrive.

Coverage actually started much earlier with “On the Red Carpet at the Oscars,” which began at 3:30 p.m. ET across ABC’s local stations and streams on ABC News Live.

Oscar movies on 4K Blu-ray

There’s no better time to revisit some of the greatest Oscar-winning movies ever made, preferably in the best quality possible. If you’ve got a great TV (especially an OLED), 4K Ultra HD discs still deliver the best picture and sound you can get at home.

Tom’s Guide’s resident 4K collector Phil Rodrigues — who owns more than 300 discs — has recommended 12 Oscar-winning movies that look incredible in 4K. From “The Silence of the Lambs” to Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” every pick is available on Amazon now, meaning you can get them in time for Oscars weekend.

Check out the full Oscars 4K movies collection here

Red carpet photos: The stars are shining

More red carpet pics

The Oscars are about to begin!

We're about five minutes from showtime, so hit the bathroom, gather your snacks and beverages, finish your Oscar pool ballot, and get comfy because the night is just beginning.

And heeere's Conan to start the show

Host Conan O'Brien kicks off the Oscars with a sketch referencing a bunch of the year's movies, including "Weapons," "F1," "Marty Supreme," "Hamnet," "One Battle After Another," "Kpop Demon Hunters," "Sentimental Value" and "Sinners."

'This year, everything's going great!'

Conan's opening monologue began with cracks on the state of the world, Timothée Chalamet's remarks about ballet and opera, and Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos being at a theater "for the first time."

He segued into jokes about the nominated films. The thing I most like about Conan as a host is his genuine enthusiasm for movies. Nothing is too snarky; mostly dad jokes. Like "F1" getting a sequel called "Caps Lock." I admit: I laughed.

Conan also mentioned the fact that he co-starred with nominee Rose Byrne in "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You." (He was fantastic in the movie, BTW.)

He saved his more cutting digs for certain political figures, the U.S. healthcare system and AI.

And a musical bit!

Conan ends his opening act with a musical number, based on his winning a faux achievement award, complete with Josh Groban and a bird flying his trophy in.

The first category is best supporting actress. And the winner is ...

Last year's supporting actress Oscar winner, Zoe Saldaña, announced this year's recipient:

Amy Madigan, "Weapons"

This was a very tough category to predict. The precursors were split between Madigan, Wunmi Mosaku ("Sinners") and Teyana Taylor ("One Battle After Another."

Madigan, a longtime veteran of the industry, took the stage and was a true delight. "I'm a little flummoxed," she said, before paying tribute to her fellow nominees.

She thanked the movie's writer/director Zach Creggar, as well as her family and husband Ed Harris.

The big change coming to the Oscars

Coming back from a commercial break, Conan brings up the fact that the Oscars will move from ABC to YouTube in 2029. He starts to assure everyone that nothing will change — only to be interrupted by a loud, aggressive commercial from Jane Lynch.

Fingers crossed this joke remains just that.

The best animated feature winner is ...

"Kpop Demon Hunters."

Absolutely no surprise here, and I fully expect "Golden" to take best song later in the show.

The best animated short winner is ...

"The Girl Who Cried Pearls" by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski

Before announcing the winner, Will Arnett got a lot of applause when he declares animation is created by people, not AI. "It's art, not a prompt." Word.

The first Oscar-nominated song performance

"Sinners" star Miles Caton takes the stage for the first song performance of the evening, "I Lied to You." It's a gorgeously designed, soulful number and makes me want to rewatch "Sinners" immediately. They get a standing ovation, which makes me wonder if maybe "Golden" doesn't have the category in the bag.

The costume design winner is ...

"Frankenstein."

The entire TG streaming team picked this one. I think "Frankenstein" will pull off the rare "three-peat" of winning costume design, makeup and production design.

The Makeup and Hairstyling winner is ...

"Frankenstein."

OK, 2 of 3! Guillermo del Toro's movie looks to clean up in the craft categories.

The first-ever Casting Oscar is up

A perfect choice by the show: The five presenters each come from one of the nominated films: Paul Mescal ("Hamnet"), Gwyneth Paltrow ("Marty Supreme"), Chase Infiniti ("One Battle After Another"), Wagner Moura ("The Secret Agent") and Delroy Lindo ("Sinners").

The Casting winner is ...

Cassandra Kulukundis, "One Battle After Another."

A bit of a surprise here. This race was always down to Kulukundis and Francine Maisler for "Sinners." I thought it would go to the latter, as Maisler is a longtime veteran of the industry and this could be a sort of make-good to "Sinners" if it loses Best Picture. Still, Kulukundis did a fantastic job, if only for finding Chase Infiniti.

The Live-Action Short winner is ...

It's a tie!!!!

When was the last time this happened? I didn't know this could be a thing. Neither did the first winner:

"The Singers" - Sam A. Davis and Jack Piatt

And the other winner is:

"Two People Exchanging Saliva" - Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata

Musteata notes this is the third tie in Oscar history. I'll have to fact-check that later.

The Best Supporting Actor winner is ...

Sean Penn, "One Battle After Another"

Hilariously, Penn isn't at the Oscars this evening. Presenter Kieran Culkin notes he "couldn't be here or didn't want to," and accepts it on his behalf.

How many ties have there been in Oscar history?

Apparently, there have been six Oscar ties. The first tie occurred 1932 in the Best Actor category. The most famous was in 1969 when Katharine Hepburn ("The Lion in Winter") and Barbra Streisand ("Funny Girl") tied.

The Best Adapted Screenplay winner is ...

"One Battle After Another" - Paul Thomas Anderson; based on the novel Vineland by Thomas Pynchon

The screenplay categories are locks, for the two biggest movies of the night.

The Best Original Screenplay winner is ...

"Sinners" – Ryan Coogler

As I said, these screenplay categories have been wrapped up for ages.

Unfortunately, this might be the last time we see Coogler on the stage, if he loses Best Director to Paul Thomas Anderson and Best Picture to "One Battle After Another." So, he uses his time wisely to thank everyone he possibly can.

In Memoriam: Rob Reiner

The "in memoriam" section of the Oscars is always sobering, but this one is particularly so, as they dedicated an individual segment to Rob Reiner, given by Billy Crystal. Reiner was one of the greats and seeing a retrospective of his work highlights what a tragedy his murder really was.

Remembering the stars gone by

After the Rob Reiner tribute, the rest of the In Memoriam honors the other industry members who have died in the last year, including three-time nominee Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, Catherine O'Hara, Val Kilmer, Diane Ladd, Graham Greene, Michael Madsen and Robert Redford.

The Best Production Design winner is ...

"Frankenstein" – Production Design: Tamara Deverell; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau

And "Frankenstein" has done it — it pulled off the "design trifecta." Winning Production Design, Costume Design and Makeup is very rare. Previous winners include "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (2004), "The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2015), and "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2016).

The Best Visual Effects winner ...

"Avatar: Fire and Ash" – Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon, and Daniel Barrett

Cute that Sigourney Weaver got to hand over the trophy to her colleagues.

The Best Documentary Short winner is ...

"All the Empty Rooms" – Joshua Seftel and Conall Jones

You should check out this really affecting short film that memorializes the untouched bedrooms of kids killed in school shootings. One of the parents is there to decry gun violence and advocate for change.

The Best Documentary Feature Film winner is ...

"Mr Nobody Against Putin" – David Borenstein, Pavel Talankin, Helle Faber, and Alžběta Karásková

My colleagues and I didn't enter picks for this category, but I would've chosen this as my prediction. It's about oligarchs, control of media, and how small acts can erode a country's identity. This doc is about the Ukraine-Russia war, but it resonates closer to home.

The Best Score winner is ...

"Sinners" – Ludwig Göransson

Another pretty inevitable category. "Sinners" was so much about music, and Göransson's score masterfully blended blues, folk and more modern elements.

The Best Sound winner is ...

"F1" – Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, and Juan Peralta

Look, I think we can all agree "F1's" Best Picture nomination is ... dicey. But the sound work truly was excellent.

The Best Film Editing winner is ...

"One Battle After Another" – Andy Jurgensen

I think that the car chase scene alone won this and will also win Cinematography.

The Best Cinematography winner is ...

"Sinners" – Autumn Durald Arkapaw

Oooh, a pleasant surprise! I thought "OBAA" had this in the bag for the car chase scene alone, but I'm glad to see the stunning work in "Sinners" recognized. And for Arkapaw as the first woman to win this award.

Up, up, up!

It's been awhile since that "Sinners" performance. Finally, "Golden" gets its turn, and it is as rousing as always. I thought the staging was a little boring, though.

The Best International Feature Film winner is ...

"Sentimental Value" (Norway) in Norwegian, Swedish, and English – directed by Joachim Trier

This was definitely a hot race, since both "Sentimental Value" and "The Secret Agent" were nominated in Best Picture. But ultimately, "Sentimental Value" had broader support (just look at its three acting nominations and directing nom).

The Best Song winner is ...

"Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters – Music and lyrics by Ejae, Mark Sonnenblick, 24, Ido, and Teddy Park

The first K-pop song to win an Oscar. Hopefully, not the last.

The Best Director winner is ...

Paul Thomas Anderson, "One Battle After Another"

This was foretold after Anderson won the DGA. The Oscars are usually in lockstep with the guild in this category. And well-deserved. Prior to this evening, Anderson had been nominated 14 times without a win. It's been a long time coming!

The Best Actor winner is ...

Michael B. Jordan, "Sinners"

Yessssssssss!

I've been watching his career since he was Wallace on "The Wire." Let's gooooo!

The Best Actress winner is ...

Jessie Buckley, "Hamnet"

Buckley was the lockiest of locks going into the ceremony. She's been destined to win this since "Hamnet" first made the festival rounds. Fortunately, her next film, "The Bride!", came out after Oscar voting had ended. It was terrible enough to possibly have sunk her bid.

And last but certainly not least, the Best Picture winner is ...

"One Battle After Another"

The two-horse race turned out to be a little less of a photo finish than I'd imagined. "Sinners" certainly got its flowers, but all the precursors were right and "OBAA" prevailed.

What a night

And the broadcast ends with another sketch. Conan is told he's been tapped as Oscars host for life. He's shown to a corner office — much like Sean Penn's in "One Battle After Another." Uh oh ....

Bragging rights

OK, who won our informal office Oscars pool? Me! Well, it was a tie. My colleague Rory Mellon and I both got 18 out of the 20 categories we predicted. (We both missed out on Cinematography and Casting.)

A few Oscars 2026 takeaways

That's a wrap on the 2026 Oscars. It wasn't the most scintillating of ceremonies, though all of the nominated movies were very worthy.

I was surprised there weren't more speeches tinged with politics. There were a few, especially in minor categories, and some references by presenters. Overall, though, most of the big winners played it safe.

Conan O'Brien was a very genial host. He had a few gasp-inducing quips, but otherwise, wasn't really provocative or that memorable.

Mostly, it was a fairly predictable night, even if more categories felt like a toss-up this last week. But the fact that two TG staffers correctly predicted 18/20 races indicates it all went pretty much according to plan.

Still, I leave this Oscars happy with the state of movies in general. Can't wait to see what this next year brings.

Outside of the obvious eyes on Best Picture - with the main competition between One Battle After Another and Sinners - the most exciting category may in fact be Best International Feature.

In what feels like a three horse race there really is anything to play for and an incredibly diverse and well executed roster of films this year. Perhaps the best line up this century.

So, who’s going to take home the Oscar?

A incredibly timely film dissecting and satirising the Iranian regime: It Was Just an Accident? Brazil’s entry, The Secret Agent, which shows one man’s fight against a military dictatorship. Sentimental Value, the front runner with Hollywood royalty Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning?

Or could it be a surprise with Sirāt, an emotional tale of a father searching for his missing daughter? Or a political underdog of a film: The Voice of Hind Rajab about the IDF’s killing of a six-year-old Palestinian girl?

You’ll have to tune in for the Oscars later this month…but more importantly how do you do your homework and watch these masterpieces beforehand?

We’re glad you asked! We’ve put together a guide on how to watch them wherever you are in the world…

Watch Oscar Nominees from anywhere in the world

It Was Just an Accident (France)

It Was Just an Accident focuses on a group of former political prisoners as they track down who they believe is their torturer and turn the tables on them. It's suspenseful, political and surprisingly funny.

It was certainly the buzziest film at the start of the awards circuit with a Palme D'Or win for writer and director Jafar Panahi. However, nearly a year on and the conversation has died down perhaps a case of a film peaking too early.

However, this may now be the timeliest film with the ongoing war against the Iranian regime. Also considering the history of this film - with Panahi having been a former political prisoner himself, having to make the film in secret and releasing it through a French production company - there's a powerful narrative that the Oscars love.

How to watch It Was Just an Accident

International: For those around Europe, Latin America and India, the streamer to use is Prime Video.

United States: This nominee is now on Hulu.

Australia/NZ: Available on Disney+.

Elsewhere: Your best bet is to buy or rent on Prime Video, or use NordVPN and try one of the above options.

The Secret Agent (Brazil)

Taking place during the Brazilian military dictatorship, The Secret Agent follows a professor entangled in the action while resisting the authoritarian regime. Again, this may strike a chord as timely in some parts of the world.

This could be a historic achievement for Brazil if they take home Oscar gold this month. Having won the previous International Feature Film last year with I'm Still Here - the country's first ever win in this category and also focusing on this period in history - they could win two consecutive years in a row with The Secret Agent!

As well as scoring an International Feature, this Brazilian film also picked up a Best Picture nod which is usually a sign that it'll win the category...but this year another film also in this category also secured a Best Picture nominee. Working in its favour though is the film's star Wagner Moura who did the nearly undoable: secure a foreign language acting nomination. Only time will tell if that translates to anything...

How to watch The Secret Agent

International: For those around Europe, Latin America and India, the streamer to use is Mubi.

United States: This nominee is now on Hulu.

Australia/NZ: Available on Disney+.

Elsewhere: Your best bet is to use NordVPN and try one of the above options.

Sentimental Value (Norway)

It’s no secret that the Oscars loves films about filmmaking and Sentimental Value is the latest example of this. Centring on a dysfunctional family and the father - an acclaimed director - who wants to make a meta film about his family’s life it manages to navigate through genres, emotions and languages with expert precision.

Very much a respected writer and director within the industry and film circles, Joachim Trier has been on the verge of mainstream for a while and Sentimental Value may be the vehicle to get him Oscar gold. Following up his incredible Oscar-nominated inidie film The Worst Person in the World, this hits all the right beats to secure it perhaps two Oscar wins.

Not only is it favourite for International Feature - although only slightly with political significance favouring It Was Just an Accident and some last minute momentum with The Secret Agent - but it racked up acting nominations too. With four spread across Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, it looks like Stellan Skarsgård may get his flowers with a Supporting Actor win. It has a whiff of lifetime achievement after an incredible career but it would still be richly deserved with a memorable and moving performance.

How to watch Sentimental Value

International: For those around Europe, Latin America and India, the streamer to use is Mubi.

Elsewhere: Your best bet is to buy or rent on Prime Video or use NordVPN and try one of the above options.

Sirāt (Spain)

Sirāt tells the story of a father attempting to find his missing daughter who vanished months previously at a rave. A simple story executed well which also sees a fish out of water narrative with said father heading to another rave in the hope of finding her.

This Spanish entry in the Oscar international race is definitely bringing up the rear - along with the next nomination - in what feels like a three horse race - but it still packs a punch. Maybe the most emotionally charged of the nominees given its subject matter, Sirāt has received rave reviews from critics around the world.

Having gone under the radar due to the star power of the previous films, this Spanish film could be one to watch with the Oscars peculiar preferential voting system if the top three films cancel each other out and this one is high on voters’ list as an alternative.

How to watch Sirāt

International: For selected countries, the streamer to use is Mubi.

Spain: If you have a Spanish address, the film is available to stream on Movistar Plus+.

Elsewhere: Your best bet is to use NordVPN and try one of the above options.

The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia)

And finally, last but not least, The Voice of Hind Rajab. Perhaps having secured the least amount of attention in this category is this entry from Tunisia about a real story of a six-year-old Palestinian girl murdered by the IDF during Israel’s invasion of the Gaza Strip.

Sadly the lack of talk may be due to the subject matter which is certainly more taboo in America than most other countries, but it has also suffered from a lack of publicity. Another issue is maybe the format of the film which is a docudrama, historically a harder film to explain to voters and public alike.

Whatever the reason, this is perhaps the most important film on the list and easily the most political. Whether that moves the needle positively or negatively we will find out soon but even Hollywood is staying fairly quiet on Israel/Palestine so it may ultimately not gain the attention it sadly deserves.

How to watch The Voice of Hind Rajab

International: For selected countries, the streamer to use is Apple TV or Prime Video.

Elsewhere: If not available in your region, your best bet is to use NordVPN and try one of the above options.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

The 98th Academy Awards are on Sunday, 15 March, and the Tom's Guide team is buzzing with excitement for the big night, and placing bets on which of our favourite movies will win. "Sinners" and "One Battle After Another" are the odds-on favorites to claim Best Picture, but will there be a surprise victor? It's happened before...

While we wait for the results, below, you can play our fun quiz to see how many of the 97 previous winners of the Academy Award for Best Picture you can recall in 10 minutes. Just type in the name of the movie (no need for the year), and if it's right, it will be added to the list. They don't have to be in order – though brownie points to you if they are!

Register your name to save your score on the leaderboard and easily find and play more of our puzzles and quizzes.

Of course, we've already picked our own favorite movies of 2025, including the Tom's Guide reader's choice award for "Sinners" (there have now been more than 4,550 votes on that poll, with "Sinners" claiming 12% of your votes).

And Senior Entertainment Editor Rory Mellon, who has watched all 97 previous Best Picture winners (and many more besides), has picked his 9 best Oscar movies of all time. If that's not enough, Collections Editor John-Anthony Disotto spoke to a 4K Blu-Ray collector for his top 12 Oscar-winning Blu-ray recommendations. Movie marathon this weekend? I'm in.

Which movie do you think should win this year? Let us know in the poll below.

More from Tom's Guide

• 10 biggest Oscar nominations 2026 snubs and surprises
• Here's the best movie from every 2026 Oscar-nominated actor
• I asked a 4K Blu-Ray collector for the 12 best Oscar movies

Oscars 2026 are just around the corner (the glitzy event is set for Sunday, March 15). In less than a week, one of 10 movies will join the ranks of Best Picture winners and be enshrined in cinema history for the rest of time. OK, so the odds say it’s really only two flicks with a realistic shot of winning the night’s big prize: “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners.”

I’m a dedicated Oscar watcher and awards season follower who has seen every single movie that’s won Best Picture over the decades (the first Oscars were held in 1929). To mark the 98th movie being added to this legendary list in a matter of days, I’m picking out my personal favorite Best Picture winner of each decade.

These are the real cream of the crop and stand as 11 of the best Oscar movies of all time, at least in my opinion.

Looking to own some of the Best Picture winners in 4K UHD? We've selected our top 12.

1920s

‘Wings’ (1927)

What it's about: Two small-town rivals, Jack (Charles Rodgers) and David (Richard Arlen), both competing for the heart of the same girl (Jobyna Ralston), enlist in the Army Air Service during World War I. Developing a strong bond, they must rely on each other to get home to the love they’ve left behind. Also stars Clara Bow as one of cinema’s first “the girl next door.”

Why I picked it: The 1920s only had two winners, “Wings” and “The Broadway Melody.” I suspect neither will be particularly engaging to your typical modern-day viewer. However, I’m giving “Wings” the nod for its place in history as the first Best Picture winner, it’s quite incredible (for the time) tracking shot, and a tragic third-act twist that adds emotional weight.

1930s

‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (1930)

What it's about: Based on Erich Maria Remarque’s novel of the same name, “All Quiet on the Western Front” is one of cinema’s strongest anti-war movies to this day. It sees a young German boy enlist in the army during World War I after being sold a dream of frontline valour and heroism. Once in the trenches, he discovers the realities of conflict are much bleaker.

Why I picked it: The first truly exceptional Best Picture winner, in this critic's opinion, “All Quiet on the Western Front” is a timeless movie with a message that still resonates. It can be a brutal watch at times, but it’s nevertheless a stunning achievement. The 2022 remake (which was actually nominated for Best Picture itself) is also utterly excellent, but the original remains the best.

1940s

‘Casablanca' (1942)

What it's about: During World War II, Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) runs a nightclub in Casablanca serving a very diverse clientele. Claiming to be neutral in the conflict, when Rick’s former lover, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), unexpectedly shows up, Rick is tasked with helping her resistance leader husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), escape from the German forces.

Why I picked it: Does this one need any explanation? “Casablanca” is stuffed to bursting with memorable scenes and characters, not to mention it includes some of the most iconic lines of dialogue in all of cinema history (“of all the gin joints…”, "here's looking at you, kid," “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.). “Casablanca is quite simply cinematic perfection.

1950s

‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ (1957)

What it's about: In World War II, British prisoners of war, led by Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness), are ordered by their Japanese captors to build a large bridge over the River Kwai. The prisoners plan to sabotage the bridge’s construction, but Nicholson becomes obsessed with its successful completion, even to the point of collaboration with the sworn enemy.

Why I picked it: “The Bridge of the River Kwai” is well-made and well-acted throughout, but it’s the ultra-intense third act that really sends this movie to the top of my list. The film ends with an extraordinarily exciting finale that leaves you breathless. But the 1950s were a strong decade, and I could absolutely make an argument for “All About Eve” or “On the Waterfront.”

1960s

‘The Apartment’ (1960)

What it's about: Timid office worker C.C. Baxtar (Jack Lemmon) allows his company’s executives to use his Manhattan apartment for extramarital affairs with the promise of a promotion for his assistance. But things get complicated when Baxter’s boss uses the pad to meet with elevator operator Fran (Shirley MacLaine), whom Baxter happens to be sweet on.

Why I picked it: “The Apartment” is like a warm hug in movie form, and makes the perfect change from the numerous war movies listed above. The chemistry between Lemmon and MacLaine is simply perfect, and despite its generally lighter subject matter, it still tackles some weighty topics. This is one of those movies that is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy.

1970s

‘The Godfather’ (1972)

What it's about: The mob movie that all other contenders in the genre aspire to be, “The Godfather” chronicles the Corleone crime family, led by Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). Vito's son Michael (Al Pacino) initially has no interest in joining the family business, but is reluctantly drawn into the criminal world, and what follows is the tragic rise of a ruthless mafia boss.

Why I picked it: Another pick that surely needs no justification. “The Godfather” is a legendary crime drama packed with perfect performances, particularly from Brando (who won Best Actor) and Pacino. It’s probably as close to flawless as movies get. Its sequel, “The Godfather Part II,” also won Best Picture, making Oscar history as the first follow-up to claim the award. No other movie and its sequel have accomplished the same feat in the decades since.

1980s

‘Platoon’ (1986)

What it's about: Taking cues from “All Quiet on the Western Front,” Oliver Stone’s “Platoon” sees Charlie Sheen play Chris Taylor, a young American soldier who volunteers to ship out to South Vietnam in 1967. On the ground, he faces the horrors of warfare and is troubled by the moral ambiguity that surrounds him. Also stars Willem Dafoe and Forest Whitaker.

Why I picked it: “Platoon” was inspired by Stone’s own experience during the Vietnam War, which adds an extra wrinkle to this flick, and makes each moment of brutality feel that much more uncomfortably authentic. It’s also greatly helped by strong performances from Sheen and Dafoe. Personally, I think the 80s were a weak decade at the Oscars, but “Platoon” was worthy.

1990s

‘The Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)

What it's about: To catch a serial killer named Buffalo Bill, FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is instructed to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to build a profile of the at-large criminal. But Lecter, a genius psychiatrist with a taste for human flesh, won’t give his help for free, and so begins a twisted cat-and-mouse game.

Why I picked it: The thriller genre is a personal favorite of mine, and “The Silence of the Lambs” is the gold standard in the field. Case in point, it’s the most recent movie to win Oscars in all five major categories (Picture, Director, Actor, Actress and Screenplay). Hopkins won his gold statue despite having less than 25 minutes of screen time. Lecter is one of cinema's great villains.

2000s

‘The Departed’ (2006)

What it's about: Mob boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) plants Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) as his mole within the Boston State Police department. But Frank doesn’t know that his new recruit, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), is actually an undercover cop. When both sides catch wind of the deception, each tries to figure out who the spy is among them.

Why I picked it: “The Departed” is a rarity in cinema, an American remake that is largely considered superior to the original (2002’s “Infernal Affairs). Of course, maybe that’s not a surprise when you have Martin Scorsese in the director’s chair and Nicholson, DiCaprio and Damon each giving career-best performances. The shocking ending is a particular highlight.

2010s

‘Parasite’ (2019)

What it's about: “Parasite” follows two Korean families at either end of the class divide, one extremely wealthy, one struggling to get by. As the latter uses deception to intertwine themselves into the household of their much richer counterparts, a shocking secret changes everything. I wouldn’t want to say anything else for fear of giving even light spoilers.

Why I picked it: “Parasite’s” Best Picture win was a real Oscar moment, marking the first non-English-language movie to claim Hollywood’s top prize. And “Parasite” deserved it, without question. It’s one of the best movies of the 21st century, and a masterpiece in both thriller plotting and sharp dark humor, poking fun at the cruel injustice of our society in some very clever ways.

2020s

‘Oppenheimer’ (2023)

What it's about: An epic dramatization of the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy), the “father of the atomic bomb.” Under his watch, as the leader of the Manhattan Project, Oppenheimer led a team of scientists to a breakthrough that changed the course of history.

Why I picked it: A movie I’m convinced will stand the test of time with ease, “Oppenheimer” is Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus. It’s a three-hour drama that flies by in an instant, and is packed with powerful performances from the entire star-studded cast, Murphy most of all. It’s fascinating, compelling, thrilling, absorbing, and so much more. A very worthy Best Picture winner.

More from Tom's Guide

• 10 biggest Oscar nominations 2026 snubs and surprises
• Here's the best movie from every 2026 Oscar-nominated actor
• I asked a 4K Blu-Ray collector for the 12 best Oscar movies

The 2026 Oscars are almost upon us, and if you're like me, you're scrambling to see all the nominated films you can before the awards are handed out. Especially the movies with Academy Award-nominated performances. We can pretend all Oscars are created equal, but aside from Best Director and Picture, it's the four acting Oscars that are the ones most average movie lovers care about. And I say that as someone who's a sucker for a Best Original (or Adapted) Screenplay winner.

But to really get the full picture of what an actor can or can't do, you can't just watch their Oscar-nominated performances from the past year. You need to see more of their work. So I've put together a list of one movie that you need to stream right now, for all 20 Academy Award-nominated actors competing for a 2026 Oscars statuette. I've also linked out to where, among the best streaming services, you can watch the movies I'm recommending, as well as the movies these actors are nominated for this year.

Here's the one movie from every 2026 Oscar-nominated actor that you need to stream right now, including every Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress nominee from this year.

Best Supporting Actor

Stellan Skarsgård

What they're nominated for: "Sentimental Value" (streaming on Hulu starting March 23)

What you need to watch: "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" (2011) on Prime Video (with Sony Pictures Core 7-day free trial)

Why you need to watch it: This movie is criminally underrated. Skarsgård's performance as the complex Martin Vanger is core to what makes the movie work and will have you captivated.

Sean Penn

What they're nominated for: "One Battle After Another" (streaming on HBO Max)

What you need to watch: "Carlito's Way" (buy or rent from Amazon)

Why you need to watch it: Sean Penn's resume is incredible, so there is so much to choose from. But I like his portrayal of sleazy lawyer Dave Kleinfeld as a nice companion to his portrayal of crooked military commander Steven J. Lockjaw.

Delroy Lindo

What they're nominated for: "Sinners" (streaming on HBO Max)

What you need to watch: "Da 5 Bloods" (streaming on Netflix)

Why you need to watch it: "Sinners" is Delroy Lindo's first Oscar-nominated performance, but you can definitely make an argument that he deserved a nomination for his portrayal of aged Vietnam veteran Paul in this Spike Lee movie.

Jacob Elordi

What they're nominated for: "Frankenstein" (streaming on Netflix)

What you need to watch: "Priscilla" (streaming on Netflix)

Why you need to watch it: Jacob Elordi's best performances before "Frankenstein" were arguably in shows rather than movies. But he's an excellent Elvis alongside Cailee Spaeny's titular Priscilla Presley, so I'm giving "Priscilla" the nod here.

Benicio del Toro

What they're nominated for: "One Battle After Another" (streaming on HBO Max)

What you need to watch: "Sicario" (streaming on Netflix)

Why you need to watch it: God forgive me for not picking "Traffic" here, but I like the idea of contrasting the totally broken prosecutor-turned-killer Alejandro against the lighthearted, noble freedom fighter Sensei Sergio St. Carlos.

Best Supporting Actress

Teyana Taylor

What they're nominated for: "One Battle After Another" (streaming on HBO Max)

What you need to watch: "A Thousand and One" (streaming free on Fandango at Home)

Why you need to watch it: "A Thousand and One" is the clear other highlight in Teyana Taylor's still-growing filmography, having won the Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize in 2023.

Wunmi Mosaku

What they're nominated for: "Sinners" (streaming on HBO Max)

What you need to watch: "His House" (streaming on Netflix)

Why you need to watch it: Wunmi Mosaku has more than a few shows on her resume worthy of a binge-watch, but when it comes to movies, this horror film about refugees from South Sudan settling in London is the clear must-watch from her CV.

Amy Madigan

What they're nominated for: "Weapons" (streaming on HBO Max)

What you need to watch: "Twice in a Lifetime" (buy or rent from Amazon)

Why you need to watch it: There's no performance quite like Amy Madigan's Gladys elsewhere in her resume. Since her other Oscar nomination was for "Twice in a Lifetime," it gets the nod here.

Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas

What they're nominated for: "Sentimental Value" (streaming on Hulu starting March 23)

What you need to watch: "A Beautiful Life" (streaming on Netflix)

Why you need to watch it: Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas probably has the shortest resume of any nominee this year. This Danish musical drama is her only other starring role to date.

Elle Fanning

What they're nominated for: "Sentimental Value" (streaming on Hulu starting March 23)

What you need to watch: "Super 8" (streaming free on Pluto TV)

Why you need to watch it: Elle Fanning is no longer a child actor, but this movie from when she was just 12 was her big breakout performance, so it's worth revisiting now that she has her first Oscar nomination.

Best Actor

Wagner Moura

What they're nominated for: "The Secret Agent" (streaming on Hulu)

What you need to watch: "Civil War" (streaming on HBO Max)

Why you need to watch it: I love Wagner Moura, I love "Civil War," and I love his performance in this movie.

Michael B. Jordan

What they're nominated for: "Sinners" (streaming on HBO Max)

What you need to watch: "Black Panther" (streaming on Disney+)

Why you need to watch it: Any and every Ryan Coogler/Michael B. Jordan team-up is worth watching. But the swagger Jordan brings as twins Smoke and Stack in "Sinners" is probably more closely matched by his portrayal of Killmonger in "Black Panther" than his other performances.

Ethan Hawke

What they're nominated for: "Blue Moon" (streaming on Netflix)

What you need to watch: "The Black Phone" (streaming on Netflix)

Why you need to watch it: Ethan Hawke is an incredible actor, and there are so many movies to choose from. But his portrayal of Lorenz Hart is transformative, and he disappears into the role. "The Black Phone," while so tonally different, is another instance of this and really highlights Hawke's range. So I'm choosing it as a very unconventional pick.

Leonardo DiCaprio

What they're nominated for: "One Battle After Another" (streaming on HBO Max)

What you need to watch: "The Departed" (buy or rent from Amazon)

Why you need to watch it: In both movies, Leo plays an outsider who finds himself fighting for survival, which leads to moments of both comedy and drama. There are plenty of great DiCaprio performances, but "The Departed" weirdly feels the most connected to his latest Oscar-worthy role.

Timothée Chalamet

What they're nominated for: "Marty Supreme" (buy or rent from Amazon)

What you need to watch: "Lady Bird" on Prime Video (with Cinemax 7-day free trial)

Why you need to watch it: In "Marty Supreme" and "Lady Bird," Timothée Chalamet portrays Marty and Kyle, respectively. These characters can be charming but are also kind of the worst, so I decided to pair these movies together.

Best Actress

Emma Stone

What they're nominated for: "Bugonia" (streaming on Peacock)

What you need to watch: "The Favourite" (buy or rent from Amazon)

Why you need to watch it: "Bugonia" is just the latest Yorgos Lanthimos film to earn Emma Stone an Oscar nomination. So why not go back to where it all began: "The Favourite."

Renate Reinsve

What they're nominated for: "Sentimental Value" (streaming on Hulu starting March 23)

What you need to watch: "The Worst Person in the World" (streaming free on Tubi)

Why you need to watch it: Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone aren't the only Oscar-worthy director/actress pairing among the nominees this year. Joachim Trier and Renate Reinsve are also a dynamic duo, with both earning Oscar nominations for "Sentimental Value." Their first movie together was "Oslo, 31 August," but it was 2021's "The Worst Person in the World" that made Reinsve one to watch.

Kate Hudson

What they're nominated for: "Song Sung Blue" (streaming on Peacock)

What you need to watch: "Almost Famous" (streaming free on Tubi)

Why you need to watch it: You knew I was going to suggest "Almost Famous," but I almost didn't. Ultimately, though, I couldn't help myself from picking another movie that depicts Hudson as an ardent fan devoting her life to music, albeit in a different way.

Rose Byrne

What they're nominated for: "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You" (streaming on HBO Max)

What you need to watch: "The Favourite" (buy or rent from Amazon)

Why you need to watch it: Rose Byrne's strength as an actress is her range. Given that "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You" is a drama that will have you feeling all sorts of emotions, I wanted to pair it with "Neighbors," which will just leave you laughing.

Jessie Buckley

What they're nominated for: "Hamnet" (streaming on Peacock)

What you need to watch: "Wild Rose" (streaming free on Tubi)

Why you need to watch it: I strongly debated putting "Beast" here, but "Wild Rose" is Buckley's breakout performance. Sometimes, the best pick is the most-obvious pick.

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Its low-key theatrical release and promotional tour means "Hamnet" has passed somewhat under the radar, so if you're just catching up with the rave reviews universally hailing it as one of the best films of 2025 and a front-runner in all of the major Oscar categories, depending on how patient you are you may wish to head out to your local multiplex pronto or hold out a little longer.

Intelligent, stirring and poignant — in many ways a cultural counterpoint to "Wuthering Heights" — Chloé Zhao's drama was adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's multi award-winning 2020 work of historical fiction, which itself was inspired by the death of William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and Agnes Hathaway's (Jessie Buckley) son Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe) at the age of 11.

The tragedy of Hamnet strikes not just once but over and over, at the heart of the bond between Agnes and William, at their relationship with Judith (Olivia Lynes), Hamnet's fraternal twin, and again at Agnes when William's career takes off in far-flung London. Initially disgusted that Hamlet's name should be bastardised by "Hamlet", the production allows them to finally grieve together.

Here’s where you can watch “Hamnet” online right now – as cheaply as possible.

How to watch 'Hamnet' online for $1

You can watch “Hamnet” on Peacock from March 6 – Peacock has the streaming exclusive.

Tip: you can get Peacock Premium for $1 with the Walmart Plus 30-day free trial. It's well worth exploring that option.

Traveling outside the U.S.? You can access your usual streaming accounts from anywhere with NordVPN for less than the price of a coffee per month.

You can also watch “Hamnet” at home in the U.S. is by purchasing or renting it through a PVOD service, such as Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube and Fandango. Prices start at $19.99 for rental, and $24.99 to purchase the picture outright.

How to watch 'Hamnet' from anywhere in the world

“Hamnet” is available to rent or buy in many regions around the world. However, if you’re abroad and can’t access the movie, you can still watch it thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

The software allows your devices to appear as if they're back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting the U.K. and want to view an American service, you'd select United States from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Now you can stream “Hamnet” wherever you are.

How to watch 'Hamnet' in the U.K.

In the U.K., “Hamnet” is available to rent or purchase on a POVD-only basis from Amazon, Apple TV and YouTube. Prices start at £15.99 for rental, and £19.99 to buy.

More from Tom's Guide

• 'Hamnet' is an absolute masterpiece and a clear Best Picture Oscar contender
• This Denzel Washington political biopic is a must-watch in 2026
• 5 masterpiece movies that were never nominated for an Oscar

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

We’re in the period between the Oscar nominations and the swanky awards show itself (the 2026 ceremony is set for Sunday, March 15). This period is “catch-up season” for many movie buffs, a chance to tick any movies missed off their Academy Awards watchlist before the glitzy Hollywood event.

Fortunately, most Oscar 2026 movies have now landed on one of the best streaming services (or can be streamed on PVOD platforms like Amazon and Apple), and this week, one Oscar contender has just arrived on Netflix, “Blue Moon.” Directed by Richard Linklater and inspired by the (quite tragic life) of Lorenz Hart, it’s one of my favorite biographical dramas of 2025.

Competing in the Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay categories, it hasn’t quite enjoyed the wave of attention some of the movies hoping to win Best Picture have. That’s why I’m thrilled to see it now streaming on Netflix, and this should give it another chance in the spotlight.

Ethan Hawke gives an award-worthy performance in ‘Blue Moon’

When talking about “Blue Moon,” there’s only one place to start: Ethan Hawke. The actor plays Lorenz Hart, one-half of the legendary Broadway duo Rodgers and Hart. The pair were behind such hits as “The Boys from Suracus,” “On Your Toes,” and “By Jupiter.” But this 2025 movie doesn’t center on Hart in his prime; it starts on the opening night of “Oklahoma!”

This was significant, as it represented a turning point in the Rodgers and Hart partnership. The acclaimed musical was Rodgers' first project with Oscar Hammerstein II, and the pair would go on to have an even more fruitful relationship. I’m not even a Broadway nut, and even I was aware of the works of Rodgers and Hammerstein before watching “Blue Moon.”

The movie begins with Hart sneaking off to Sardi’s restaurant to lament his collaborator's newfound success and to drown his sorrows. Hawke is transformative as Hart, and not just because it’s made to look balding and about a foot shorter to match the real-life man's appearance. Hawke sinks into the role, and Hart is quite a character to bring to the screen.

Like all the best flawed protagonists, many of Hart’s problems come from his self-destructive tendencies, making him a tragic figure. Yet, there’s also a real charm to the man, and his banter with bar owner Eddie (Bobby Cannavale) is quite engaging. When a young object of his affection, an art student named Elizabeth (Margaret Qualley), arrives on the scene, the sympathy levels rise as Hart pines after a socialite who has him wrapped around her finger.

Hawke shines throughout “Blue Moon,” but his real Oscar moment comes when the “Oklahoma!” opening night party kicks off at the bar. Hart attempts to congratulate Rodgers (wonderfully played by Andrew Scott) on his new work. The pain is etched across Hawke’s face, but Linklater does well to show Rodgers' side of the growing tension, not villainizing either.

‘Blue Moon’ is a fittingly theatrical flick

Much (perhaps most) of the conversation surrounding “Blue Moon” centers on Hawke's screen-stealing performance, and I can see why. If he were to scoop the Best Actor Oscar in a few weeks, I’d be on my feet applauding his richly deserved recognition. But there’s more to love about this movie.

I’m a sucker for single-location movies and for movies driven by sharp dialogue; “Blue Moon” offers both. It’s no wonder I was an easy mark. There’s a theatrical quality to the entire picture; you could easily see it all playing out on a Broadway stage with very few changes, and that’s simply delightful given the subject matter. Linklater allows the actors, speaking a tight screenplay by Robert Kaplow, to hook audiences, and hook you, it will.

Linklater has form when it comes to crafting dialogue-driven flicks; see his phenomenal “Before” movies as proof. And while “Blue Moon” doesn’t offer the cinematic tourism of that trilogy, it’s equally good at exploring well-sketched characters, and in this case, a deeply flawed one. Melancholic throughout, “Blue Moon” is often funny, but cut with a deep layer of sadness. Hawke anchors an excellent cast, and the conclusion is sobering.

Don’t just take my word for it, either. “Blue Moon” has an impressive 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The site’s "Critics Consensus" reads, “While not the flashiest Richard Linklater film, Blue Moon boasts a wonderful performance by Ethan Hawke as he embodies a man hanging on by a thread while the audience hangs on to every word said.”

Whether you’re playing Oscar catch-up or not, “Blue Moon” is a new Netflix movie that I thoroughly recommend adding to your watchlist. But if you want to consider all your options before committing, here’s a guide to everything new on Netflix in February 2026.

Watch "Blue Moon" on Netflix now

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The Oscar nominations 2026 were revealed last week, and overall, I think the Academy did a pretty excellent job of recognizing the movies over the past 12 months that most deserve their flowers. But that certainly hasn’t always been the case. Trust me, over the last (almost) century, the Oscars have a streak of making some bizarre snubs and ludicrous omissions.

I’m not just talking about masterpieces that didn't win an Oscar, or that failed to make the cut in the Best Picture category, either. I’m talking about legendary and critically acclaimed movies that didn’t receive a single Oscar nomination. Not even in one of the technical categories. I consider these frankly bizarre awards snubs a crime against cinema.

So, with awards season in the air, and my desire to vent about these glaring omissions reaching a boiling point, these are the best movies that somehow got zero Oscar nominations.

‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’ (1966)

The final chapter of the “Dollar Trilogy,” a financial success and starring the already iconic Clint Eastwood, “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” isn’t just a celebrated western epic; it’s pretty much the genre pick. Heck, even just its name has entered the public vernacular, and images of Eastwood’s leading character adorn everything from t-shirts to college dorm room posters even now. How it didn’t get a single nomination, I don’t know.

Set during the Civil War, a wandering stranger (Clint Eastwood) and an outlaw (Eli Wallach) form an unlikely partnership to scam local towns out of bounty money. However, the stranger eventually grows tired of his arrangement. But the at-odds duo must set aside their differences and work together again when they catch wind of a $20,000 score buried in a remote cemetery. However, a sadistic criminal is also after the treasure.

Watch "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" on Prime Video now

‘Shutter Island’ (2010)

A movie directed by Martin Scorsese not getting a single Oscar nomination feels almost unthinkable, and yet that’s exactly what happened with 2010’s “Shutter Island.” Perhaps the Academy felt this psychological thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio was a little too bleak. Then again, the 83rd Academy Awards (in)famously saw the pompous period drama, “The King’s Speech,” beat out the defining movie of the decade, “The Social Network.” So those Oscars were kind of a hot mess in general; “Shutter Island" being excluded seems par for the course in that year.

Set in 1954, “Shutter Island” follows a U.S. Marshall, Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio), who arrives with his partner Chuck (Mark Ruffalo) at an institute for the criminally insane on the titular island. Their job is to investigate the disappearance of a patient, who vanished in the middle of the night. But the duo soon suspects that everything is not what it seems and that the lead psychiatrist, Dr. John Cawley (Ben Kingsley), is hiding dark secrets.

Watch "Shutter Island" on Fubo now

‘Before Sunrise’ (1995)

Maybe the Oscars should add a retrospective award for the best movie trilogy, because Richard Linklater’s “Before” series would certainly be worthy of such an honor. And with a rare 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, you’d have to search pretty far to find a critic who dislikes "Before Sunrise," the masterfully written first installment in this romantic drama trilogy. It centers on a simple premise: two strangers meet and connect over a single night, and it gives viewers one of the most compelling couplings in movie history, Celine (Julie Delpy) and Jesse (Ethan Hawke).

Traveling across Europe, American Jesse meets Celine, a European student on her way to Paris, on a train from Budapest. Sparks fly almost immediately, and they agree to spend the day together wandering around picturesque Vienna. Without money to rent a room, they opt instead to just walk all night, discussing their lives, outlooks and hopes for the future. But with the clock ticking, their romantic connection can’t last forever.

Watch "Before Sunrise" on Prime Video (buy/rent) now

‘The Terminator’ (1984)

James Cameron is another Academy favorite. His 1997 epic “Titanic” matched the (at-the-time) record for most Oscar nominations by a single movie, and won 11, including Best Picture. However, his ‘80s action classic “The Terminator” didn’t receive the same attention.

Debates rage on to determine whether its follow-up, “T2: Judgement Day”, is the superior movie, but that only speaks to the high quality of both movies. Let’s not talk about the subsequent sequels, though, which range from passable popcorn entertainment to painfully bad.

This supremely influential sci-fi action movie sees a cyborg assassin (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) travel from a dystopian future to 1980’s Los Angeles. His mission is to kill the seemingly ordinary Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), but she’s got her own time-traveling protector in the form of Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn). Reese reveals to Sarah that in the future, a sentient A.I. system known as Skynet will start a nuclear war, and her unborn son, John Connor, will lead humanity’s resistance.

Watch "The Terminator" on Netflix now

‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (2019)

Last September, I ranked “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” as one of the greatest movies of the past decade, so it’s no surprise that I’m particularly outraged about its lack of Oscar nominations. It wasn’t even considered in the Best International Feature Film category, as the thriller “Les Misérables” (no, not the musical) was put forward as France’s submission. That’s a miscarriage of movie justice if I’ve ever seen one because “Portrait” is one of the most romantic movies of the 21st century. Scratch that. It’s among the most romantic movies of all time.

Set in 18th-century France, Marianne (Noémie Merlant) is a painter commissioned to create a wedding portrait for a reluctant Héloïse (Adèle Haenel), the young daughter of a powerful Countess (Valeria Golino), who is set to marry a Milanese nobleman. Due to Héloïse’s aversion to the impending marriage, Marianne must paint her in secret at night and merely observe by day. As the two become closer, a passionate but fleeting affair begins despite the prejudices of the time.

Watch "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" on HBO Max now

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• Oscar nominations 2026 full list
• 10 biggest Oscar nominations 2026 snubs and surprises
• Greatest movies of the past decade, ranked

Film scores are more than just backing tracks to the latest Hollywood blockbuster. They establish the tone of the film and help convey the emotions being portrayed on the screen. They’re so important that they have their own category at the Oscars.

Films nominated for this year’s awards include the soundtracks for "Bugonia," "Frankenstein," "Hamnet," "One Battle after Another," and "Sinners."

While all the scores bring something new to the table, only one can win — and I think I know which one that is…

'Bugonia,' Jerskin Fendrix

"Bugonia" is a film about alien invaders…or high-profile CEOs… or maybe the whole thing is just a thinly veiled allegory about how completely out-of-touch the wealthy elite are.

I’ll let you be the judge when you watch it for yourself.

As for "Bugonia’s" soundtrack, composed by Jerskin Fendrix, it’s available on all the major music streaming platforms — Spotify and Apple Music included — but honestly, the fastest way to pull it up is YouTube. Sony Soundtrack’s VEVO account posted the entire thing for free.

'Frankenstein,' Alexandre Desplat

IT’S ALIVE! The latest adaptation of the 200-year-old tale of father and son, creator and created, and two monsters figuring out how to navigate a society in which neither belong was released on Netflix back in October of 2025. The soundtrack became available shortly after on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and TIDAL.

At 37 tracks, it’s nearly two full hours of haunting orchestral action. That’s a bit excessive for me personally, but don’t let me yuck your yum.

'Hamnet,' Max Richter

The classical soundtrack for Chloé Zhao’s feel-good, feel-bad film about Shakespeare’s marriage and time as a father hits all the right notes. Composed by Max Richter, the score has 21 tracks — 18 of which can be streamed on Spotify. (For the other three, you’ll have to listen to YouTube Music.)

If you have time, however, you might want to listen to the Dolby Creator Talks interview with Max Richter on YouTube. It’s 28 minutes long, but if you’re curious about how it all came together, it’s worth listening to.

'One Battle after Another,' Jonny Greenwood

If you caught a hint of Radiohead in "One Battle after Another’s" musical score, it wasn’t just your imagination — the film’s composer, Jonny Greenwood, is the band’s long-time lead guitarist and multi-instrumentalist.

Backed by the London Contemporary Orchestra and conductor Hugh Tieppo-Brunt, this soundtrack is unsettling in the best way, just like Radiohead. It’s probably my second favorite of all the nominees, and it’s available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.

'Sinners,' Ludwig Goransson

It should come as no surprise that the horror film that makes no bones about how Black artists shaped American music is the best of the bunch.

A mix of gospel, blues, country and R&B, it’s just superb in every way. It’s not just good for a soundtrack, it’s good as a standalone music album, too. I’ll be shocked if it doesn’t win for best musical score.

Stream it now on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, or pick up a copy of it on CD over at Amazon.

BONUS: "Golden" from 'KPop Demon Hunters'

While "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack wasn’t nominated for Best Original Score, the film’s unbelievably catchy hit single “Golden” has been nominated for Best Original Song at the upcoming awards.

If you don’t already have it burned into your brain, now’s the time to check it out. You can thank me later.

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The Oscar nominations 2026 have been confirmed. The 98th Academy Awards are set to celebrate excellent movies released last year.

In this year’s crop of nominees, there were many of the expected picks (“One Battle After Another’s” raft of nods was widely tipped), but as is typically the case, there was a handful of surprises that the numerous predictors didn’t account for. Not to mention, there’s also more than a couple of disappointing subs. Not every award-worthy film felt the love.

So, I asked the Tom’s Guide streaming team to pick out their biggest Oscar nominations 2026 snubs and surprises, and the results were particularly diverse. Proving that even when the Academy nominates a load of great movies for an Oscar, there’s always going to be great films that miss out.

Oscar nominations 2026 - biggest snubs

Chase Infiniti’s debut dream dashed

Chase Infiniti’s omission feels actively rude. All season, she looked poised to join the ultra-rare club of actresses nominated for Best Actress for their very first film screen role (including Julie Andrews, Barbra Streisand and Gabourey Sidibe). It was a gamble to campaign her as lead, despite appearing in just 19 percent of the film, and it mostly worked since she netted nominations from SAG, Critics’ Choice and the Golden Globes. But it didn’t pay off in the one place it really mattered. This year, it seems like the Academy is all about honoring established talent, and unfortunately, Infiniti was left in the dust. — Kelly Woo

‘Weapons’ proves the Oscar voters still aren’t ready for horror

Horror movies are always going to fight an uphill battle at the Oscars, but even I thought that ‘Weapons’ had a real shot at a Best Picture nomination. If you asked most people who had seen it, it was in their top 10 movies of the year lists (including mine). While ‘F1’ getting a Best Picture nomination over it is on par for the Academy, it’s tough to say that it’s deserved. — Malcom McMillan

'Warfare', the Oscars ignored your incredible sound but I didn’t

“Warfare” was in my top five movies of 2025, and I’m genuinely shocked it didn’t receive a single nomination. Coming out of my screening, I instantly knew the sound design was Oscar-worthy, and while I believe “Sinners” deserves to win out of the nominees, I’m gutted that “Warfare” didn’t get the recognition it rightfully deserves. It’s unquestionably one of the best war movies ever made, wasting no time letting chaos unfold through its immersive soundscape that pulls you into the action. — Alix Blackburn

Marty reigns supreme, but Odessa A’zion misses out

Look, I know that “Marty Supreme” is dominated by Marty Mauser, and I’m very much rooting for Timothée Chalamet to bag that Oscar for his tour de force turn at the helm of Josh Safdie’s electric drama, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed that Odessa A'zion isn't up for Supporting Actress. As the chaotic yet loyal Rachel Mizler, A’zion really excelled, standing out in a movie where it’d be so easy to be overshadowed. At least she’s up for a SAG (Actor) award. — Martin Shore

Why does the Academy hate Paul Mescal?

Paul Mescal’s soulful and inarguably pivotal role in “Hamnet” being snubbed for Best Supporting Actor has me wondering what he's done to deserve such industry scorn. The Irish actor should have won an Oscar for his work in “Aftersun,” and his turn the following year in “All of Us Strangers” was at least worthy of a nomination. I know that the field is stacked this year, and I’m happy for Delroy Lindo’s inclusion, but at the expense of Mescal is not the call I’d have made. “Hamnet’s” devastating third act simply doesn’t work without his stellar performance. — Rory Mellon

Oscar nominations 2026 - biggest surprises

Elle Fanning rides a wave of support for ‘Sentimental Value’

Elle Fanning’s nomination isn’t a shock so much as a gentle swerve. She gave a strong performance in a fairly small role in “Sentimental Value,” but much of the pre-Oscar buzz in the supporting actress category centered on her co-star Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas. Instead, the Academy revealed how much it loved Joachim Trier’s quiet family drama; every major cast member landed a nomination. And in my head canon, it also feels like a slight tip of the hat to how good Fanning was in “Predator: Badlands.” — Kelly Woo

Delroy Lindo finally gets the credit he deserves

I can’t decide what makes me happier about Delroy Lindo getting an Oscar nomination. Is it that a criminally underrated actor is finally getting the recognition he deserves? Or is it that the supporting performances in "Sinners" didn’t escape the Academy’s notice? Either way, this movie doesn’t work without the ensemble cast batting a thousand, and Lindo’s performance as Delta Slim is no exception. Glad to see it honored. — Malcom McMillan

'Jurassic World Rebirth's' plastic dinosaurs don't deserve an Oscar nod

It makes sense for “Jurassic World Rebirth” to be nominated for Best Visual Effects, given that a movie about dinosaurs requires such awe-inspiring technical wizardry to bring them to life. But we’ve seen dinosaurs on the big screen plenty of times before, and this time around, I don’t think it’s truly anything special. In some shots, “Rebirth” even makes the dinos look plastic, and during the big action sequences, you can tell some of the CGI is off. Maybe it’s just me, but the lack of substance in this blockbuster also dulls the impact of everything else. Sorry, “Jurassic World Rebirth,” but the visual magic just isn’t there. — Alix Blackburn

I loved ‘Elio’ — and apparently the Academy did too

As an ardent champion of Pixar’s kaleidoscopic sci-fi adventure, I am thrilled to see “Elio” score a nod for Best Animated Feature. I’d be genuinely shocked to see it go the distance — it doesn’t have the box office clout of “Zootopia 2” or the popular appeal of Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters" — but having spent last year feeling disappointed that it failed to ever really cut through, I’m at least buoyed to see that voters cared about this charming and visually impressive intergalactic caper enough to push it into the category. — Martin Shore

'Wicked For Good' did even worse than I thought it would

I was under no magical illusions that “Wicked: For Good” was going to repeat the Oscar success of its predecessor, which notched 10 nominations (including Best Picture) and two wins. But locked out of every single category? The Ozian magicdust has truly run out. “Wicked 2’s” absence looks even worse when you consider that Ariana Grande was an early frontrunner for Best Supporting Actress. Plus, the movie added two new original songs, likely in the hopes of securing a couple of "easy" Oscar nominations. Even as a huge fan of the first “Wicked,” I was disappointed with “For Good,” and I can’t say it deserved anything more. — Rory Mellon

More from Tom's Guide

• Oscar nominations 2026 full list
• 7 top new movies to stream this week
• Netflix is getting Universal movies earlier than expected

The 2026 Oscar nominations have been confirmed. Announced during a live morning ceremony in Los Angeles, the list sets the field for the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026 – but where can you stream the Oscar movies online?

Here's how to watch the 2026 Oscars nominations online and from anywhere with a VPN.

It may be courting debate across the internet, but Warner’s "Sinners" leads the pack with 16 nominations, including Best Picture. Snapping at its heels are Paul Thomas Anderson’s "One Battle After Another" (13 nods) and "Marty Supreme" (9 nods), both of which have dominated the early-season guilds.

This year’s race hasn’t been short on talking points, but the Academy’s decision not to recognise "Wicked: For Good" and Guillermo del Toro for "Frankenstein" will raise a few eyebrows.

This year's Oscars will be hosted by Conan O'Brien and take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. You can watch on ABC or Hulu. Read on for the full nominations list across major categories, and where you can watch the Oscar nominated movies right now...

Best Picture

• "Bugonia" (Watch on Peacock )
• "F1" (Stream on Apple TV+ 7-day free trial)
• "Frankenstein" (Stream on Netflix)
• "Hamnet"
• "Marty Supreme"
• "One Battle After Another" (Stream on Max / Max on Prime)
• "The Secret Agent"
• "Sentimental Value" (Buy or rent on Prime Video)
• "Sinners" (Stream on Max / Max on Prime)
• "Train Dreams" (Stream on Netflix)

Best Director

• Ryan Coogler, "Sinners" (Stream on Max / Max on Prime)
• Paul Thomas Anderson, "One Battle After Another (Stream on Max / Max on Prime)
• Chloé Zhao, "Hamnet"
• Josh Safdie, "Marty Supreme"
• Joachim Trier, "Sentimental Value" (Buy or rent on Prime Video)

Best Actor in a Leading Role

• Timothée Chalamet, "Marty Supreme"
• Leonardo DiCaprio, "One Battle After Another" (Stream on Max / Max on Prime)
• Michael B. Jordan, "Sinners" (Stream on Max / Max on Prime)
• Wagner Moura, "The Secret Agent"
• Ethan Hawke, "Blue Moon" (Buy or rent on Prime Video)

Best Actress in a Leading Role

• Jessie Buckley, "Hamnet"
• Rose Byrne, "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You" (Buy or rent on Prime Video)
• Emma Stone, "Bugonia" (Watch on Peacock)
• Renate Reinsve, "Sentimental Value" (Buy or rent on Prime Video)
• Kate Hudson, "Song Sung Blue" (Buy or rent on Prime Video)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

• Stellan Skarsgård, "Sentimental Value" (Buy or rent on Prime Video)
• Benicio del Toro, "One Battle After Another" (Stream on Max / Max on Prime)
• Jacob Elordi, "Frankenstein" (Stream on Netflix)
• Sean Penn, "One Battle After Another" (Stream on Max)
• Delroy Lindo, "Sinners" (Stream on Max / Max on Prime)

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

• Elle Fanning, "Sentimental Value" (Buy or rent on Prime Video)
• Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, "Sentimental Value" (Buy or rent on Prime Video)
• Amy Madigan, "Weapons" (Watch on HBO Max / Max on Prime)
• Wunmi Mosaku, "Sinners" (Stream on Max /
• Max on Prime)
• Teyana Taylor, "One Battle After Another" (Stream on Max / Max on Prime)

Best Original Screenplay

• Ryan Coogler, "Sinners" (Stream on Max)
• Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie, "Marty Supreme"
• Joachim Trier & Eskil Vogt, "Sentimental Value" (Buy or rent on Prime Video)
• Jafar Panahi, "It Was Just an Accident" (Buy or rent on Prime Video)
• Robert Kaplow, "Blue Moon" (Buy or rent on Prime Video)

Best Adapted Screenplay

• Paul Thomas Anderson, "One Battle After Another" (Stream on Max)
• Maggie O'Farrell & Chloe Zhao, "Hamnet"
• Guillermo del Toro, "Frankenstein" (Stream on Netflix)
• Will Tracy, "Bugonia" (Watch on Peacock)
• Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar, "Train Dreams" (Stream on Netflix)

Best Animated Feature

• "KPop Demon Hunters" (Watch on Netflix)
• "Zootopia 2" (Disney+, Date TBC)
• "Arco"
• "Little Amélie or the Character of Rain" (Buy or rent on Prime Video)
• "Elio" (Watch on Disney+)

Best International Feature

• "Sentimental Value", Norway (Buy or rent on Prime Video)
• "The Secret Agent", Brazil
• "It Was Just an Accident", France (Buy or rent on Prime Video)
• "Sirāt", Spain
• "The Voice of Hind Rajab", Tunisia

Best Documentary Feature

• "The Perfect Neighbor" (Watch on Netflix)
• "The Alabama Solution" (Watch on HBO Max)
• "Come See Me in the Good Light" (Watch on Apple TV+)
• "Cutting Through Rocks"
• "Mr Nobody Against Putin" (Watch FREE on BBC iPlayer)

Oscar season has officially begun. The Oscar 2026 nominations have been revealed, with the movies set to battle for a prestigious gold trophy announced in a live-streamed ceremony in sunny California.

This year’s crop of frontrunners looks particularly strong. Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed “One Battle After Another” and fan-favorite horror-thriller “Sinners” have received the most nods. But they’ll face competition from the likes of “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “Sentimental Value,” and Netflix’s “Train Dreams.” And several major A-list stars feature in the quartet of acting categories, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, Emma Stone, Jessie Buckley and Rose Byrne.

Don’t worry if you missed the live broadcast. I’ve compiled the full nomination list below, and I'm bringing you live updates as Hollywood reactions to this year's class for the 98th Academy Awards.

(Re)watch the Oscar 2026 nominations

Hosted by Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, the Oscar 2026 nominations were revealed in a swanky ceremony streamed live from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in California. If you missed the event and would rather watch it back than read the nominations below, you can use the above link.

LIVE: LATEST UPDATES

Welcome to the Oscar 2026 nominations LIVE!

Hello! Good morning, welcome to our live coverage of the Oscar 2026 nominations. I'm Rory, a Senior Entertainment Editor at Tom's Guide, and I'll be guiding you through the next several hours of Oscar goodness, offering the latest updates, a few predictions of my own, and, of course, full coverage as the noms are revealed.

Oscar nominations day is one of the biggest events in the Hollywood calendar, and there's plenty to talk about, so let's get discussing all things Academy Awards now...

When are the Oscar nominations confirmed?

Let's discuss the most important information first: when are the Oscar 2026 nominations going to be announced? The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will reveal the Oscar 2026 nominations today (Thursday, January 22) at 8:30 a.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. GMT live from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles, California. The countdown has begun, let's talk the movie likely to appear later today.

'One Battle After Another' is expected to dominate

If there's one movie that I'm expecting to hear mentioned a lot today it's "One Battle After Another." Paul Thomas Anderson's action-thriller epic was showered with praise upon its release last September, and I expect The Academy will follow suit.

It's the current frontrunner for Best Picture, and it's nomination in the cat is pretty much a certainty. It's also odds-on favorite for Best Director, star Leonardo DiCaprio should scoop a Best Actor nod, alongside co-stars Chase Infiniti (in Best Actress), Teyana Taylor (in Best Supporting Actress), then Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn are likely to both appear in Best Supporting Actor. The flick is also likely to get a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination, and appear across the technical categories as well.

In fact, there have been rumblings it could match, or even, exceed the most nominations by a single movie in Oscar history. That total is currently 14, an honor shared by "Titanic," "La La Land" and "All About Eve." Could "One Battle" get 15?

It could be a heavenly day for 'Sinners'

Another movie that is expected to walk away today with a whole bunch of Oscar nominations is "Sinners." Ryan Coogler's vampire epic was a rare movie last year that captured the attention of both professional critics and the general audience.

"Sinners" is a shoo-in for a Best Picture nom, and Coogler will almost certainly appear in the Best Director field. Michael B. Jordon should get a look in the Best Actor category for his dual-role as twin brothers, Smoke and Stack. And "Sinners" also looks good for a Best Original Screenplay nomination. And that's before we talk about it's strong likelihood of a nomination in categories like Casting, Production Design and Cinematography. I expect it's total Oscar nominations to be in the low double digits.

'Hamnet' has at least one Oscar seemingly sewn up

Chloé Zhao, who is no stranger to the Oscars having won Best Picture and Best Director for her movie "Nomadland" back in 2021, is likely to have a great day. Her latest movie "Hamnet," a period drama that focuses on playwright William Shakespeare and his wife as they struggle with the death of their son, has been tipped for inclusion across several major categories including Picture and Director.

However, it's most important nod will come in Best Actress. Jessie Buckley is a complete lock for a nomination, and she's very likely win. Buckley plays Shakespeare's wife Agnes Hathaway, and her acclaimed performance has already seen her scoop a clutch of awards including a Golden Globe and Critics Choice. She's an overwhelming favorite, and at this stage is considered pretty much a lock to win the Oscar as well.

Netflix has two potential Oscar players this year

Much has been made of Netflix's quest to win a Best Picture Oscar. That's a feat that rival streamer Apple TV managed in 2022 with it's movie "CODA" (though, hot take, I'm not sure that win has aged particularly graceful), but to date, the world's biggest streaming service has never managed to earn the top prize despite having received a slew of nominations, and several wins in multiple other categories over the years.

Will 2025 be the year that changes, and Netflix scores the coveted Best Picture statue? Don't count on it. However, the big red streaming service is likely to have a couple of chances with both "Frankenstein" and "Train Dreams" in the running for a nomination. However, should either get into the competitive BP field, they are not predicted to be among the favorites. Netflix might have to settle for just the noms.

Netflix's best chance of scoring an actual win in March appears to be via Jacob Elordi in the Best Supporting Actor category. Elordi is tipped for a nomination for his role as the monster in "Frankenstein," and the field seems particularly open this year. It helps that many critics declared Elordi's performance the best part of the gothic drama.

Is it finally Timmy's time to shine?

"Marty Supreme" is another movie likely to do well in today's Oscar nominations. While director Josh Safdie is not being widely tipped for a Best Director nod, the sports drama is still on track for recognition in the Best Picture category. However, when it comes to "Marty Supreme", all the focus is on its star, Timothée Chalamet.

Chalamet has been twice nominated for Best Actor, for "Call Me By Your Name" and "A Complete Unknown," and has made no secret of his personal goal to win an Oscar. His leading role as the eponymous Marty Mauser is very likely to deliver his third nomination, but could the popular actor go a step further this time and win?

He's probably got his strongest chance to date, but could face some stiff competition from Leonardo DiCaprio (for "One Battle After Another"), Ethan Hawke (for "Blue Moon") and we can't forget Michael B. Jordon (for "Sinners") either. Of course there would be something very fitting about Chalamet finally getting his Oscar for a movie where he plays a driven dreamer that aspires to the very best in his field.

When are the 98th Academy Awards?

Let's not forget that today is just the starting gun when it comes to the 98th Academy Awards. The grand ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Conan O'Brien is set to return as host, and per tradition, it'll be the most star-studded event in the Hollywood calendar. Last year was the first time the Academy Awards were also broadcast on a streaming service (Hulu) and that will continue this year.

Interestingly, last month, it was confirmed that from 2029 the Oscars will broadcast exclusively on YouTube. This switch will come after five-decades on ABC, and the Academy will be hoping it'll be the spark to get Oscar interest back to its peak.

'Wicked's' magic may have run dry

"Wicked" put quite the spell on Oscar voters last year, scooping 10 nominations (including Best Picture), and winning two, Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. It's sequel, "Wicked: For Good" was initially being tipped for similar success.

Unfortunately, this is one emerald-green train that appears to have been derailed. The lackluster critical reception, and underwhelming box office return of "Wicked's" second act last November put a dent in its campaign, and that momentum has only ebbed away further in recent weeks. At present, it looks like a real outsider for noms.

Ariana Grande, who was once seen as the Best Supporting Actress favorite before being overtaken in the odds by Teyana Taylor (for "One Battle After Another") and Amy Madigan (for "Weapons"), is still likely to pick up her second Oscar nomination for the role of Glinda the Good, but "Wicked: For Good's" chance of even getting a nod in Best Picture, let alone a win, appear to be all but over. Oz has clearly lost its magic.

'Jay Kelly' is another Oscar hopeful that could miss out

Traditionally, the Academy loves recognizing movies that are about making movies. So, on the surface, "Jay Kelly," a Noah Baumbach comedy-drama starring George Clooney as a melancholic actor, looked a surefire better to be a major Oscar player.

However, the flick, which was released globally by Netflix, never managed to get the wind in its sails, and it's awards season has largely stalled out. Clooney isn't even in the Best Actor conversation, and co-star Adam Sandler looks a long shot in Best Supporting Actor. "Jay Kelly" could surface in Best Original Screenplay, but even that is no sure thing. Frankly, at this stage in the game, it might be completely shutout.

These are the major international players at Oscars 2026

2026 is shaping up to be a particularly competitive year when it comes to international movies. The Oscars have been recognizing foreign-language movies increasingly often in recent years, with "Parasite" becoming the first film not in the English language to win Best Picture back in 2020. And I'm very pleased about that.

This year's slate of potential players in Best International Feature Film is a real embarrassment of riches. You've got "Sentimental Value" "The Secret Agent" and "It Was Just an Accident" as the frontrunners, with "Sirât," "No Other Choice" and "The Voice of Hind Rajab" also looking for a spot in the nominations list.

Don't expect these acclaimed flicks to be relegated solely to the international category either. "Sentimental Value" looks a strong bet for a Best Picture nod, with Stellan Skarsgård a near lock for a Best Supporting Actor slot. Meanwhile, "The Secret Agent's" Wagner Moura may well appear in Best Actor, and "It Was Just an Accident" filmmaker Jafar Panahi could appear in Best Director, much deserved as the movie was shot without permits from the Iranian government due to its political message.

'Avatar: Fire and Ash' is expected to flame out at Oscars 2026

The 2026 Oscars could be a little lacking in 12-feet tall blue-skinned aliens. "Avatar: Fire and Ash" might be ruling the box office, having recently ticked over $1.3 billion, but unlike it's two predecessors, it's Oscar outlooks are looking pretty darn remote.

2009's "Avatar" managed 10 noms and three wins (it was even considered a Best Picture contender, but ultimately lost to "The Hurt Locker"), and long-awaited sequel "Avatar: The Way of Water" was also in the mix, scoring four noms (including Best Picture), with a win for Best Visual Effects. However, it likely won't be third time lucky.

"Avatar: Fire and Ash" is almost certainly going to get a Visual Effects nomination, and it'll be the clear favorite to win in that category, but unless I'm reading the tea leaves very wrong, it'll be the first "Avatar" movie to miss out on a Best Picture nomination. I guess James Cameron will just have to settle for his latest "Avatar" flick making eye-watering amounts of money instead! It's certainly not a bad consolation prize.

'F1' could be in contention for Best Picture — but I wouldn't put it in pole position

I’ll be taking over from Rory for the next hour or so to keep the Oscar buzz going in the run-up to today’s nominations, and one of the first movies that leapt out to me that we’d not looked at in detail is Brad Pitt’s blockbuster sports drama “F1” (or “F1: The Movie”, to be precise).

There have been rumblings about it potentially bagging a slot in the Best Picture category, and I can see why. Variety’s got it on their Best Picture predictions list, it’s in contention for the Producer Guild of America’s top award, and it’s been predicted for a number of the Academy’s technical categories (Sound, Visual Effects, e.g.).

Aside from the score (which I’d hope would get a nod today), I didn’t personally love it all that much, but I wouldn’t be surprised if “F1” did creep into Best Picture territory, but I highly doubt it'd go the distance and steal a win from the likes of “Sinners” or "One Battle After Another." — Martin Shore

Meet the hosts revealing today's nominations

If you weren’t already aware, today’s Oscar nominations will be revealed by Lewis Pullman and Danielle Brooks.

If you’re still following along with the MCU, you’ll likely recognize Pullman as Bob/Sentry (seen above) from last year’s “Thunderbolts*” movie (my favorite of Marvel’s 2025 outings), and he’s also been seen in “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Lessons in Chemistry” in recent years.

On the flipside, we’ve got Danielle Brooks, who stars alongside John Cena in HBO Max’s “Peacemaker” series as Leota Adebayo, and “Orange is the New Black” fans will know her as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson. In 2024, Brooks earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her performance as Sofia in Blitz Bazawule’s “The Color Purple,” though Da’Vine Joy Randolph scored the win for “The Holdovers.” — MS

Let's talk about 'Bugonia'

Here’s another contender we’re yet to mention: “Bugonia” Yorgos Lanthimos’ sci-fi/dark thriller/black comedy has been posited for several categories across the net, including Best Picture, and I think it definitely deserves to be in the mix (though I honestly don’t know whether it’ll bag any wins).

I’m very much on the “Jessie Buckley is surely going to win Best Actress for “Hamnet'” train, but I’d be keen for the Academy to show some love for Stone’s ice-cold corporate queen. Similarly, while I’m confident that Chalamet is going to bag his Oscar for “Marty Supreme,” I’d love to see Jesse Plemons score a Best Actor nod today, too. — MS

30 mins to go!

Not long to wait, now! We’ll be getting to see which movies and moviemakers will be in the running for the 2026 Oscars imminently, as today’s nominations will be announced in a little under 30 minutes, at the time of posting. As a reminder, there's a multitude of ways to watch (see above), but I'll be hopping over to the Academy's YouTube channel to tune in live.

I’ll now be bowing out and handing control back over to Rory, but I'll remain glued to my laptop screen to see if any of my Oscar hopes and dreams come true. — MS

My 'Weapons' Oscar wish (that probably won't come true)

Hey all, Rory here, I'm back to guide you through the Oscar 2026 nominations now that we're less than 30 minutes away from finding out which movies will make the cut and which will fall short. One such movie I don't expect to enjoy all that much love is "Weapons," and I'm pretty gutted about that fact.

For a significant portion of 2025, "Weapons" ranked as my favorite movie of the year, and I'd love to see it properly recognized with a Best Picture nomination. Sadly, that's a wish that appears outlandish at best. The Academy has never been great at nominating horror, and while that is slowly changing (see "The Substances" last year and the widely expected success of "Sinners" today), based on all the evidence we have, "Weapons" doesn't appear to have any real shot at BP.

However, Amy Madigan is looking like a strong favorite to scoop a Best Supporting Actress nomination, and that would be richly deserved. So, at the very least, there should be some "Weapons" love in the room today. I just want there to be more!

10 mins to go!

It's time to get ready, the Oscar nominations live stream is up, and the countdown has begun. In just 10 mins time, our hosts will take to the stage and start confirming which movies are going to be competing for an Academy Award this year. Fear not if you can't watch along live, as I've been bringing you updates live...

It's showtime, the Oscar nominations 2026 begin now!

The time for predictions and speculation is over, the Oscar 2026 Nominations begin right now. Watchalong via the link in this introduction above, and stick around as I'll be posting the latest updates right here. Let's see who's nominated...

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

• Elle Fanning, Sentimental Value
• Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value
• Amy Madigan, Weapons
• Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners
• Teyana Taylor, One Battle After Another

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

• Frankenstein
• Kokuho
• Sinners
• The Smashing Machine
• The Ugly Stepsister

Best Original Score

• Bugonia
• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• One Battle After Another
• Sinners

Best Live Action Short Film

• Butcher's Stain
• A Friend of Dorothy
• Jane Austen's Period Drama
• The Singers
• Two People Exchanging Saliva

Best Animated Short Film

• Butterfly
• Forevergreen
• The Girl Who Cried Pearls
• Retirement Plan
• The Three Sisters

Best Adapted Screenplay

• Bugonia
• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• One Battle After Another
• Train Dreams

Best Original Screenplay

• Blue Moon
• It Was Just An Accident
• Marty Supreme
• Sentimental Value
• Sinners

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

• Benicio del Toro, One Battle After Another
• Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein
• Delroy Lindo, Sinners
• Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
• Stellan Skarsgård, Sentimental Value

Take a breath, it's time for a break!

Okay, that was intense with nominations revealed thick and fast, but after the first major round of nominations, the live broadcast is taking a quick break to reset. I'll have more thoughts to share when I have had time to reflect, but my instant take is that Delroy Lindo for "Sinners" wasn't on my list, but is a welcome surprise!

Best Casting

• Hament
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• The Secret Agent
• Sinners

Best Costume Design

• Avatar: Fire and Ash
• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• Marty Supreme
• Sinners

Best Original Song

• Dear Me from Dian Warren: Relentless
• Golden from Kpop Demon Hunters
• I Lied to You from Sinners
• Sweet Dreams of Joy from Viva Verdi!
• Train Dream from Train Dreams

Best Documentary Feature Film

• The Alabama Solution
• Come See Me in the Good Light
• Cutting Through Rocks
• Mr. Nobody Against Putin
• The Perfect Neighbor

Best Documentary Short Film

• All the Empty Rooms
• Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud
• Children No More: Were and Are Gone
• The Devil is Busy
• Perfectly a Strangeness

Best International Feature Film

• The Secret Agent
• It Was Just an Accident
• Sentimental Value
• Sirat
• The Voice of Hind Rajab

Best Animated Feature Film

• Arco
• Elio
• Kpop Demon Hunters
• Little Amelie or the Character of Rain
• Zootopia 2

Best Production Design

• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• Sinners

Best Film Editing

• F1
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• Sentimental Value
• Sinners

Best Sound Design

• F1
• Frankenstein
• One Battle After Another
• Sinners
• Sirat

Best Visual Effects

• Avatar: Fire and Ash
• F1
• Jurassic World Rebirth
• The Lost Bus
• Sinners

Best Cinematography

• Frankenstein
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• Sinners
• Train Dreams

Best Actor in a Leading Role

• Timothee Chalamet, Marty Supreme
• Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another
• Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon
• Michael B. Jordon, Sinners
• Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent

Best Actress in a Leading Role

• Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
• Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
• Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue
• Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value
• Emma Stone, Bugonia

Best Director

• Chloe Zhao, Hamnet
• Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
• Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
• Sentimental Value, Joachim Trier
• Sinners, Ryan Coogler

Best Picture

• Bugonia
• F1
• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• The Secret Agent
• Sentimental Value
• Sinners
• Train Dreams

And those are the Oscar nomination for 2026!

And my fingers can relax after 30 mins of furiously quick typing! The broadcast comes to an end, and we now have our nominations for the 98th Academy Awards!

Have your say in our Oscar 2026 Best Picture poll!

10 biggest Oscar snubs and surprises, according to the Tom's Guide team

The dust is still settling on today's Oscar nominations, and the entire Tom's Guide streaming team has been debating the biggest snubs (Paul Mescal missed out??) and also the nods that truly surprised us. You can read our 10 biggest Oscar nominations 2026 snubs and surprises for our instant reactions to today's news.

The Oscars are going streaming, and YouTube is getting the biggest night in Hollywood. Starting in 2029, YouTube will become the exclusive home of the Academy Awards, taking over from ABC after more than five decades. The Google-owned platform beat out multiple bidders, including ABC itself, for the rights to the prestigious ceremony.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the deal in a press release, confirming that YouTube will air the 101st Oscars and continue hosting the show through 2033.

YouTube’s win underscores how aggressively tech companies are moving into live, prestige programming once dominated by traditional linear networks. Netflix began streaming the SAG Awards in 2024 (with the show now rebranded as the Actors Awards). And Apple, Amazon and other platforms continue to chase big, live events such as awards and sports.

Global push

Meanwhile, the Oscars have been struggling in the ratings for years and grappling with relevance in a fragmented media landscape. Giving the ceremony to a giant global streaming platform signals the Academy has bowed to the reality that audiences aren’t watching network or cable TV … or even TV at all.

“The Academy is an international organization, and this partnership will allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible — which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said in a statement.

The deal includes access to a number of related events, including the Governors Awards, the Oscars Nominations Announcement, the Oscars Nominees Luncheon, the Scientific and Technical awards, as well as interviews, film education programs and podcasts.

What's next?

“The Oscars are one of our essential cultural institutions, honoring excellence in storytelling and artistry,” said YouTube CEO Neal Mohan. “Partnering with the Academy to bring this celebration of art and entertainment to viewers all over the world will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars’ storied legacy.”

Reportedly, losing the Oscars was a relief to Disney execs who didn’t want to spend the kind of money that the Academy was seeking. An ABC spokesperson told Deadline that it was proud to host the Oscars for more than half a century and wished success to the Academy.

It’s unclear from the press release how the Oscars will stream across YouTube’s ecosystem. It may air only on the YouTube platform, or it could be simulcast on YouTube TV.

What is clear is that the Oscars aren’t betting on appointment television. Instead, it will rely on global reach and the algorithm to maintain its status as a cultural touchstone into the 2030s.

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Brendan Fraser has had quite a run these last few years. Along with winning the 2023 Best Actor Oscar for his heartbreaking performance in Darren Aronofsky's "The Whale," the '90s icon has had acclaimed recent turns in Steven Soderbergh's "No Sudden Move," Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon" and this year's "Rental Family" from Phillip Vandarploeug, with critics praising the latter as "an ideal showcase for [Fraser's] sensitive star power," per Rotten Tomatoes.

And there will be more where that comes from. Fraser will play Dwight D. Eisenhower in the upcoming war film "Pressure," co-starring Andrew Scott, Kerry Condon and Chris Messina; he'll act alongside Vicky Krieps and Bill Murray in the Andy Garcia-directed crime drama "Diamond"; and will reprise his fan-favorite character, the swashbuckling treasure hunter Rick O'Connell, in the hotly anticipated "The Mummy 4."

But before all that, let's take a look back at three of Brendan Fraser's best movies that you can stream right now.

'The Mummy'

Let's kick things off with one of Fraser's most beloved crowd-pleasers, 1999's "The Mummy," which well-matches the actor's rugged brawn and great physical comedy with the bookish sophistication and plucky spirit of Rachel Weisz's Egypt-loving librarian, Evelyn Carnahan.

With Evelyn and her bumbling brother Jonathan (John Hannah) in tow, Fraser's dashing legionnaire Rick O'Connell travels to the ancient city of Hamunaptra — aka the City of the Dead — where they accidentally awaken the mummy of a powerful high priest who's desperately searching for the reincarnation of his long-lost love. A blockbuster of humor, heart and horror ensues.

Watch "The Mummy" on Pluto TV now

'Gods and Monsters'

Based on Christopher Bram's 1995 novel "Father of Frankenstein," this Bill Condon-directed period drama centers on the final days of the now-frail and once-famous Hollywood filmmaker James Whale (Ian McKellen) — best-known for directing "Frankenstein", "Bride of Frankenstein" and "The Invisible Man" — and the unexpected connection he shares with his young new gardener, Clayton Boone (played by Fraser).

Critics praised Fraser for holding his own against acting royalty like McKellen and Lynn Redgrave, both of whom received Oscar nominations for their respective performances. "'Gods and Monsters' is a spellbinding, confusing piece of semi-fiction, featuring fine performances," reads the critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes, where the film has a strong 96% approval rating. "McKellen leads the way, but Redgrave and Fraser don't lag far behind."

Watch "Gods and Monsters" on Prime Video now

'The Whale'

Fraser's transformative performance as Charlie, a morbidly obese English teacher who lives a reclusive life in Idaho, earned the actor his first Academy Award in 2023. The Darren Aronofsky-directed psychological drama follows Charlie as he tries to restore his relationship with his estranged teen daughter Ellie (Sadie Sink), whom he had abandoned eight years earlier. All the while, his nurse-friend Lynn (Hong Chau) provides companionship but also contradiction, criticizing his lack of self-care while plying him daily with fatally unhealthy foods.

Though some critics had issues with the script's melodrama as well as the movie's portrayal of obesity, Fraser's performance was widely acclaimed, with many calling it a "career best" from the performer. Variety's Owen Gleiberman said, "The Whale" saw Fraser as "slyer, subtler, more haunting than he has ever been."

Watch "The Whale" on HBO Max now

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While it isn't entirely uncommon for a biopic to be more concerned with its lead actor than the individual at the heart of the story, the discourse around "The Smashing Machine" has been extraordinarily The Rock-centric. Dwayne Johnson portrays Mark Kerr, whose blood and sweat helped turn the UFC from a quasi-medieval venture into the £1bn star vehicle it is today — and lost nearly everything in the process.

Just as "Uncut Gems", which was co-written by "The Smashing Machine" director Benny Safdie, gleaned out of Adam Sandler a performance that nobody had ever imagined he'd be capable of, so it follows here. Does Johnson have hidden depths? The Oscar buzz coming from the critics suggests The Rock has cooked up something on an entirely different plane to his previous acting ventures.

Adapted from John Hyams' 2002 documentary "The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr" and co-starring Emily Blunt as on-off partner Dawn Staples, former UFC fighter Ryan Bader as rival-turned-mentor Mark Coleman, Bas Rutten as himself, and Oleksandr Usyk as opponent Igor Vovchanchyn, the 123-minute feature unpacks the desctructive cycle that was Kerr's life.

His legendary ring prowess earned him fame and accolades, but his career brought him immeasurable pain that dragged him into the depths of addiction, before wrestling him back again, only for the love of his life to upset the precarious balance all over again.

Here’s where you can stream “The Smashing Machine” right now.

How to watch 'The Smashing Machine' in the U.S.

Currently, the only way to watch “The Smashing Machine” at home in the U.S. is by purchasing or renting it through a PVOD service. It hit Amazon at 12 a.m. ET on Tuesday, November 4, where it costs $19.99 to rent and $24.99 to buy outright.

We don't expect “The Smashing Machine” to become available for streaming until the last week of January or the first week of February. It's likely to arrive on Max, which starts at $10.99/month, but you can bundle it with Disney Plus and Hulu for $19.99/month.

How to watch 'The Smashing Machine' in the U.K.

In the U.K., “The Smashing Machine” went up for purchase or rent on a POVD-only basis at 5 a.m. GMT on Tuesday, November 4. It costs $19.99 to rent and $24.99 to buy through Amazon.

How to watch 'The Smashing Machine' from anywhere in the world

“The Smashing Machine” is available to rent or buy in many regions around the world. However, if you’re abroad and can’t seem to find this movie online, you can still watch it thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

This software lets your devices appear as if they're in your home country, no matter where you are. Our top choice is NordVPN.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting the U.K. and want to view an American service, you'd select United States from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Now you can stream “The Smashing Machine” wherever you are.

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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Netflix subscribers are obsessed with thriller movies, and as a passionate fan of the genre myself, I’m right there with them, enjoying any movie that ramps up the stakes, tension, suspense, and intrigue. Throw in a good twist or two, and now we’re really cooking.

Whenever Netflix confirms new additions for the month ahead, I’m always on the lookout for what thriller movies are coming next. Fortunately, Netflix’s November 2025 slate isn’t disappointing. Among the various new originals, there are also fresh library titles, and in November, that includes “The Outfit,” an overlooked crime thriller released in theaters back in 2022.

Starring Mark Rylance, Zoey Deutch, and “The Maze Runner’s” Dylan O'Brien, this 1950s-set thriller tells a twisted tale of mobsters trying to sniff out a rat in their midst, and a tailor caught up in the chaos. It may not have wowed at the box office, but the reviews were strong, and having now watched it, I certainly see why viewers rate it a strong 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.

What is ‘The Outfit’ about?

Starring Academy Award winner Mark Rylance and directed by the Oscar-winning screenwriter of “The Imitation Game,” Graham Moore, “The Outfit” is a period drama that sees an English tailor in 1950s Chicago attempt to survive a very long night in the middle of a mob war.

Leonard Burling (Rylance) is a master suit-maker forced into an agreement with a ruthless mob boss, Roy Boyle (Simon Russell Beale), his son Richie (O’Brien), and his best enforcer, Francis (Johnny Flynn). Leonard’s shop acts as a stash for their ill-gotten money and a place to lie low to escape the authorities.

However, when the Boyle criminal organization suspects a rat in their fold and comes into conflict with a rival gang and the FBI, Leonard must endure a very long night as he seeks a way out of an increasingly dangerous bind.

‘The Outfit’ is a well-dressed thriller with a neat twist

It might seem strange to describe a little thriller about mobsters, murder and double-crossing as “comforting,” but between the well-realized period-setting and the almost cozy setting of Lenoard’s softly-lit tailor shop, “The Outfit” feels decidedly old-school. Fans of Rylance’s 2016 movie “Bridge of Spies” will feel right at home, as there’s definitely a similar vibe here.

This isn’t to say “The Outfit” isn’t plenty thrilling as well. One of its biggest strengths is how it's constantly raising the stakes, and they don’t exactly start out very low either. Set over a single night, Leonard is forced to endure a constantly escalating situation, from persuading his criminal overlords that he isn’t the turncoat they’re searching for to stitching up Richie after he’s shot by a rival mobster, which certainly isn’t in a tailor's job description.

Naturally, Rylance is excellent in the leading role, playing Leonard with a soft-spoken nature, but also enough authority that you know he won't go down without a fight if things come to blows. The supporting cast doesn’t quite measure up, but Zoey Deutch comes the closest as Mable, Richie’s girlfriend, who also gets caught up in the mix and has hidden secrets.

“The Outfit” doesn’t waste a moment of its runtime, with all roads leading to an exciting conclusion with a great twist. Naturally, I’m not going to spoil things here, but just know if you like your thrillers to culminate in a big reveal, you won’t be left disappointed in this case. And like all the best twists should, it all adds up in hindsight.

Deliberately small in scale, with a slim cast and a single setting (it was made on a modest $5 million budget), “The Outfit” wrings out plenty of drama and suspense from its simple components. While it might not reach the heights of more flashy thrillers, it hooks you quickly and is intelligently constructed enough to work well with what it’s got. It serves as strong evidence that you don’t need over-the-top set pieces to create a very compelling thrill ride.

You should stream ‘The Outfit’ on Netflix this weekend

“The Outfit” was warmly embraced by critics upon its release. It holds a strong 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is enough for a “Certified Fresh” seal of approval.

The site’s “Critics Consensus” reads, “The Outfit isn't flashy, but a solid story and Mark Rylance's tightly tailored performance make this a comfortable fit for fans of old-school thrillers.” Meanwhile, viewers rated the crime thriller even higher at 92% calling it “excellent,” “tense,” and an overall “great flick.”

You won’t find me disagreeing with those assessments. Because of its slim setup, “The Outfit” reminds me in some ways of a stage production, which is said very much as a compliment. It’s highly dialogue-driven and focused on shifting character dynamics, with just a few flashes of gunfire to keep things spicy. It may be simple in scope, but it’s extremely satisfying throughout.

I strongly recommend you add “The Outfit” to your Netflix watchlist and give it a watch this weekend, but if you’re not completely sold on the movie, or just want to consider all your options before committing, here’s our full guide to everything new on Netflix in November 2025.

Watch "The Outfit" on Netflix now

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• Netflix just announced big changes for the streaming service 

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences just unveiled updated guidelines that directly address the use of AI in filmmaking, indicating Hollywood’s careful but forward-looking stance on AI.

Films using AI-generated content can now officially compete for Oscars — but there's an important catch: Human creativity has to remain front and center.

This announcement comes amid intense debate over AI’s increasingly influential role in movies. Recent films have already showcased what’s possible, including "The Brutalist," which used AI to fine-tune actor Adrien Brody’s Hungarian accent, and "Emilia Pérez," which employed AI-powered voice cloning for its singing sequences. These examples highlight the thin line between human artistry and technology.

But now, the Academy has officially drawn that line — not by not rejecting AI outright, but by emphasizing that Oscar-worthy films must still reflect human ingenuity.

Why the Oscars’ AI rules matter

Under the new guidelines, using AI won’t automatically damage (or boost) film’s chances of Oscar glory. Instead, it comes down to how integral human creativity is to the finished film. Projects leaning too heavily on AI-driven scripts, CGI visuals or automated performances might find it tougher to compete with those showcasing genuine human imagination.

This reflects Hollywood’s ongoing struggle to balance innovation with tradition. AI can streamline production and even enhance creativity by generating special effects and backgrounds to fine-tuning editing, but there are major concerns around job displacement and diminishing authenticity.

The Writers Guild and actors’ union SAG-AFTRA have already pushed back against AI encroaching on human roles, and the Oscars’ new rules reinforce that stance, celebrating human achievement above all.

Other notable Oscar rule changes

Alongside addressing AI, the Academy introduced additional important updates, including mandatory viewing for voters. Now, Oscar voters must watch all nominated films within a category before casting their final vote. This responds to longstanding criticism that some members relied solely on buzz or reputation rather than actually viewing all the films.

In addition, films created by refugees or asylum seekers are now eligible for the Best International Feature category, opening the doors wider for diverse representation.

The bottom line for the future filmmaking

The Academy’s move isn't about restricting AI, but rather clarifying its role as a helpful creative tool, not a replacement for human talent. As filmmakers continue exploring new technological horizons, they'll need to carefully balance cutting-edge innovation with authentic storytelling.

For audiences, the takeaway is reassuring: The Oscars will keep rewarding films made by people, for people — even when AI gives a helping hand along the way.

What’s your take on AI in movies? Should Oscar rules tighten up even further, or is this the right balance? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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"The Brutalist" had a great night at the Oscars 2025. The Academy crowned “Anora” as the biggest winner of the night, but Brady Corbet's three-and-a-half-hour epic still took home three Oscars, including Best Actor, Best Original Score and Best Cinematography.

So with all the critical buzz, there's a good chance you want to watch "The Brutalist." But after seeing its 215-minute runtime (with a 15-minute intermission included), you might prefer to watch it from the comfort of your own home.

There's good news on that front. "The Brutalist" and its story about fictional Hungarian-Jewish architect László Tóth (Adrien Brody) is already available to buy or rent in some places, including the U.S. and U.K.

We also know when and where it will eventually land on the best streaming services.

So read on if you want to watch "The Brutalist" and its story about a Holocaust survivor who emigrated to America to try and achieve his version of the American dream.

Here’s where you can stream “The Brutalist” right now.

How to watch ‘The Brutalist’ in the U.S.

Currently, the only way to watch “The Brutalist” at home in the U.S. is by purchasing or renting it through PVOD services like Amazon and Apple TV.

However, if you don’t mind waiting a little longer, "The Brutalist" will be released on Max on May 16.

How to watch ‘The Brutalist’ in the U.K.

“The Brutalist” is also available for rental or purchase in the U.K. on several digital platforms including Amazon and Apple TV. At present, it's not available on any U.K. streaming services.

Despite being an A24 film in the U.S., "The Brutalist" was distributed by Focus Features in the U.K., meaning that this period piece might be destined for Peacock rather than Max. We'll update this section once we hear something official.

How to watch ‘The Brutalist’ from elsewhere

“The Brutalist” is available to rent or buy in many regions around the world. However, if you’re abroad and can’t seem to find this movie online, you can still watch it thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

This software lets your devices appear as if they're in your home country, no matter where you are. Our top choice is NordVPN.

Just follow these steps to access the VPN:

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For example if you're in the U.K. and want to view a U.S. service, you'd select a U.S. location from the server list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the drama. Now you can stream three-time Oscar winner “The Brutalist” wherever you are.

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The 2025 Academy Awards crowned “Anora” as the biggest winner of the night, taking home five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Lead Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.

Directed by Sean Baker, the critically acclaimed drama has earned its praise thanks to Mikey Madison’s powerful performance and its ability to deconstruct the typical Cinderella story.

“Anora” follows a 22-year-old stripper from Brooklyn who becomes romantically involved with the son of a Russian oligarch. Their impulsive marriage faces challenges when his parents intervene.

Now that “Anora” has solidified its place in Oscar history, many are probably eager to watch (or rewatch) the award-winning movie. Here’s where you can stream “Anora” right now.

How to watch ‘Anora’ in the U.S.

Currently, the only way to watch “Anora” at home in the U.S. is by purchasing or renting it through PVOD services like Amazon and Apple TV.

However, if you don’t mind waiting a little longer, “Anora” will be available to stream on Hulu starting March 17. If you’re a Hulu subscriber, it’s well worth holding out for its streaming release since this Oscar-winning movie is definitely worth the wait.

If you’re not a Hulu subscriber yet, now might be the perfect time to sign up. With “Anora” joining its lineup this month, Hulu continues to prove why it’s one of the best streaming services out there. For those who’ve been on the fence about making an account, “Anora” is just one more great reason to join.

How to watch ‘Anora’ in the U.K.

“Anora” is available for rental or purchase in the U.K. on several digital platforms including Amazon, Apple TV, and Sky Store. While it’s not currently included in any subscription-based streaming services, it is scheduled to become available on Sky Cinema at some point in 2025.

This Oscar winner is also still showing in select U.K. cinemas, so you may still be able to catch it on the big screen.

How to watch ‘Anora’ from elsewhere

“Anora” is available to rent or buy in most places around the world. However, if you’re abroad and can’t seem to find this movie online, you can still watch it thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

This software lets your devices appear as if they're in your home country, no matter where you are. Our top choice is NordVPN.

Just follow these steps to access the VPN:

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For example if you're in the U.K. and want to view a U.S. service, you'd select a U.S. location from the server list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the drama. Now you can stream Best Picture winner “Anora” wherever you are.

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The 97th Academy Awards are now in the history books, with the winners revealed, and the glittering confetti now settling.

Our Oscars 2025 winners list can guide you through who won (and by extension, who unfortunately lost), but if you’re wondering about the night’s biggest talking poins, you’ve come to the right place. ‘Anora’ won Best Picture but that wasn’t the only story.

Overall, this year’s show was a pretty darn solid effort. It had the expected sag in the middle, and some of the speeches were questionable (French singer Camille attempting to sing part of her Oscar-winning song on stage was a choice).

Still, overall there were more highs than lows, and the film community appeared to agree with the majority of the winners.

But if you missed watching the show live, these were the biggest moments at the 2025 Oscars.

Conan O’Brien kills the opening monologue

When Conan O’Brien was announced as the Oscar host, it seemed like a natural fit for the late-night TV legend and so it proved straight off the bat. Conan’s opening monologue was the perfect level of playfulness — poking fun without being too mean — and his gag about Karla Sofía Gascón’s controversial tweets was the funniest of the night.

The extended “I Won’t Waste Time” musical number perhaps went on a little longer than necessary, but what would the Oscars be without an overly lengthy musical number?

Overall, Conan did a great job, and it’s nice to see the Academy committed to a dedicated host again after some failed experimentation with a hostless format in the early 2020s. Hopefully, Conan’s emceeing isn’t a one-and-done.

Paul Tazewell makes Oscar history

It’s not typically the craft awards that leave the biggest impression at the Oscars, but this year my favorite award win came in the Best Costume Design category.

Not only did we get a great lead in bit that saw Bowen Yang walk out on stage wearing his Shiz University costume from “Wicked,” but the eventual Oscar winner, Paul Tazewell, made history as the first Black man to win in this category.

It felt like a significant moment and rightfully brought much of the audience to their feet. Tazewell’s speech was delivered with real class, and overall, it was a feel-good win that served to remind viewers of the equal importance of the less high-profile awards.

Zoe Saldaña does too

“Emilia Pérez” has had a tumultuous awards season following a wave of controversy and social media backlash. The Netflix musical crime drama went from a Best Picture frontrunner to failing to even win Best International Feature, a category it had previously looked to have on lockdown.

With so many viewers rallying against “Emilia Pérez,” it shouldn’t go unnoticed that Zoe Saldaña’s win for Best Supporting Actress was the first by an American of Dominican origin, a moment in Oscar history.

Perhaps some pundits would have preferred Saldaña to win for a different movie, but there’s no denying the actress earned her moment on the center stage. Her emotional speech was heartfelt (if a little too teary), and yes, her husband really does have great hair.

James Bond tribute falls flat

The Academy choosing to pay tribute to James Bond in a year without any new entries in the franchise, and following the recent news that longtime franchise stewards Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have passed over control of the series to Amazon, felt like particularly bad optics.

The ill-timed tribute to cinema’s most suave superspy was further blunted by awkward choreography, and a trio of singers (Lisa from Blackpink, Doja Cat and Raye) who all have impressive pipes but failed to capture the magic of the original Bond themes they were performing.

I’d have much preferred this out-of-place musical medley to have been nixed in favor of a more substantial tribute to iconic filmmaker David Lynch, who passed away earlier this year.

‘No Other Land’s’ win felt significant

“No Other Land” scooped Best Documentary Feature Film despite the fact it currently doesn’t have a U.S. distributor making watching the movie pretty darn hard for millions.

There had been concerns pre-show that this could impact its chances of winning, but they proved unfounded. Instead, the doc about forced displacement in the West Bank got its deserved moment in the sun.

Director Basel Adra used his precious few minutes on stage to deliver a powerful message and to criticize American foreign policy for “helping to block” the path forward toward peace.

When awards shows get political it’s always a divisive subject, but this speech felt like a necessary inclusion on this list as it was a much-needed rallying cry.

Adrien Brody won’t stop talking

Critics of awards season will often point to the self-indulgent speeches as a major turn-off, and in the case of Adrien Brody, I have no defense. Winning his second Best Actor in a Leading Role Oscar for “The Brutalist,” (he won previously for "The Pianist" in 2002) Brody took to the stage and rambled on for several minutes.

The infamous play-off music began but Brody snapped back requesting it be turned off and that he wouldn’t be “egregious” with the rest of his speech before returning to his rambling

In an evening with some really engaging speeches, Brody’s was very much one of the few duds.

‘Anora’ and Sean Baker win big

The 97th Academy Awards belonged to “Anora.” Sean Baker’s biting comedy-drama about a sex worker named Ani who marries the son of a Russian oligarch took home five awards in total.

This was the most at the Oscars, including big wins in Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress in a Leading Role for Mikey Madison. The critically acclaimed flick also claimed Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing.

Because Baker’s fingerprints are all over the movie, from writing, directing and producing, he walked away with four of those awards to his name, making him the most decorated individual winner in one Oscar night since Walt Disney also won four gold statues in 1954.

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The 97th Academy Awards have concluded. All the golden statues have been given out, the speeches have wrapped up (only a few needed to be hurried along with walk-off music) and the 12 months at the movies have been honored. If you missed watching live, you can see the list of winners below.

The evening's biggest winner was "Anora." The acclaimed comedy-drama from director Sean Baker scooped five Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress in a Leading Role for star Mikey Madison. Other multiple winners include "The Brutalist" with three including Best Actor for Adrian Brody, and "Dune: Part Two," "Emilia Pérez" and "Wicked" with two apiece.

The show was hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien (fun fact: it was also his first time attending too!). Known for his sharp wit and late-night hosting experience, Conan brought signature humor to the 2025 ceremony, kicking off the festivities with digs at Netflix price hikes, AI, Jeff Bezos, and more.

The glitzy ceremony may be over for another year, but you can relive the biggest night in Hollywood for 2025 below with our live updates...

Oscars 2025 Winners

• Best Picture: 'Anora' (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• Best Actor: Adrien Brody, "The Brutalist"
• Best Actress: Mikey Madison, “Anora”
• Best Director: Sean Baker, "Anora"
• Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin, "A Real Pain" (Stream on Hulu)
• Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez” (Stream on Netflix)
• Best Animated Feature: "Flow" (Stream on Max)
• Best Visual Effects: "Dune: Part Two" (Stream on Max)
• Best Adapted Screenplay: "Conclave" (Stream on Peacock)
• Best Original Screenplay: "Anora"
• Best Original Song: “El Mal,” from “Emilia Pérez”
• Best Cinematography: "The Brutalist"
• Best Film Editing: "Anora"
• Best Production Design: "Wicked" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• Best Costume Design: "Wicked"
• Best Sound: "Dune: Part Two"
• Best Original Score: "The Brutalist"
• Best Makeup and Hairstyling: "The Substance" (Stream on Mubi)
• Best International Feature: "I'm Still Here"
• Best Documentary Feature: "No Other Land"
• Best Documentary Short: "The Only Girl in the Orchestra"
• Best Animated Short: “In the Shadow of the Cypress"
• Best Live-Action Short: “I’m Not a Robot”

Best Picture nominees and predictions

• "Anora"
• "The Brutalist"
• "A Complete Unknown"
• "Conclave"
• "Dune: Part Two"
• "Emilia Pérez"
• "I'm Still Here"
• "Nickel Boys"
• "The Substance"
• "Wicked"

Our Picks

Kelly - This Best Picture race is the most topsy-turvy in years. Even before “Emilia Pérez” imploded, I never thought it would win; it’s just too polarizing. The preferential ballot for this category rewards movies that most voters at least kinda like, and this year, the choices seem to be “Anora” and “Conclave.” With top prizes from the producer, directors and writers guilds, “Anora” has the edge over “Conclave,” which got the nod from actors.

Malcolm - I’ll be shocked if “Anora” doesn’t win. Between wins at the Directors Guild, Producers Guild and Writers Guild of America Awards, it seems a surprisingly obvious pick in an anything-but-obvious Oscars race.

Rory - “Conclave” is keeping this one interesting, but “Anora” is still very much the frontrunner even if it’s not a forgone conclusion like “Oppenheimer” was last year. Nevertheless, I expect “Anora” to be the 97th winner of the top prize in Hollywood.

Best Director nominees and predictions

• Jacques Audiard, "Emilia Pérez"
• Sean Baker, "Anora"
• Brady Corbet, "The Brutalist"
• Coralie Fargeat, "The Substance"
• James Mangold, "A Complete Unknown"

Our Picks

Kelly - Sean Baker. He won the DGA and nine of the last 10 DGA winners went on to take the Oscar. That said, the exception is in 2019, when DGA winner Sam Mendes (“1917”) lost the Oscar to Bong Joon-ho, whose “Parasite” rode an upswell of support to Best Picture. I don’t think “The Brutalist” has that same momentum for Brady Corbet. If Edward Berger had been nominated for “Conclave,” I could maybe see a split, but that’s not the case.

Malcolm - Going with Sean Baker here because he won at the Directors Guild Awards but won’t be surprised if it’s Brady Corbet for “The Brutalist.”

Rory - The Directors Guild Awards are largely reliable indicators of success at the Oscars so I can’t look beyond Sean Baker. Plus, the Academy has a strong track record of awarding Best Picture and Best Director to the same movie having done so 69 times (nice!)

Best Actor in a Leading Role nominees and predictions

• Adrien Brody, "The Brutalist"
• Timothée Chalamet, "A Complete Unknown"
• Colman Domingo, "Sing Sing"
• Ralph Fiennes, "Conclave"
• Sebastian Stan, "The Apprentice"

Our Picks

Kelly - Timothée Chalamet’s SAG win was quite the surprise, but I think the older Academy voting body won’t make him the youngest best actor winner to tie with … Adrien Brody, who will take home a second trophy.

Malcolm - Tough to pick from a deserving bunch but the ascendancy of Timothée Chalamet feels unstoppable.

Rory - Timothée Chalamet aspires to be one of the greats but I reckon he’ll have to wait to join the Oscar winners circle as despite the SAG upset, I believe Adrien Brody will take this one.

Best Actress in a Leading Role nominees and predictions

• Cynthia Erivo, "Wicked"
• Mikey Madison, "Anora"
• Demi Moore, "The Substance"
• Karla Sofía Gascón, "Emilia Pérez"
• Fernanda Torres, "I’m Still Here"

Our Picks

Kelly - Demi Moore has run a flawless campaign this season and the Academy loves nothing more than rewarding a comeback (see: Brendan Fraser two years ago, Matthew McConaughey in 2013).

Malcolm - Demi Moore feels inevitable here but I’m going to vote with my heart and give it to Mikey Madison even though I’m almost certain I’ll be wrong.

Rory - The Academy loves recognizing a performer's whole career with an Oscar which is why I think Demi Moore wins here, but could the intense gore of “The Substance” be counted against Moore by the notoriously squeamish voting body?

Oscar fashion hits and misses

Our focus during the Oscars ceremonies will strictly focus on the movies and who does or doesn't win the golden statuettes.

However, if you're interested in the attire of nominees, our colleagues at Marie Claire are tracking every outfit from the astounding to the confusing and everything in between.

Plus, our friends at Who What Wear will be breaking down the fashion choices of Hollywood's celebs as they walk the red carpet.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role nominees and predictions

• Yura Borisov, "Anora"
• Kieran Culkin, "A Real Pain"
• Edward Norton, "A Complete Unknown"
• Guy Pearce, "The Brutalist"
• Jeremy Strong, "The Apprentice"

Our Picks

Kelly - Kieran Culkin is the lockiest lock that ever locked. I’m looking forward to what I’m sure will be an entertaining speech.

Malcolm - Perhaps the one true lock of this Academy Awards, Kieran Culkin is going to win for "A Real Pain."

Rory - Kieran Culkin is going to win, and it’s not even a debate. As a “Succession” superfan, who also adored “A Real Pain,” I can’t wait to see his name called out on the night.

Best Actress in a Supporting Role nominees and predictions

• Monica Barbaro, "A Complete Unknown"
• Ariana Grande, "Wicked"
• Felicity Jones, "The Brutalist"
• Isabella Rossellini, "Conclave"
• Zoe Saldaña, "Emilia Pérez"

Our Picks

Kelly - Zoe Saldaña has managed to emerge relatively unscathed from the wreckage of “Emilia Pérez.” I think this is one of the two categories where the Academy rewards this year’s most-nominated movie.

Malcolm - Monica Barbaro absolutely deserves this award for “A Complete Unknown” but I’ll be shocked if Zoe Saldaña doesn’t win for "Emilia Pérez"

Rory - Almost every fiber of my being wants to select Ariana Grande to will her winning into existence, but it would be a futile effort. Zoe Saldaña’s name is already on the golden statue.

Best Original Screenplay nominees and predictions

• "Anora" - Sean Baker
• "The Brutalist" - Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold
• "A Real Pain" - Jesse Eisenberg
• "September 5" - Moritz Binder and Tim Fehlbaum; co-written by Alex David
• "The Substance" - Coralie Fargeat

Our Picks

Kelly - “Anora.” It won the WGA, though the guild doesn’t always line up with the Oscars. Still, the other major contender is Jesse Eisenberg, but “A Real Pain” wasn’t nominated for Best Picture (which I’ll discuss in our snubs roundup later) and a movie hasn’t won the Original Screenplay Oscar without a corresponding Best Picture nomination since the latter category was expanded.

Malcolm - The Writers Guild picked Sean Baker but I’m picking Jesse Eisenberg for “A Real Pain”

Rory - I hope “A Real Pain” wins, I suspect “Anora” will, but this is among the closest races of the night with “The Substance” and “The Brutalist” also in contention.

Best Adapted Screenplay nominees and predictions

• "A Complete Unknown" - James Mangold and Jay Cocks
• "Conclave" - Peter Straughan
• "Emilia Pérez" - Jacques Audiard;
• "Nickel Boys" - RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes
• "Sing Sing" - Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley

Our Picks

Kelly - “Nickel Boys” won the WGA, but “Conclave” was ineligible. The latter is No. 2 for the Best Picture (or maybe more like 1B) so this will be its consolation prize.

Malcolm - The Writers Guild gave this to “Nickel Boys” but I expect the larger voting body of the Academy to give it to “Conclave.” Also, if you haven’t seen the live table read of “Conclave” on YouTube featuring Ayo Edibiri and Brett Goldstein (among many others) that I highly recommend you check out.

Rory - Is it too much to ask for “Sing Sing” to come from nowhere and scoop this Oscar? Probably. I suspect “Conclave” gets its flowers in this category.

The rest of the Oscar nominees and predictions

Best Animated Feature nominees and predictions

• "Flow"
• "Inside Out 2"
• "Memoir of a Snail"
• "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl"
• "The Wild Robot"

Our Picks

Kelly - Let’s hear it for the inventive and genuinely moving undercat, “Flow.”

Malcolm - To my shame, I haven’t seen any of these but after “Flow” shocked the Golden Globes I expect it to win here.

Rory - It speaks to the caliber of animated efforts this year when my childhood favorites “Wallace & Gromit” aren’t my top pick. “Memoir of a Snail” or “Flow” would be much deserving, but so would “The Wild Robot” and I think Dreamworks walks home with the gold.

Best International Feature nominees and predictions

• "Emilia Pérez", France
• "Flow", Latvia
• "The Girl with the Needle", Denmark
• "I’m Still Here", Brazil
• "The Seed of the Sacred Fig", Germany

Our Picks

Kelly - The utter collapse of “Emilia Pérez” paves the way for fellow Best Picture nominee “I’m Still Here.”

Malcolm - This was a lock for "Emilia Pérez" before that movie’s Oscars campaign collapsed. Going to go with “I’m Still Here” given it’s also nominated for Best Picture but has a less controversial star.

Rory - “Emilia Pérez” was being touted as a Best Picture frontrunner just a few weeks back, and while its reputation has taken a beating, I still think it wins International Feature. “Kneecap” not even being nominated is the real crime.

Best Documentary Feature

"Black Box Diaries"

"No Other Land"

"Porcelain War"

"Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat"

"Sugarcane"

Our picks:

Kelly - While “Porcelain War” could complete an Oscar trifecta of docs about opposing Russia, I’m going with “No Other Land,” which is about the other big conflict of the day.

Malcolm - Unfortunately, I haven’t seen these five films. But all indications are that “Porcelain War” will follow up its Sundance Grand Jury Prize with an Oscars statuette.

Rory - I’m not especially well versed in the documentary categories, but I’m opting for “No Other Land” purely because of its timely subject matter.

Best Cinematography nominees and predictions

"The Brutalist"

"Dune Part Two"

"Emilia Pérez"

"Maria"

"Nosferatu"

Our picks:

Kelly - The precursors have been all over the place, so I’ll place my bet on “The Brutalist” for its old-school use of VistaVision.

Malcolm’s - Going with my heart and picking “Dune: Part Two.” But I won’t be shocked to see “The Brutalist” win here.

Rory - Sometimes you’ve just got to pick your heart over your head, I’m probably costing myself a point but darn it I want “Nosferatu” to win, and perhaps it will…

Best Film Editing

"Anora"

"The Brutalist"

"Conclave"

"Emilia Pérez"

"Wicked"

Our picks:

Kelly - The editing guild hasn’t held its awards yet, so no hints there. I’m picking “Conclave” for providing tightly-paced thrills.

Malcolm - I want to pick “Anora” but Baker hasn’t taken a win yet in this category in precursor awards. So I’m going with “Conclave,” which took home the BAFTA for Best Editing.

Rory - I’m still not over “Bohemian Rhapsody” winning in this category, so while “Conclave” is my pick this year, I mainly just hope the Academy retroactively rescinds its 2019 pick.

Best Production Design

"The Brutalist"

"Conclave"

"Dune: Part Two"

"Nosferatu"

"Wicked"

Our picks:

Kelly: The lavish and fantastical sets of “Wicked’ deserve this prize.

Malcolm - I love “Dune: Part Two,” think this should go to “The Brutalist” and wholly expect it to go to “Wicked.”

Rory - “Wicked” transported audiences back to the land of Oz, and that’s a strong enough reason to award the musical this one.

Best Costume Design nominees and predictions

"A Complete Unknown"

"Conclave"

"Gladiator II"

"Nosferatu"

"Wicked"

Our picks:

Kelly - “Wicked,” by a mile.

Malcolm: I think “Wicked” wins here but I’d be satisfied with a win for “Conclave” and its red hats.

Rory - “Wicked” wins, “Wicked deserves to win. Everybody is happy.

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

"A Different Man"

"Emilia Pérez"

"Nosferatu"

"The Substance"

"Wicked"

Our picks:

Kelly - The Academy loves when beautiful people are made to look ugly and decrepit, so it’s “The Substance.”

Malcolm - “Wicked” feels like a smart pick here but I’d love to see “The Substance” win.

Rory - I’m going with “The Substance” because the physical transformation of Demi Moore’s character throughout the movie is the definition of awards-worthy.

Best Original Song

"El Mal" from “Emilia Pérez”

"The Journey" from “The Six Triple Eight”

"Like a Bird" from "Sing Sing"

"Mi Camino" from “Emilia Pérez”

"Never Too Late" from “Elton John: Never Too Late”

Our picks:

Kelly - I think the Academy will throw “Emilia Pérez” a bone, to “El Mal.”

Malcolm - Going with “El Mal” because people I trust think it will be “El Mal.” But it should have been “Compress / Repress” from “Challengers.”

Rory - This is more a question of which nominee from “Emilia Pérez” wins. “Mi Camino” has more Spotify streams than “El Mal” (1.5m vs 600k) so I’m picking the former.

Best Original Score

"The Brutalist"

"Conclave"

"Emilia Pérez"

"Wicked"

"The Wild Robot"

Our picks:

Kelly - Justice for “Challengers”! In its absence, Daniel Blumberg’s memorable score for “The Brutalist” should prevail.

Malcolm - The “Challengers” erasure here makes me sick, but I expect Volker Bertelmann to take home his second Oscar and win for “Conclave”

Rory - I’ll second the “Challengers” should be here shout, but I’ll be delighted to see “The Brutalist” win, and I think it will. The build into the movie’s baked-in intermission is spine-tingling cinema and the score is a huge factor as to why that moment is so powerful.

Best Sound

"A Complete Unknown"

"Dune: Part Two"

"Emilia Pérez"

"Wicked"

"The Wild Robot"

Our picks:

Kelly - “Dune: Part Two” should and will win.

Malcolm - This should absolutely be “Dune: Part Two” and I refuse to consider an alternative.

Rory - “Dune: Part Two” and “Wicked” would both be worthy winners, I’m picking the fantasy musical, but I’m not totally confident.

Best Visual Effects

"Alien: Romulus"

"Better Man"

"Dune: Part Two"

"Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes"

"Wicked"

Our picks:

Kelly - The first “Dune” won this category and so will the second.

Malcolm - Going to be whimsical and give this to “Better Man” and its simian star, even though “Dune: Part Two” and “Wicked” would both be deserving of a win here.

Rory - “Alien: Romulus” becoming an Oscar-winning movie is the stuff of my dreams, but it’ll have to settle for merely a nomination. This category often goes to the movie with the most visual effects, so “Dune Part Two,” “Wicked” or “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” all have a claim, I’m guessing “Dune Part Two” mainly because “Dune” won back in 2022.

Best Animated Short

“Beautiful Men”

“In the Shadow of the Cypress”

“Magic Candies”

“Wander to Wonder”

“Yuck!”

Our picks:

Kelly - I’ve seen none of the shorts, but “Yuck!” looks adorable.

Malcolm - The shorts are almost impossible to see for non-Academy members. So based on current projections, I’m picking “Wander to Wonder” and its use of stop-motion animation.

Rory - I’m picking “Magic Candies” purely based on its awesome name alone.

Best Documentary Short

“Death by Numbers”

“I Am Ready, Warden”

“Incident”

“Instruments of a Beating Heart”

“The Only Girl in the Orchestra”

Our picks:

Kelly - Again, this is a totally blind choice. I’m going with “Incident,” which seems very topical.

Malcolm - The shorts are almost impossible to see for non-Academy members, but you can actually watch “The Only Girl in the Orchestra” on Netflix. So that’s my pick.

Rory - I’ve heard some incredible things about “Incident”, but “The Only Girl in the Orchestra” has the most buzz, so it’s my pick.

Best Live Action Short

“A Lien”

“Anuja”

“I'm Not a Robot”

“The Last Ranger”

“The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent”

Our picks:

Kelly - “The Last Ranger” sounds like a tear-jerker with a message that would resonate with Academy members.

Malcolm - The shorts are almost impossible to see for non-Academy members. So I’m picking “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent,” as it won at both Cannes and the European Film Awards.

Rory - “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent” is the current odds-on favorite to win, so when in doubt, follow the bookies.

Biggest Oscars 2025 snubs

If you’re giving out awards, you’re going to end up with some snubs. Awards are inherently subjective; what you like is different from what we like is different from what an Academy member likes. In our breakdowns of each category, we’ve noted several major snubs. Here are the ones that really stood out this year:

‘A Real Pain’ in Best Picture

Even with Best Picture expanded to 10 nominees (at most), a really great movie is bound to be left out every year during nominations. And unfortunately, this year, that dubious honor went to “A Real Pain.” The dramedy was one of my top 10 movies of 2025 and it earned two Oscar noms — one of which it will definitely win (Kieran Culkin for Best Supporting Actor).

As I said in my best of the year roundup, “A Real Pain” takes a topic — revisiting the site of Holocaust horrors — that “might feel heavy and ponderous instead come across as healing and profound.” That’s due to the light, deft touch Jesse Eisenberg has on the script (which was nominated) and in his first-time direction, as well as both his and Culkin’s fantastic performances.

In hindsight, “Emilia Pérez” could’ve been left off the list in favor of “A Real Pain.” As it is, it’s likely the only recognition the movie will get is when Culkin takes the stage to get his well-deserved trophy. - Kelly

‘Challengers’ for Best Original Score

I finally saw “Challengers” this weekend, and I could go into a tirade about how it's snubbed in multiple categories.

But by far the biggest snub is the brilliant original score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (aka Nine Inch Nails) and the idea that it’s not winning let alone nominated is absurd. It's brilliant on its own as an album, but when tied into the movie it's perfect.

For reference, it’s won a Golden Globe and been nominated for a Grammy, while “Wicked” wasn’t even nominated for the Golden Globe. Between the exclusion of “Challengers” and “Dune: Part Two,” this year’s award comes with a massive asterisk, no matter who wins. - Malcolm

Marianne Jean-Baptiste for Best Actress

Marianne Jean-Baptiste shouldn’t have just been nominated for her leading turn in the British drama “Hard Truths,” she should be winning Best Actress. Her performance as the venom-filled and deeply unhappy Pansy made me belly laugh, but also broke my heart. She was breathtaking and carried the weight of the entire movie on her shoulders. It takes a deeply skilled actress to pull off such flawless comedy and gut-twisting sadness in one role. Who should she replace? I hate to pile on, but Karla Sofía Gascón for “Emilia Pérez.” - Rory

Most shocking Oscar moments

The Oscars aren’t lacking for drama, and that’s not me making a subtle dig over the fact that a comedy seemingly can’t win Best Picture. Whether it’s political statements, uncomfortable moments or more, there are plenty of moments in Oscar history that left us speechless.

Whether it's recency bias or not, many of these moments have occurred a decade or so, including the two clear frontrunners. But plenty have occurred throughout the Academy Awards 95-year history. So in true Oscars fashion, I’ve put together a list of five nominees for Best Shocking Oscar Moment.

And the nominees are …

• “Brokeback Mountain” loses to “Crash” (2006)
• A streaker interrupts the Oscars (1974)
• Will Smith slaps Chris Rock (2022)
• ‘La La Land’ wins Best Picture for 150 seconds (2017)
• Marlon Brando refuses to accept Best Actor (1973)

And the Oscar goes to …

In a potentially shocking upset, “La La Land” wins Best Shocking Oscar Moment!

For those with the short-term memory of a certain blue fish, in 2017 “La La Land” was awarded Best Picture, which wasn’t a huge surprise. The huge surprise came 150 seconds later when one of the movie’s producers, Jordan Horowitz, had to embarrassingly (but graciously) reveal that it was, in fact, “Moonlight” that won the top prize.

The official explanation for the biggest gaffe in Oscar history was that accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, which handles the tabulation of Oscar votes and handing out the Oscar envelopes to presenters, mistakenly handed Best Picture presenter Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty a duplicate of the category envelope for Best Actress instead of Best Picture.

The envelope, of course, read Emma Stone for “La La Land,” an award she had received earlier in the broadcast. But Beatty had opened a sealed envelope, so Dunaway took this to mean that “La La Land” was meant to be the winner.

Multiple speeches from the “La La Land” team later, and the mistake was corrected, allowing the “Moonlight” producers to bask in the glory they had rightfully won. Between the fact that such a gaffe — the worst mixup that could possibly occur — happened and the embarrassment of the moment for so many involved, I give it the edge over Will Smith’s slap, which seems to be largely glossed over even though we who saw it happen still remember to this day. - Malcolm

Conan hosts the Oscars

Comedian Conan O’Brien, who is hosting the show for the first time, has promised it will be a “fun” night. He took to the stage for Hollywood's biggest nights to get this show on the road.

"It's the Oscars, let's do this thing. You ready to go?" He said to cheers from the audience.

He kicked things off with a not-so-subtle dig at Netflix's price hikes and the fact that the Oscars did not use AI to make the show. "We would never do that - we use child labor," he quipped.

Conan warns nominees to keep it short and sweet

To keep things running smoothly, Conan warned nominees that instead of playing them off with music when they go on too long, the Academy is going to do something much more powerful: cutting to John Lithgow looking slightly disappointed.

If they still refuse to get off the stage at that point, he said he's prepared to whip out old headshots to embarrass them with. To illustrate his point, he shared headshots of Zoe Saldana, himself and Timothy Chalamet (or rather an ultrasound of him).

Adam Sandler's casual red carpet style strikes again

Known for wearing oversize hoodies, flashy Hawaiian shirts, baggy shorts, and sporty sneakers, it's clear Adam Sandler prioritizes comfort above all else. Over the years, his Oscar ensembles have been notoriously underdressed, and this year was no different, with Conan teasing the "Happy Gilmore" star for rocking a hoodie and basketball shorts.

And a one, and a two...

Keeping the lighthearted vibes going, Conan assured viewers he plans to waste no time this evening. He's so committed, in fact, that he performed a musical number reiterating that fact.

The brief song and dance number included cameos from the sandworm from "Dune," who gave us a little preview of his piano-playing prowess, and Deadpool, a character from a movie with zero nominations this year, Conan made sure to note.

Kieran Culkin wins Best Supporting Actor

The first win of the night went to Kieran Culkin for his role in "A Real Pain." This was one of the few categories this year that seemed locked down, and everyone on our streaming staff had him as the clear frontrunner.

"As a 'Succession' superfan, who also adored “A Real Pain,” I can’t wait to see his name called out on the night," our streaming writer Rory said.

His acceptance speech proved just as irreverent and hilarious as we thought it would. After thanking his agent and screenwriter and co-star Jessie Eisenberg, he turned to his wife, Jazz Charton, whom he reminded that she once promised she'd give him four kids when he won an Oscar: "So let's get cracking on those kids."

You can stream "A Real Pain" on Hulu now.

'Flow' beats Disney and Dreamworks for Best Animated Feature

"Flow," a film from a Latvian indie animated studio, beat out Disney's "Inside Out 2" and Dreamworks "The Wild Robot" to take home the award for Best Animated Feature. It's a huge win for indie animation at a time when industry cutbacks and the rise of AI art have made the landscape particularly bleak.

As Conan noted after the award was presented, it also marks the first time a Latvian studio has won an Oscar. "Take that Estonia," he teased.

You can stream "Flow" on Max now.

Best Animated Short goes to 'In the Shadow of the Cypress'

“In the Shadow of the Cypress," a heart-wrenching story about PTSD, took home the Oscar for Best Animated Short. The shorts are almost impossible to see for non-Academy members, but based on projections, its win was a bit of an upset, with "Wander to Wonder" considered the frontrunner.

Best Costume Design goes to 'Wicked'

Five actors from five nominated films presented the award for best costumes, though it seems Bowen Yang was the only one who didn't get the memo that they weren't doing it in costume. To be fair, his Shiz uniform is fabulous.

This year's race was a competitive one, but "Wicked" with its pastel Shiz uniforms and green and pink motifs took home the Oscar for Best Costume Design.

The movie's lead costume designer Paul Tazewell, who was nominated for his work on 2021's "West Side Story," accepted the award in a heartfelt speech that received a standing ovation from "Wicked" star Cynthia Erivo when he mentioned he was the first black man designer to win the award.

Frontrunner 'Anora' takes home first award of the night

Filmmaker Sean Baker never got an Oscar nomination before this year, and now he's up for four tonight for his work on "Anora," rumored to be the frontrunner for this year's Best Picture.

And it's off to a good start, taking home the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Let's see if "Anora" can finish strong when we get to tonight's biggest award.

Like my coworker Rory, I had my fingers crossed that Jesse Eisenberg's "A Real Pain" would eke out a victory, but alas. At least the Academy gave Kieran Culkin his dues with the Best Supporting Actor win.

'Conclave' wins Best Adapted Screenplay

Score one for "Conclave!" Screenwriter Peter Straughan won Best Adapted Screenplay for his work on the drama about the surprisingly riveting process of selecting the Pope's successor. The Oscar will look great on his shelf right next to the Golden Globe he already won for best screenplay for "Conclave."

"Just a huge thank you to everyone involved in making Conclave," said Straughan during his Oscars acceptance speech.

He then dedicated the award to his daughter, joking "this is for you" before clarifying that it was still, indeed, "mine."

'The Substance' takes home Best Makeup and Hairstyling

After decades of the Academy snubbing horror movies, it's fantastic to see one getting its dues.

"The Substance" took home the Oscar for best makeup and hair, a deserving win given the grotesque physical transformation Demi Moore's character makes throughout the movie as she falls prey to the titular "substance" and its youth-defying properties.

Nick Offerman is this year's Oscar announcer

Does the voice announcing this year's presenters and winners at the Academy Awards sound familiar? That's because it's none other than Nick Offerman, best known for his role as everyone's favorite mustachioed libertarian Ron Swanson on the beloved comedy series "Parks and Recreation."

Oscars pay tribute to James Bond

Taking a break from the awards for a bit, the Oscars took a moment to highlight the long-running 007 series in the second song and dance routine of the night.

Margaret Qualley from "The Substance," a trained ballerina, danced onstage amid a tribute to the James Bond movies over the decades.

'Anora' wins again for Best Editing

Would you look at that? "Anora" has scooped up its second Oscar of the evening for Best Film Editing, with Sean Baker returning to the stage to accept the award. "I saved this film in the edit," he joked as he accepted the award.

And it's a big one too: While the film that wins best editing doesn't always nab best picture, that's been the trend for the last two years, first with "Everything Everywhere All at Once" in 2023 and then with "Oppenheimer" in 2024. Suffice it to say, "Anora's" odds of taking home the big prize are looking pretty good right now.

'Emilia Pérez' scores Best Supporting Actress

“Emilia Pérez” leads the field this year with 13 total Oscar nominations, and it just took home its first award of the night. Zoe Saldaña won for Best Supporting Actress, and so far she's the only winner of the night whose speech has veered political. The first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar, she noted that she's the child of immigrants and choked up when talking about winning an Oscar for a Spanish-speaking role.

“My grandmother came to this country in 1961," she said. "I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity."

'Wicked' takes home second Oscar of the night

"Wicked" won for Best Production Design, and deservedly so given its lavish and fantastical sets that transport you right back to the land of Oz.

Jon Chu's movie musical is spellbinding from the first moments frolicking through the tulips of Munchkinland to the magical halls of Shiz and the giant animatronic puppet hiding the man behind the curtain. And that's thanks in large part to a production design philosophy that leaned toward using as little VFX as possible.

Mick Jagger presents Best Original Song to 'Emilia Pérez'

Anyone have Mick Jagger showing up on their Oscars bingo card? The legendary musician joked that Bob Dylan was asked to present the award, but he was too busy, plus we all know which contender would've gotten his vote: the Timothy Chalamet-led biopic about his music.

Best Original Song winners Camille and Clément Duco sang the theme to "Emilia Pérez" while accepting their Oscar for “El Mal.”

Anora now a lock for Best Picture with the Best Editing win

"Anora" was already our prediction for Best Picture, and now after its win for Best Editing, we're all but certain it's going to take home the big prize.

My coworker Malcolm also shared this interesting bit of Oscars trivia: If Baker wins Director and Picture, he'll become the first since Walt Disney in 1954 to take home four Oscars in one night. (Technically the honor should have gone to Bong Joon-ho for "Parasite," but he wasn't credited for winning Best International Feature at the 2020 Oscars.)

'No Other Land' wins Best Documentary Feature

"No Other Land," a stark look at the daily struggles of Palestinian communities amid Israeli occupation, won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. It's an especially poignant win considering the film famously struggled to find a U.S. producer and only saw a one-week theatrical run in the states to qualify for the award.

Directors Basel Adra, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal, and Yuval Abraham called for a ceasefire in Gaza as they accepted the award, receiving an impassioned standing ovation from the crowd.

'Dune: Part Two' wins Best Sound and Best Visual Effects

"Dune: Part Two" took home two major awards this evening: the Oscar for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.

Not a huge surprise, given that "Dune: Part One" nabbed both of those awards as well, proving that this franchise remains a durable presence in the Oscars’ technical categories.

Here's how the Best Picture race is shaping up

We're a little over halfway through tonight's ceremony, so let's take a moment to see how the Best Picture nominees are stacking up so far.

Right now there's a four-way tie between "Anora," "Wicked," and “Emilia Pérez," with "Dune: Part Two" catching up to them after its back-to-back win for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. All four Best Picture nominees have two Oscars each. Trailing not far behind are "Conclave" and "The Substance" each with one win.

'The Brutalist' wins its first Oscar of the night

Best Picture nominee "The Brutalist" nabbed its first win of the night in cinematography.

This is cinematographer Lol Crawley's first nomination and win after a nearly 20-year career of bold, critically acclaimed work.

He accepted the award with a heartfelt speech thanking his family and "The Brutalist" director Brady Corbet for "allowing me to sail close to the edge, and offering your hand if I ever fall in."

'The Brutalist' scores again

And just like that, we have a five-way tie among the Best Picture nominees now that "The Brutalist" has scooped up its second win of the night for Best Original Score.

Composer Daniel Blumberg accepted the award, which would have gone to "Challengers" if we had any say in it, but alas, the tennis drama ended up being one of this year's most egregious Oscar snubs.

It all comes down to this

Only the biggest awards are left, and it's shaping up to be anyone's game. Five of the Best Picture nominees are tied with two Oscars each: "Anora," "Wicked" “Emilia Pérez," "Dune: Part Two," and "The Brutalist."

But which will take home Hollywood's biggest prize? Our money's on "Anora," but we'll just have to wait and see.

This year's Academy Awards have seen a surprising lack of upsets so far, but that could change if Timothy Chalamet takes home the Oscar for Best Actor after already cinching the Screen Actors Guild award in the same category.

It'd be heartbreaking to see crowd-favorite Adrien Brody go home empty-handed after his powerful performance in "The Brutalist."

Adrien Brody wins Best Actor

Only a handful of actors have won two leading actor Oscars, and Adrien Brody now stands among them. His first for his role in 2002's “The Pianist” earned him the title of youngest-ever actor to win Best Actor, at age 29.

On Sunday, he took to the stage to accept the award for his leading role in "The Brutalist" and delivered a heartfelt speech about second chances and the tumultuous Hollywood landscape.

"Acting is a very fragile profession. It looks very glamorous, and at certain moments it is, but the one thing I've gained in having the privilege to come back here is to have some perspective," he said. "And no matter where you are in your career, no matter what you've accomplished, it can all go away, and I think what makes this night the most special is the awareness of that."

In an absolute power move, when the orchestra began playing him off, he told them to cut the music until he was finished saying his piece. We stan a king.

'Anora's' Sean Baker takes home Best Director

Watch out, Walt Disney — "Anora" director Sean Baker is looking to match the House of Mouse's 51-year record for most Oscars won in a single night (four).

In accepting the award for Best Director, Baker urged filmmakers to "keep making films for the big screen, I know I will."

"Movie theaters, especially independently owned theaters, are struggling," he continued. "If we don't reverse this trend, we'll be losing a vital part of our culture."

Best Actress goes to 'Anora's Mikey Madison

"Anora" is sweeping up the big five, with Mikey Madison taking home Best Actress.

'Anora' takes home Best Picture

And this year's Best Picture winner is...drumroll...'Anora'! As our No. 1 pick to win, we're patting ourselves on the backs right now.

It's a historic win for director Sean Baker, who with four awards under his belt this evening, ties with Walt Disney for the most Oscars won by a single individual at the Academy Awards. All told, "Anora" snagged five Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.

The other nominees for Best Picture didn't make out too badly either. "The Brutalist" scored three while "Dune: Part Two," "Wicked," and “Emilia Pérez” each took home two awards.

How did our Oscars 2025 predictions shape up?

Now that the big shindig's over, let's see how our streaming team's predictions played out. Our streaming editor Kelly Woo won our office's Oscars 2025 pool with 18 out of 23 categories, followed by Rory Mellon (14) and Malcolm McMillan (12).

Few categories stumped our streaming team, but we did strike out on Best Actress (all three thought Demi Moore was a shoo-in for "The Substance) and Best Editing, which went to "Anora" over our frontrunner, "Conclave."

Here's our recap of Oscars 2025

The 2025 Oscars are done and dusted, and now it's time to reflect on the 97th Academy Awards.

Hollywood's A-listers turned out in their droves, and it was another very solid awards show overall. I've collected the 7 biggest moments from the 2025 Oscars into a handy roundup, for anybody who missed the live show or wants to relive the night.

These include Conan's fantastic opening monologue, costume designer Paul Tazewell making history, and the very ill-timed tribute to James Bond. Oscars 2025 may have lacked a truly shocking moment (ala "the slap") but it certainly wasn't a boring one.

Here's where Best Picture winner 'Anora' is streaming

"Anora" was the big winner at last night's Oscars. Not only did it take Best Picture, it also claimed Best Director for Sean Baker, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing. The only nomination that didn't convert to a win is Best Supporting Actor for Yura Borisov.

One of my favorite movies of 2025, "Anora" is a fairy-tale Cinderella story with a rude awakening. The tragicomedy brims with hilarity and heartbreak as it takes you on a rollercoaster ride wilder than anything found at Coney Island.

Now that the movie has cleaned up at the Oscars, you might be wondering where to stream "Anora." Currently, it's available on PVOD for rental or purchase at digital retailers like Amazon and Apple TV.

Or you can wait a couple weeks because “Anora” will be available to stream on Hulu starting March 17.

This weekend will see the 97th annual Academy Awards held in glitzy Los Angeles, California. And by the end of the night, one of 10 nominees will have joined the ranks of Best Picture winners, forever enshrining them in cinema history (for the record, I think it’ll be “Anora" taking home the big prize).

Whichever movie joins the exclusive club will be rubbing shoulders with movie royalty as some of the best films ever made have taken home the ultimate Oscar prize. But at the same time, over the almost century that the Academy Awards have been dished out, more than a couple of flicks have won the award that in hindsight probably didn’t quite deserve such an honor.

I’ve seen every single Best Picture winner, from the very first (1927’s “Wings”) to the most recent (2023’s “Oppenheimer”), and below I’m picking out the very best of the bunch, alongside those movies honored with a golden Oscar that are better left unwatched.

A quick note before diving into my picks. This was a very tough list to compile. Selecting my top five was especially brutal, and I need to stress these are far from the only five Best Picture winners worth watching.

Over the years, dozens of incredible movies have won the award, these are just five that I absolutely loved. Ask me to pick my top five tomorrow, and you’ll probably get an entirely different selection. Also, my picks are presented unranked.

My 5 favorite Best Picture winners

‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (1930)

“All Quiet on the Western Front” was only the third movie in history to win Best Picture (following “Wings” and “The Broadway Melody”, more on the latter later…), and 95 years later, it’s a pick that has aged as gracefully as Keanu Reeves.

This 1930 movie, based on the novel of the same name, is one of the most impactful anti-war flicks ever. It lays bare the sheer futility of conflict and the total loss of innocence experienced by its cast of young schoolboys.

Opening in the early months of World War I, it sees a group of boys convinced to enlist in the army after a rousing speech given to them by their professor.

Believing they are fulfilling their patriot duty, their noble illusions are instantly shattered when the brutal realities of life on the frontlines become all too real.

The 2022 remake is also impressive (and was nominated for Best Picture), but the original has remained so timeless that you really should watch it first.

Buy or rent on Amazon now

‘The Godfather’ (1972)

One of, if not the most, iconic movies in cinema history, “The Godfather” rightfully took home its Best Picture gong at the 45th Academy Awards.

This Francis Ford Coppola flick not only set the standard by which all mobster movies will be measured forevermore, but it also laid down a blueprint that countless modern crime dramas continue to follow (sometimes to a fault).

"The Godfather" is as influential as it is riveting. An almost three-hour epic that flies by in a flash.

If you somehow don’t know the basic setup, “The Godfather” centers on the Corleone family led by ruthless mafioso Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando, who won Best Actor), flanking him is his reluctant young son Michael (Al Pacino), who transformation over the movie (and it’s two sequels) is gripping but also tragic.

Also starring James Caan, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton and more, “The Godfather” deserves its stellar reputation. Plus, its sequel won Best Picture just two years later, so why not make it a double feature? But you can skip Part 3...

Watch on Paramount Plus now

‘Titanic’ (1997)

Time for a confession: I was an “edgy” teenager who thought they were too cool for “Titanic.”

Aside from the fact that at no point in my 30 years on this planet have I ever come close to being genuinely cool, I can also now admit that this romantic drama is a sweeping achievement in filmmaking.

Not only does James Cameron manage to weave a genuinely compelling romance between likable characters, but about halfway through it shifts into a jaw-dropping disaster flick that sends your pulse racing, it’s two movies in one.

As the name suggests, “Titanic” is set on the eponymous luxury liner, a ship so vast in size it was declared “unsinkable” (spoilers: It sank). Onboard the doomed cruiser are Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose DeWitt (Kate Winslet), two people from entirely different worlds who meet and fall in love onboard.

"Titanic" currently holds the record for the most Oscars won by a single movie after it scooped 11 Oscars at the 70th Academy Awards (jointly held with 1959’s “Ben-Hur” and 2003’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King).

Watch on Paramount Plus now

‘Moonlight’ (2016)

In the decade since winning Best Picture, “Moonlight” the movie has been overshadowed by the events surrounding its win.

Yes, you know what I’m talking about, the infamous snafu that saw presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway incorrectly announce that “La La Land” had won Best Picture after being handed the wrong envelope.

It’s a huge shame that the actual movie got a little lost in all the drama because it is a modern masterwork.

Directed by Barry Jenkins, "Moonlight" explores a young man's journey from childhood to adulthood and the struggles he faces as he grapples with his sexuality.

The performances across the board are excellent, but Mahershala Ali shines in a supporting turn as a father figure to the lead character, who is played by three different actors across the movie.

Its narrative is beautiful and emotionally devastating, but “Moonlight” is also a showcase of fearless filmmaking.

Watch on Kanopy now

‘Parasite’ (2019)

Perhaps there’s an element of recency bias that has led to me picking “Parasite,” but the first non-English-language movie to win Best Picture could not have gone to a more deserving winner.

And while “Parasite” is only a little more than five years past its release, I’ve already lost track of how many times I’ve seen it. And crucially, I seem to only love it more with each watch. It’s a thriller that grips straight away and goes in directions you’ll never see coming.

There's many layers to unravel in “Parasite” but its brilliance is that if you don’t want to dive into its biting social commentary or deeper themes. You can merely enjoy it as a remarkably compelling thriller.

It really does cater to both audiences, those who just want entertainment, and those who want more substance.

The performances were also seriously underrated by the academy, and much of the cast should have received acting nominations.

Watch on Max now

5 worst Best Picture winners

‘The Broadway Melody’ (1929)

“The Broadway Melody” will always have a place in history as the first sound movie to win an Academy Award, but beyond this honor, there’s not really got a whole lot going for it.

Because of its sheer novelty at the time, it was able to find success just by nature of being an audible movie released at a time when silent films were still common. However, all these years later, all we’re left with is an incredibly dull story and bland characters that do very little but whine.

Now, I like a musical (heck, I even like a few bad musicals), and I love a classic movie, but “The Broadway Melody” was a real chore just to finish. And that’s despite the fact it’s a relatively trim 100 minutes long.

t was also popular because it included a Technicolor sequence, which I’m sure amazed viewers in the 1920s. Sadly, the footage of this scene hasn’t survived.

“The Broadway Melody” actually entered the public domain on January 1, 2025, allowing you to watch the entire thing online for free. But to be honest, it’s an easy skip.

Watch on YouTube now

‘Cimarron’ (1931)

“Cimarron” deserves to be considered among the worst movies to ever win Best Picture for several reasons, but much of the modern ire against this flick comes from its extremely offensive, and racist, stereotypes.

Some may argue that it’s unfair to judge a movie from 1931 by a modern standard, but even so, “Cimarron” is a very hard watch due to its glacial pacing. After an exciting opening set during the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush, it’s all downhill from there as the movie descends into a largely lifeless drama flecked with offense.

Based on the novel of the same name by Edna Ferber, it follows a newspaper editor Yancey (Richard Dix) and his new bride Sabra (Irene Dunne) who move to Oklahoma and eventually settle in Osage.

From there, the movie spans four decades as we see Yancey and Sabra separated and reunited. Credit to the movie for its ambition scale, but I'm happy for this one to be forgotten.

Buy or rent on Amazon now

‘Around the World in 80 Days’ (1956)

“Around the World in 80 Days” is another Best Picture winner that’s hard to recommend purely because it’s such a dull affair.

I imagine, the wonder of a globe-spanning adventure still captured attention back in the 1950s, but in 2025, you’d probably get more geographical excitement from flipping through Google Earth for an afternoon rather than watching this movie.

The film’s case is very much not helped by its butt-numbingly long three-hour runtime.

The movie follows Englishman Phileas Fogg (David Niven) as he takes on the challenge to navigate the entire globe in just 80 days.

Fogg bets a pretty penny with the members of his local gentlemen’s club that he can complete the feat in the allotted time, so he packs up the essentials and sets off to travel the world with his friend/servant Passepartout (Cantinflas).

There are a few moments of wonder, but nowhere near enough to justify the time investment. If you must watch, opt for the 2004 remake. It’s very bad, but an hour shorter.

Buy or rent on Amazon now

‘Crash’ (2004)

“Crash” is the proverbial bad Best Picture winner. Look up almost any ranking of Best Picture movies and I practically guarantee you’ll find “Crash” near the bottom (if not ranked dead last in many).

When there’s so much hate surrounding a movie, it’s logical to wonder if the criticism isn’t a little overblown, but rest assured, in this case, “Crash” deserves its infamous reputation. Its win looked ill-judged in 2005, and even worse decades later.

Directed by Paul Haggis, and starring Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, Don Cheadle, Brendan Fraser and Terrence Howard, it follows various Los Angeles residents over 36 hours as their lives collide in unexpected ways.

The movie is essentially a 110-minute long afterschool special that handles its core subject matter of racism with all the subtly of a sledgehammer.

Frankly, it makes “Green Book" — winner at the 91st Academy Awards and also criticized for its unsubtle approach to depicting discrimination — look understated.

Watch on Hoopla now

‘Nomadland’ (2020)

Perhaps I’m being a little harsh including “Nomadland” on my worst Best Picture winners list.

There are definitely a few other picks that could take this spot like the lackluster “The Greatest Show on Earth” or the melodramatic “Out of Africa,"

But I’m picking “Nomadland” because it’s a Best Picture winner I’ve pretty much forgotten entirely. And it’s not even five years old! There aren’t many recipients of the BP award that have faded away this fast.

To cut the movie some slack, it was released during a tricky time and won its Oscars during the COVID-era 93rd Academy Awards, held with little fanfare at Union Station.

Still, with an already relatively weak field of nominees that year, “Nomadlands” was one of the weakest of the bunch.

Frances McDormand was much lauded for her role as a van-living drifter named Fern. But even watching the trailer for "Nomadland" has me feeling sleepy. It’s a real snoozer.

Watch on Hulu now

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"Nickel Boys" doesn't look like any film you've seen this year — literally.

Directed by RaMell Ross and adapted from Colson Whitehead's 2019 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the historical drama was lushly shot from a first-person point of view.

This means you're immediately thrown into the action of 1962 Jim Crow-era Tallahassee, Florida, from the direct perspective of two young Black-American boys — Elwood (Ethan Heisse) and Turner (Brandon Wilson).

They navigate life at an abusive reform school called the Nickel Academy. Horrifically, the academy is based on a real-life Florida institution, the Dozier School for Boys, which is thankfully now closed.

“The two Black teens strike up an alliance: Turner dispensing fundamental tips for survival, Elwood, clinging to his optimistic worldview," reads the film's official synopsis. "Backdropped by the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement, Elwood and Turner’s existence appears worlds away from Rev. Martin Luther King's burnished oratory. Despite Nickel's brutality, Elwood strives to hold onto his humanity, awakening a new vision for Turner.”

Along with that POV-style shooting, Ross ambitiously interweaves archival footage and classic film clips — the speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr., the acting performances of Sidney Poitier and so on — for a collage-like effect, contextualizing and fleshing out the harsh yet hopeful world that these young Southerners inhabit.

Altogether, that avant-garde approach makes for an incredibly stirring watch, one that has clearly had a lasting effect on viewers and critics alike. "Nickel Boys" currently boasts a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 183 reviews.

Here's the website's consensus reading: "Director RaMell Ross' stylistically radical approach to adapting Colson Whitehead's searing novel will be jarring for some, but Nickel Boys' sense of immersion achieves the jaw-dropping effect of walking in another's shoes."

For Variety, "Moonlight" filmmaker Barry Jenkins named "Nickel Boys" one of his favorite films of 2024, writing: "This is medium-defining work — aesthetically, spiritually — a rich and overwhelming cinema where the camera is always curious and what it finds is always arresting.

In a time where there are more ways to make a film than ever (and yet less variation in the look, the feel, the shape of those films than in any other point in the medium’s history) RaMell has given us a new way of seeing. It is a thing to make one both humbled… and filled with gratitude."

And with all that acclaim comes some much-deserved awards recognition: along with receiving a 2025 Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Drama, the film is currently up for Best Picture — alongside high-profile titles like "Wicked," "The Brutalist" and "Emilia Pérez" — as well as Best Adapted Screenplay (for screenwriters RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes) at the 97th Academy Awards, which will take place on Sunday, Mar. 2.

While you wait to see if "Nickel Boys" takes home gold next month, you can stream the Oscar-nominated drama at home beginning on Friday, Feb. 28 on MGM Plus. Currently, an MGM Plus subscription costs $6.99 per month or $58.99 per year, but the streaming service does offer a free trial for new subscribers.

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As a committed movie fan, awards season is one of my favorite times of the year. Yes, some of the glitzy awards shows can be largely dull affairs, but I love the debate, predictions and general build-up to the season-closer, the Academy Awards. This year marks the 97th annual Oscars, and as is my tradition, I’ve made sure to watch every nominee in this year’s field.

The 2025 Oscars are shaping up to be a pretty great showcase of fantastic movies. Across the major categories (Picture, Director, Acting and Screenplay) there isn’t a dud among the bunch (though “Emilia Pérez” has certainly become the black sheep of the group). You can safely watch any of the main players this year and end up watching something at the very least good.

However, if you’re a little short on time and instead want to pick out only the shinest gems in the crown, I’m rounding up my personal favorite 2025 Oscar movies down below. And these range in genre from a sweeping sci-fi blockbuster to a heartfelt prison drama. So, these are the seven best Oscar movies in 2025 according to somebody who has seen them all…

'Anora'

Nominations (6): Best Picture, Director (Sean Baker), Actress (Mikey Madison), Original Screenplay, Film Editing

“Anora” is being positioned as the current frontrunner to take home the night’s biggest prize, Best Picture, following a string of wins at various precursor awards shows. If this Sean Baker-directed drama is indeed victorious, it will be a victory well-earned. Spearheaded by a star-making turn from Mikey Madison, and combining energetic drama with dark comedy and timely social commentary, “Anora” has all the ingredients to leave a strong impression. Plus, Yura Borisov’s supporting turn is simply wonderful.

The movie centers on the eponymous “Anora”, a young sex worker living in the Brighton Beach area of Brooklyn. Becoming involved with the arrogant and immature son of a wealthy Russian oligarch, they develop a transactional relationship that escalates into a whirlwind marriage. Anora sees this as a chance to live the luxurious life she’s always craved, but subsequent events see the situation quickly spiral, and Anora is soon backed into a corner.

Buy or rent on Amazon or Apple now

'The Brutalist'

Nominations (10): Best Picture, Director (Brady Corbet), Actor (Adrien Brody), Supporting Actor (Guy Pearce), Supporting Actress (Felicity Jones), Original Screenplay, Original Score, Production Design, Cinematography, Film Editing

It’s easy to see some viewers being turned off by “The Brutalist’s” brutally long (pun intended) runtime of 215 minutes (that’s 3 hours and 35 minutes), but trust me, this epic period drama earns every single second. In fact, when the baked-in intermission flashed up on the screen, I was genuinely shocked I was already halfway through the movie. Director Brady Corbet has crafted a remarkable look at the emigrate experience and has squeezed out career-best performances from the entire cast, Adrien Brody especially.

In “The Brutalist,” Brody plays László Tóth, a Hungarian Holocaust survivor, who travels to the U.S. with dreams of a brighter future. Once settled in Pennsylvania, László begins to work for a wealthy industrialist (Guy Pearce) who has learned of his pre-war career as a renowned architect. Also starring Felicity Jones, Raffey Cassidy and Joe Alwyn, “The Brutalist” sends you through the emotional wringer from great highs to devastating lows.

Buy on Amazon now

'Conclave'

Nominations (8): Best Picture, Actor (Ralph Fiennes), Supporting Actress (Isabella Rossellini), Adapted Screenplay, Original Score, Production Design, Costume Design, Film Editing

I’m a huge thriller fan, but if you’d told me just a few months back that one of the year’s best in the genre would center on the secretive selection process for picking a new Pope, I’d have been rather skeptical. Based on the 2016 novel of the same name, “Conclave” is utterly gripping because of two key components, one is its narrative that zig-zags in ways that are surprising but also logical, and the second is the remarkable cast including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto and Isabella Rossellini.

“Conclave” opens with the current Pope passing away, which results in a whole load of political gamesmanship as various leaders within the Catholic Church pitch to be his replacement. Tasked with overseeing the election process is Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes), and the voting quite becomes fractured as each hopeful presents a different future for the church. To make matters worse Lawrence soon uncovers hidden dark secrets that could shake the foundations of the centuries-old religion.

Watch on Peacock now

'Dune Part Two'

Nominations (5): Best Picture, Sound, Production Design, Cinematography, Visual Effects

“Dune Part Two” could clean up in some of the technical categories listed above but its nomination for Best Picture feels like little more than a token gesture considering its lack of nods in any other major fields (Denis Villeneuve’s exclusion from Best Director is arguably the biggest snub of the year). I’ve written a lot of column inches already about “Dune Part Two” over the past 12 months, so won’t repeat myself too much here, but I will just again iterate this is among the best sci-fi movies ever made, and a must-watch.

The follow-up to 2021’s “Dune,” this sequel sees Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) become the rebel leader, and even a prophet to some, as he seeks revenge against those who destroyed his family, all the while falling in love with Chani (Zendaya). Packing a cast with more A-Listers than I can mention here, “Dune Part Two” has all the best qualities of a blockbuster, with a grand scale and eye-popping action, but it’s also thoughtful and subtle as needed.

Watch on Max now

'The Substance'

Nominations (5): Best Picture, Director (Coralie Fargeat), Actress (Demi Moore), Original Screenplay, Makeup and Hairstyling

“The Substance” was probably my biggest (pleasant) surprise of 2024. I caught this body horror during a mystery screening event at my local movie theater, which meant I got to see it with almost zero prior knowledge (I hadn’t even watched the trailer beforehand). This resulted in one of my favorite movie-watching experiences as each shocking twist and disturbing moment came as a complete surprise. It’s also become one of my most recommended movies of the past 12 months, and I hope it takes home some Oscar gold.

The dark horror-thriller sees Demi Moore play Elisabeth Sparkle, a former Hollywood “It Girl” struggling to deal with her time in the spotlight coming to an end. Offered the chance to try an experimental drug (the titular substance), she thinks she’s been given a second chance to relive her glory days as the drug transforms her into a younger, perkier and better version of herself (played by Margaret Qualley), of course, things very quickly go wrong.

Watch on MUBI now

'Sing Sing'

Nominations (3): Actor (Colman Domingo), Adapted Screenplay, Original Song

“Sing Sing” is perhaps the most overlooked of this year’s Oscar contenders, and I’m disappointed it missed out on a Best Picture slot (I’d have certainly swapped out “Emilia Pérez” for it). Nevertheless, at least Colman Domingo’s captivating lead performance has been recognized, but again, I’m slightly frustrated Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin wasn’t for his equally strong supporting turn. Doubly so because he’s playing a version of himself.

“Sing Sing” is a prison-set movie based on a real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program formed at a maximum security prison in New York City. Incorporating formerly incarcerated men who were part of the program into the supporting cast, “Sing Sing” is a behind-bars drama that focuses on the humanity of its inmates rather than their past mistakes. It follows a group of inmates as they put together a stage show. The chance to become somebody else on stage proves to be therapeutic and offers much-needed hope.

Buy or rent on Amazon or Apple now

'A Real Pain'

Nominations (2): Supporting Actor (Kieran Culkin), Original Screenplay

Due to its delayed U.K. release date, I saw “A Real Pain” a little later than I’d have liked. This came with the downside of having heard a lot of good things before watching it myself, and when that happens, it’s only natural for your expectations to creep up. In my experience, high expectations can be very dangerous and lead to a good movie underwhelming as it can’t measure up to what you’ve built up in your head. Remarkably, even though I watched this comedy-drama with so much anticipation, “A Real Pain” still surprised and delighted me.

Kieran Culkin steals the show as Benji, a loveable slacker whose wit and vigor are masking some real inner darkness, and has rightfully been scooping up Best Supporting Actress awards all season long. But I also want to give some flowers to Jesse Eisenberg. Not only does he write and direct here, but his role as David, Beniji’s neurotic cousin, is equally important to the movie’s balance. The flick sees the two relatives take a trip across Poland to honor their late grandmother, and it’s a journey that will have you reflect on your own roots.

Watch on Hulu now

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The 2025 Oscars nominations announced on January 23 have officially set the stage for this year’s celebration of cinema, with the ceremony set for March 2.

As we gear up for Hollywood's most glamorous night, now’s the perfect time to dive into past Oscar winners available to watch on one of the best streaming services.

If you’re a Prime Video subscriber, you’re in for a treat, because the platform has a decent lineup of award-winning movies that have graced the Academy’s stage over the years.

I’ve scoured Prime Video’s impressive catalog to bring you five must-watch Oscar-winning movies.

To make the cut, these movies had to win in one of the major categories (Best Picture, Best Director, Screenplay, or any of the acting awards). So, whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering something new, here’s what you should stream right now on Prime Video to get into the Oscars spirit!

And if you’re looking for more, check out these five best Netflix movies that won an Oscar you can stream right now.

‘The Pianist’ (2002)

“The Pianist” won three Academy Awards: Best Director for Roman Polanski, Best Actor for Adrien Brody, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Ronald Harwood.

This movie is a deeply haunting story of survival that sheds light on one of the darkest and most unforgettable chapters in our history. On top of that, it’s easily one of the best movies to come out of 2002, with Brody delivering one of the most mesmerizing performances in cinema history.

“The Pianist” is based on the autobiography of Władysław Szpilman (portrayed by Brody), a Polish-Jewish pianist and composer, and it's set during World War II. It follows Szpilman as he navigates the horrors of Nazi-occupied Warsaw.

After the Nazis invade Poland in 1939, Szpilman and his family endure the escalating oppression of the Jewish community. Eventually, Szpilman is separated from his family as they are deported to concentration camps, leaving him alone to fend for himself.

As he struggles to survive, Szpilman hides in the ruins of Warsaw, enduring hunger, isolation, and the constant threat of discovery, while his love for music becomes his source of hope.

Watch it on Prime Video

‘Manchester by the Sea’ (2016)

At the 89th Academy Awards, “Manchester by the Sea” earned two Oscars: Best Actor for Casey Affleck’s raw, deeply moving performance and Best Original Screenplay for Kenneth Lonergan’s heartfelt and emotionally resonant script.

This movie also received nominations for several other major awards, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Lucas Hedges), Best Supporting Actress (Michelle Williams), and Best Director (Lonergan).

“Manchester by the Sea” tells the story of Lee Chandler (Affleck), a quiet and withdrawn handyman living in Boston. Lee’s life is upended when he learns that his older brother, Joe (Kyle Chandler), has passed away and named him the legal guardian of Joe’s teenage son, Patrick (Hedges).

Reluctantly, Lee returns to his hometown of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, where he must face painful memories that drove him away years earlier. Through flashbacks, the audience uncovers a devastating tragedy in Lee’s past that left him emotionally shattered and estranged from his ex-wife, Randi (Williams).

Watch it on Prime Video

‘The Hurt Locker’ (2008)

Kathryn Bigelow’s “The Hurt Locker” dominated the 82nd Academy Awards with six wins, including Best Picture, Best Director (making her the first woman to achieve this honor), Best Original Screenplay (Mark Boal), Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing.

Bigelow’s masterful direction brings a raw, almost documentary-like realism to the battlefield, establishing the movie as one of the most intense and impactful war dramas ever made.

“The Hurt Locker” follows an elite U.S. Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team tasked with disarming bombs in the middle of a war zone. At the heart of the story is Staff Sergeant William James (Jeremy Renner), a reckless yet highly skilled bomb disposal expert who thrives on the adrenaline of his dangerous job.

As James leads his team — Sergeant JT Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) and Specialist Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) — through a series of high-stakes missions, the movie delves into the psychological toll of war.

Watch it on Prime Video

‘L.A. Confidential’ (1997)

At the 70th Oscars, “L.A. Confidential” took home two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress for Kim Basinger’s standout performance as Lynn Bracken and Best Adapted Screenplay for Brian Helgeland and Curtis Hanson, based on James Ellroy’s novel.

This movie is packed with clever dialogue, stunning cinematography, and a twist-filled plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish. If you’re a fan of complex murder mysteries that leave you guessing, this neo-noir classic is a must-watch.

“L.A. Confidential” follows three very different LAPD officers — straight-laced and ambitious Ed Exley (Guy Pearce), brutal and hot-tempered Bud White (Russell Crowe), and charming, fame-seeking Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey) — as they navigate a city rife with organized crime, police corruption, and sensational headlines.

The story begins with a mass murder at a diner, which appears to be a robbery gone wrong but leads to a much deeper conspiracy involving prostitution rings, political scandals, and dirty cops. As the three officers investigate the case, they uncover shocking secrets that test their loyalties and challenge their own moral codes.

Watch it on Prime Video

‘The Social Network’ (2010)

Three Oscars were awarded to “The Social Network” at the 83rd Academy Awards. Best Adapted Screenplay for Aaron Sorkin’s clever dialogue and storytelling, Best Original Score for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s hauntingly atmospheric music, and Best Film Editing for Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall’s pacing and tension-building cuts.

The movie takes us through the highs and lows of Mark Zuckerberg’s journey, including his quick success, the fracturing of his relationships, and the ethical questions surrounding the birth of one of the world’s largest social media platforms.

“The Social Network” chronicles the creation and rise of Facebook, focusing on the complex legal battles and personal betrayals that accompanied its journey. The movie centers on Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), a Harvard student who creates a website called “Facemash” that eventually evolves into Facebook.

What starts as an ambitious idea soon leads to a legal battle with two of his former friends, Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) and the Winklevoss twins (Armie Hammer), who claim that Zuckerberg stole their idea.

Watch it on Prime Video

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The 2025 Oscar nominations have been revealed and in a few weeks, one of 10 movies will join the illustrious ranks of Best Picture winners and become the 97 film to hold that honor. It’s the prize that all movies want to win, but only a select group has been awarded that little golden statue that cements a place in cinema history.

I’ve watched every movie that has won Best Picture at the Academy Awards from 1927’s “Wings” to 2023’s “Oppenheimer”, and below I’m picking out the 13 victors you should watch first. But note, this is merely a roundup of the movies I believe you should watch first. It’s certainly not a list of the only Best Picture winners worth watching (I’d say the vast majority of winners are worthy of the prize) and I’ve also picked movies from across the years, with at least one pick from each decade (bar the ‘80s. Sorry the pool was weaker in that decade).

So, if you’re looking to get into the Oscar spirit, or just want to stream some high-quality films, here are the Best Picture-winning movies to watch now…

'All Quiet on the Western Front' (1930)

“All Quiet on the Western Front” is half a decade away from celebrating its 100th anniversary, and yet more than 90 years later, it remains one of the most poignant and impactful anti-war movies ever made. The 2022 Netflix version from director Edward Berger (coincidentally nominated at this year’s Oscars for “Conclave”) is also excellent but you simply cannot beat the original for its gut-punching ability to deliver its important and still highly timely message.

Based on the 1929 novel of the same name by author Erich Maria Remarque, and only the third movie at the time to win the Best Picture award, this devastating flick follows a group of German schoolboys convinced to enlist during World War I by their idealistic teacher. They arrive at training full of excitement and optimism, but the realities of the brutal conflict soon strip them of their innocence as they face the futility and bleakness of warfare.

Buy or rent on Amazon now

'Gone with the Wind' (1939)

Forget “Avatar." Adjusted for inflation, “Gone with the Wind” is actually the highest-grossing movie in cinema history. And it wasn’t just popular with the general public either; this Civil War epic was also a critical darling, and went the whole distance to win Best Picture at the 12th Academy Awards. Regularly cited as one of the greatest films ever made, it’s a sweeping drama packed with remarkable filmmaking craft and a cast of memorable characters.

Clocking in at more than 220 minutes, “Gone with the Wind” is a sprawling tale that centers on Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh), a spoiled and strong-willed Southern belle living on a plantation and her romantic engagements with two men, Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard) and Rhett Butler (Clark Gable). However, I should warn you before watching, like many movies of the period, several sequences have aged poorly when viewed through a modern lens.

Watch on Max now

'Casablanca' (1943)

“Casablanca” is worth watching if only so you can understand the context of its numerous iconic lines. Of course, it’s also worth watching because it’s a darn good movie that sees Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman at the peak of their powers. Even though it’s not a holiday movie, watching over the festive season has become a bit of a tradition for me as I find the romance, excitement and lovable characters of “Casablanca” super comforting.

Set in the eponymous city of Casablanca, Morocco during World War II, Rick Blaine (Bogart) is an American expat running a nightclub, and claiming to be neutral in the ongoing conflict. But when his former lover, Ilsa (Bergman), unexpectedly shows up, Rick is tasked with helping her resistance leader husband, Victor Laszlo, (Paul Henreid) escape from the Germans hunting him. Full of drama and thrills “Casablanca” is a true cinema classic.

Watch on Max now

'The Bridge on the River Kwai' (1957)

Third acts don’t come much tenser than the grand finale of "The Bridge on the River Kwai”. This epic war movie builds to a grand crescendo that will have your heart racing and your palms sweating. Oh, and the rest of the movie is absolutely excellent as well. Winner of Best Picture at the 30th Academy Awards it's also morally complex and rich with narrative depth.

In a World War II prisoner of war camp, Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness) and a crew of British soldiers are ordered by their Japanese captors to build a large bridge over the River Kwai to connect the Burma-Siam railway. The prisoners initially assume the plan is to sabotage the bridge’s construction, but Nicholson becomes obsessed with its successful completion, even to the point of collaboration with the enemy. Meanwhile, a U.S. soldier, known as Shears (William Holden), is roped into a plan to prevent the bridge's completion.

Buy or rent on Amazon now

'The Apartment' (1960)

The Academy typically rewards movies that cover dramatic and intense subject matters with the Best Picture award, but that’s not to say a movie a little lighter in tone has never won the ultimate honor. Case in point, “The Apartment” is a delightful romantic comedy with genre-appropriate stakes, and it took home the night’s biggest prize back in April 1961.

Central to this movie’s charms are its two lovable leads, Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. Their will-they-won’t-they romantic entanglement is one for the ages. “The Apartment” centers on a lonely office worker named C.C. Baxter (Lemmon) who allows his company’s executives to use his Manhattan apartment for extramarital affairs. But things get complicated when Baxter’s boss uses the pad to meet with elevator operator Fran (MacLaine), who Baxter just happens to be sweet on. "The Apartment is a warm hug of a movie.

Watch on The Roku Channel now

'The Godfather' (1972)

“The Godfather” is perhaps the archetypal example of a movie that needs no introduction. This 1972 gangster epic is among the most iconic movies ever made and has seeped into popular culture in a way that most flicks can only dream about. And it deserves every ounce of its heavyweight reputation, this Francis Ford Coppola-directed feature is an unequivocal masterpiece, and packs some of the finest performances ever captured on film.

“The Godfather” chronicles the Corleone crime family, led by Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), the movie begins on the day of his daughter’s wedding. And shortly after one of the movie's most iconic scenes, we are introduced to Vito’s youngest son Michael (Al Pacino). While Michael initially has no interest in joining the family business, he is soon drawn into the criminal world, and what follows is the tragic rise of a ruthless mafia boss. “The Godfather” is the epic crime movie that the rest of the genre has been copying for decades.

Watch on Paramount Plus now

'The Silence of the Lambs' (1991)

While we’re on the subject of iconic movies, “The Silence of the Lambs” fits the bill to a tee. This psychological thriller is based on the 1988 novel of the same name and Anthony Hopkins won an Oscar for his role as Hannibal Lecter despite only having less than 25 minutes of total screen time. The most recent movie to win Oscars in 5 major categories (Picture, Director, Actor, Actress and Screenplay), “The Silence of the Lambs” is a nerve-jangling thrill ride with an absorbing central mystery and deeply fantastical characters to explore.

Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is an FBI trainee assigned the task of interviewing Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Hopkins), a genius psychiatrist but also a sadistic killer with a taste for human flesh. Starling has been asked to speak to the doctor in the hopes of unlocking insight into a currently active serial killer named Buffalo Bill. But when Starling first meets Lector, their cat-and-mouse game begins as they start a dangerous “quid pro quo” relationship.

Buy or rent on Amazon now

'Schindler’s List' (1993)

If I were to rank Best Picture winners based on their cultural importance then “Schindler’s List” would deservedly be one of the frontrunners for the top spot. Among the most acclaimed movies in history, Steve Spielberg’s Holocaust drama is a harrowing exploration of one of the darkest periods in history. This one will bring you to tears, there’s no doubt, but it's also a truly vital watch.

Schindler is a German businessman, operating a factory in Krakow, Poland, he employs primarily Jewish workers for pragmatic reasons, but when the Nazi party begins its mass extermination of Jews, Schindler fights to protect his workers and turns his factory into a refuge for those escaping persecution. “Schindler’s List” is a powerful reminder that even during the bleakest times there will always be people fighting against hate and cruelty.

Watch on Netflix now

'Titanic' (1997)

Confession time: During my teenage years, I thought I was too “cool” for “Titanic” Fortunately, now I can see what a fool I was in my youth and will proudly admit to being absolutely head-over-heels in love with epic romance.

“Titanic” gives you two incredible movies in one. You start with a highly compelling romantic drama as Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet play lovers from very different social classes who meet onboard the doomed ship. Then, the movie transitions into one of the most remarkable disaster flicks ever crafted. James Cameron marries these two halves together perfectly, and the use of practical effects means “Titanic” has barely aged a day. One of only six movies in history to gross at least $2 billion, "Titanic" is a true crowd-pleaser.

Watch on Paramount Plus now

'The Departed' (2006)

Martin Scorsese finally won his much-deserved (and currently sole) Best Director Oscar for his work on “The Departed.” And then the movie itself went on to score the night’s biggest prize as well. A remake of a 2002 Hong Kong film called “Infernal Affairs” (which for the record is also excellent, and well worth streaming), this crime thriller proves that you can never know for sure who you can trust, and features one of the most shocking endings ever.

Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a Boston cop going undercover to infiltrate a criminal organization run by Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). However, at the same time, Costello’s trusted lieutenant Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is spying from inside the police department. Soon enough both groups learn they have a mole in their ranks, forcing Billy and Colin into a scramble to hide their tracks while also finding a way to unmask the other.

Buy or rent on Amazon now

'12 Years a Slave' (2013)

Based on the heartbreaking but also deeply inspiring true story of Solomon Northup, “12 Years a Slave” is often cited among the strongest Best Picture winners of the 21st century, and that’s a designation it absolutely deserves. It’s a humbling movie that lays bare the terrible sufferings endured by slaves in America. You won't be surprised to know it's often a pretty tough watch.

Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is a free man in upstate New York but is illegally sold into slavery after being tricked by two white men pretending to offer him employment. Shipped to the South, he is subjected to unimaginable cruelty, but despite this miscarriage of justice he never gives up on hope of securing his freedom. It also features Lupita Nyong'o, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti and Sarah Paulson.

Buy or rent on Amazon now

'Parasite' (2019)

A Best Picture winner that I haven’t stopped thinking about for more than five years, “Parasite” is a gripping thriller with dark comedy elements that astounded me when I saw it in theaters upon its initial release in late 2018. More rewatches than I can count later, and it’s still one of the most thrilling flicks I’ve ever seen, and I’ve only come to appreciate its subtext further.

Directed by Bong Joon-ho, and the very first non-English-language movie to scoop Best Picture, “Parasite” is a Greek Tragedy set in the modern day. It follows two Korean families at either end of the class divide, one extremely wealthy, one struggling to get by. These two families are eventually thrown together, and I wouldn’t want to spoil a moment of what follows next.

Watch on Max now

'Oppenheimer' (2023)

Is there an element of recent bias when placing “Oppenheimer” on this list? Perhaps, it is the most current Best Picture holder afterward. However, I’m confident this movie’s victory will age extremely gracefully (this won’t be another “Green Book” situation). Director Christopher Nolan delivered his magnum opus with this engrossing historical drama centering on J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb.

Cillian Murphy anchors the sprawling movie in the titular role and thoroughly deserves his Best Actor gong. Meanwhile, the supporting cast which includes Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh and Robert Downey Jr. match him beat-for-beat. Nolan’s direction is also remarkable, and the way the complex narrative is spun keeps you hooked throughout its lengthy three-hour runtime. “Oppenheimer” is a movie we’ll be talking about for decades.

Watch on Prime Video now

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The 2025 Oscar nominations have been confirmed. After multiple delays (due to the ongoing wildfires impacting Southern California), Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott took to the stage to announce this year's crop of hopefuls competing for Oscar gold at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025.

It may be courting controversy across the internet, but Netflix's "Emilia Pérez" leads the pack with 13 nominations, including a nod for Best Picture. Flanking it are the bladder-burstingly lengthy "The Brutalist" (its runtime clocks in at 215 minutes) and the smash hit musical "Wicked", both have secured 10 nods each.

This year's awards season has been relatively lacking in surprises but the Academy's decision to nominate Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong for their work in the Donald Trump biopic, "The Apprentice", will ruffle a few feathers. Meanwhile, I'm delighted "Alien: Romulus" is now an Oscar-nominated movie.

This year's Oscars will be hosted by Conan O'Brien and take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. You can watch on ABC or Hulu. Read on for the full nominations list, and where you can stream this Oscar movie right now...

Best Picture

• "Anora" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• "The Brutalist"
• "A Complete Unknown"
• "Conclave" (Stream on Peacock)
• "Dune: Part Two" (Stream on Max)
• "Emilia Pérez" (Stream on Netflix)
• "I'm Still Here"
• "Nickel Boys"
• "The Substance" (Stream on Mubi)
• "Wicked" (Buy or rent on Amazon)

Best Director

• Jacques Audiard, "Emilia Pérez" (Stream on Netflix)
• Sean Baker, "Anora" (buy or rent from Amazon)
• Brady Corbet, "The Brutalist"
• Coralie Fargeat, "The Substance" (Stream on Mubi)
• James Mangold, "A Complete Unknown"

Best Actor in a Leading Role

• Adrien Brody, "The Brutalist"
• Timothée Chalamet, "A Complete Unknown"
• Colman Domingo, "Sing Sing"
• Ralph Fiennes, "Conclave" (Stream on Peacock)
• Sebastian Stan, "The Apprentice" (Buy or rent on Amazon)

Best Actress in a Leading Role

• Cynthia Erivo, "Wicked" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• Mikey Madison, "Anora" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• Demi Moore, "The Substance" (Stream on Mubi)
• Karla Sofía Gascón, "Emilia Pérez" (Stream on Netflix)
• Fernanda Torres, "I’m Still Here"

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

• Yura Borisov, "Anora" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• Kieran Culkin, "A Real Pain" (Stream on Hulu)
• Edward Norton, "A Complete Unknown"
• Guy Pearce, "The Brutalist"
• Jeremy Strong, "The Apprentice" (Buy or rent on Amazon)

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

• Monica Barbaro, "A Complete Unknown"
• Ariana Grande, "Wicked" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• Felicity Jones, "The Brutalist"
• Isabella Rossellini, "Conclave" (Stream on Peacock)
• Zoe Saldaña, "Emilia Pérez" (Stream on Netflix)

Best Original Screenplay

• "Anora" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• "The Brutalist"
• "September 5"
• "A Real Pain" (Stream on Hulu)
• "The Substance" (Stream on Mubi)

Best Adapted Screenplay

• "A Complete Unknown"
• "Conclave" (Stream on Peacock)
• "Emilia Pérez" (Stream on Netflix)
• "Nickel Boys"
• "Sing Sing"

Best Animated Feature

• "Flow" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• "Inside Out 2" (Stream on Disney Plus)
• "Memoir of a Snail" (Stream on AMC Plus)
• "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl" (Stream on Netflix)
• "The Wild Robot" (Stream on Peacock)

Best International Feature

• "Emilia Pérez", France (Stream on Netflix)
• "Flow", Latvia (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• "The Girl with the Needle", Denmark
• "I’m Still Here", Brazil
• "The Seed of the Sacred Fig", Germany

Best Animated Short

• "Beautiful Men"
• "In the Shadow of Cypress"
• "Magic Candies"
• "Wander to Wonder"
• "Yuck!"

Best Live-Action Short

• "Anuja"
• "I'm Not a Robot"
• "The Last Ranger"
• "A Lien"
• "The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent"

Best Documentary Feature

• "Black Box Diaries"
• "No Other Land" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• "Porcelain War"
• "Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• "Sugarcane" (Stream on Hulu)

Best Documentary Short

• "Death By Numbers"
• "I Am Ready, Warden" (Stream on Paramount Plus)
• "Incident"
• "Instruments of a Beating Heart"
• "The Only Girl in the Orchestra"

Best Cinematography

• "The Brutalist"
• "Dune Part Two" (Stream on Max)
• "Emilia Pérez" (Stream on Netflix)
• "Maria" (Stream on Netflix)
• "Nosferatu" (Buy or rent on Amazon)

Best Costume Design

• "A Complete Unknown"
• "Conclave" (Stream on Peacock)
• "Gladiator II" (Stream on Paramount Plus)
• "Nosferatu" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• "Wicked" (Buy or rent on Amazon)

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

• "A Different Man" (Stream on Max)
• "Emilia Pérez" (Stream on Netflix)
• "Nosferatu" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• "The Substance" (Stream on Mubi)
• "Wicked" (Buy or rent on Amazon)

Best Original Song

• "El Mal" from “Emilia Pérez” (Stream on Netflix)
• "The Journey" from “The Six Triple Eight” (Stream on Netflix)
• "Like a Bird" from "Sing Sing"
• "Mi Camino" from “Emilia Pérez” (Stream on Netflix)
• "Never Too Late" from “Elton John: Never Too Late” (Stream on Disney Plus)

Best Original Score

• "The Brutalist"
• "Conclave" (Stream on Peacock)
• "Emilia Pérez" (Stream on Netflix)
• "Wicked" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• "The Wild Robot"(Stream on Peacock)

Best Production Design

• "The Brutalist"
• "Conclave" (Stream on Peacock)
• "Dune: Part Two" (Stream on Max)
• "Nosferatu" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• "Wicked" (Buy or rent on Amazon)

Best Film Editing

• "Anora" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• "The Brutalist"
• "Conclave" (Stream on Peacock)
• "Emilia Pérez" (Stream on Netflix)
• "Wicked" (Buy or rent on Amazon)

Best Sound

• "A Complete Unknown"
• "Dune: Part Two" (Stream on Max)
• "Emilia Pérez" (Stream on Netflix)
• "Wicked" (Buy or rent on Amazon)
• "The Wild Robot"(Stream on Peacock)

Best Visual Effects

• "Alien: Romulus" (Stream on Hulu)
• "Better Man"
• "Dune: Part Two" (Stream on Max)
• "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" (Stream on Hulu)
• "Wicked" (Buy or rent on Amazon)

It’s been a terrific year for movies, and now that awards season is almost upon us, the conversation is heating up about which ones could take home Hollywood's biggest prize. But amid all this Oscar buzz, the main question for audiences remains the same: Where can I watch these movies?

With so much on offer across the best streaming services, tracking down every last Oscar contender can quickly become a headache. So let us here at Tom's Guide do the hard work for you. While some movies are still in theaters, there are plenty of films available to watch at home that have made the Oscars shortlist. Every movie on this list has been the subject of award hype, and we'd bet the house on them earning a spot among the nominees for this year's Oscars.

So without further ado, check out these 2025 Oscar contenders that you can watch right now.

'A Different Man'

Part dark comedy and part psychological thriller, A24's "A Different Man" may be on the fringes of the Oscar conversation, but don't rule out a surprising Supporting Actor nod for Adam Pearson. Sebastian Stan already took home his first Golden Globe for his performance as Edward Lemuel, a struggling actor with neurofibromatosis, a condition that causes facial disfigurement and tumors.

When he's offered the chance to undergo an experimental procedure, he gains a completely new look that opens the door to a new life, and new opportunities along with it. Still, even after the transformation, he's haunted by the same insecurities he's always dealt with, and it only gets worse after he meets Oswald (Pearson), a man with the same condition but all of the charisma and confidence he lacks. When he loses an acting role to Oswald, things spiral further as he grows violently unhinged.

Stream now on Max

'Anora'

Sean Baker's "Anora" is one to watch this awards season, having already racked up seven Critics Choice nominations to go with five Golden Globe nods, including Best Picture. The rom-com drama stars Mikey Madison stars as Ani, a 23-year-old stripper and sex worker living in Brooklyn who gets the chance of a lifetime when her client (Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch, proposes to her.

However, Ani's Cinderella story begins to unravel when his parents uncover their marriage and demand an annulment, even resorting to using hired muscle to intimidate them. "Anora" has earned an impressive 93% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with Vanity Fair calling it a "vastly entertaining and finely acted film" and Variety’s chief film critic Peter Debruge hailing it as a “whirlwind sex-work romance” that “sparkles like the tinsel in its leading lady’s hair.”

Buy/rent on Prime Video or Apple

'A Real Pain'

The second directorial venture from Jesse Eisenberg, who also writes and stars in the movie, "A Real Pain" follows two American cousins as they embark on a tour of Poland to honor their recently deceased Holocaust survivor grandmother. The two make an unlikely pair, with Eisenberg playing the buttoned-up, slightly neurotic cousin opposite Kieran Culkin's laid-back, no-filter delivery.

Their dynamic creates something truly special, digging into the tension between estranged family members with equal parts poignant and hilarious moments. What starts as a simple trip quickly becomes more complicated as their conflicting personalities and unresolved issues come to the surface. Culkin's considered a shoo-in for Best Supporting Actor this year, while Eisenberg could snag a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Stream now on Hulu

'Challengers'

Director Luca Guadagnino’s sexually charged tennis drama "Challengers" has become one of his most successful projects to date, and it's almost certain to make an appearance at this year's Oscars, already securing a place on the shortlist for its score. "Challengers" opens with a tense, neck-and-neck match between tennis champions Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) and his former best friend, turned failed professional, Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor). In the stands is Tashi (Zendaya), Art’s coach and wife, once a promising tennis prodigy herself before an injury cut her career short.

But the messy love triangle between them starts much earlier, back in high school when Tashi promises to give her phone number to whoever wins the junior singles final the following day. Although Patrick wins, his relationship with Tashi deteriorates when he skips the match she’s injured in after a fight. Years later, Art and Tashi reconnect, setting the stage for the simmering drama behind Art and Patrick’s eventual showdown.

Stream now on Prime Video

'Conclave'

One of the most recent Oscar contenders to arrive on streaming, "Conclave" stars Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence in a gripping thriller centered on the secretive process of selecting a new pope. After the reigning pope dies of a heart attack, Lawrence is tasked with convening the Catholic Church in Vatican City to oversee the election of his successor.

But as the four leading candidates present their visions for the Church's future, Lawrence, already struggling with a crisis of faith himself, uncovers shocking secrets within the halls of the Vatican. These revelations not only threaten to sway the election but could also shake the very foundations of the Church. "Conclave" boasts a stellar cast, including Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow, and with Lawrence’s captivating character arc, it will keep you hooked until the very end.

Stream now on Peacock

'Dune: Part 2'

To no one's surprise, Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic could secure some Oscar nominations this year. In "Dune: Part Two," Timothée Chalamet is back as Paul Atreides, a young noble thrust into a galactic war for the valuable but deadly desert planet of Arrakis.

In the second chapter of a planned trilogy, Paul embarks on a quest for revenge against those who destroyed his family’s home. He and his pregnant mother, Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), continue their journey with the Fremen, led by Stilgar (Javier Bardem). Along the way, Paul falls in love with Chani (Zendaya) and begins plotting the downfall of the Harkonnens. But when Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) sends his ruthless nephew, Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler), to seize control of Arrakis, Paul must confront the prophecy he has long avoided and decide whether to embrace his fate.

Stream now on Max

'Emilia Pérez'

Netflix has several contenders for this awards season, but the musical crime thriller "Emilia Pérez" has quickly become one of the most divisive films of the year. Directed by Jacques Audiard, it stars Karla Sofía Gascón as the titular character, a trans Mexican drug cartel leader who seeks to transition to living as a woman and is willing to fake her own death to make it happen.

With the help of high-powered lawyer Rita (Zoe Saldaña), who is almost too successful for her own good, Emilia embarks on a fresh start. Years later, the two cross paths again, and Emilia convinces Rita to help her reconnect with her resentful ex-wife (Selena Gomez) and children, who had been relocated to Switzerland for their safety. "Emilia Pérez" is a genre-defying exploration of human potential, delving into what happens after you become the person you've always aspired to be.

Stream now on Netflix

'Inside Out 2'

In this highly anticipated sequel to "Inside Out," a now-teenage Riley is carving out her place at her new school, leading her hockey team to victory with the support of her two close friends. However, just as she begins to settle into her new life, puberty hits, bringing all the typical challenges of awkward adolescence.

Along with these changes comes a new group of personified emotions: Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos), and Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser). These newcomers seem determined to completely reshape Riley, throwing Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), and the rest of the OG emotions out in the cold. As Riley navigates a prestigious hockey camp that could make or break her high school journey, her emotions clash internally, struggling to protect her sense of self from being overwhelmed.

Stream now on Disney Plus

'The Substance'

Demi Moore’s body horror story already earned her the Golden Globe for Best Actress, so we'd be surprised not to see "The Substance" at this year's Oscars. Directed by "Revenge's" Coralie Fargeat, "The Substance" is a high-concept, low-budget film that satirizes Hollywood’s obsession with youth, all while delivering some truly grotesque body horror.

Moore takes center stage as Elisabeth Sparkle, a once-glamorous star whose career takes a crushing blow when she’s fired from her TV aerobics show on her 50th birthday. Desperate and sidelined by Hollywood, she eagerly accepts an offer from a lab selling an experimental black-market drug that promises to turn back the clock and make her young again — but this Faustian deal comes with horrifying and unforeseen consequences.

Stream now on Mubi

‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’ 

A new "Wallace and Gromit" movie after a 15-year hiatus seems destined for the Best Animated Features category, and its rare 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes has all but sealed the deal.

The beloved claymation duo finds themselves embroiled in chaotic shenanigans once again after Wallace creates a "smart" gnome that gets hacked by an old nemesis—Feathers McGraw (from the 1993 classic "The Wrong Trousers"). To defeat their foe, Wallace and Gromit will need to use all their combined wit and resourcefulness. Naturally, it’s up to Gromit to foil Feathers’ sinister plot before Wallace’s inventing days are over.

Stream now on Netflix

'Wicked: Part One'

It would be truly scandalicious for the first half of Jon M. Chu’s "Wicked" not to sweep up this year's Oscars. Cynthia Erivo and Arian Grande-Butera are all but guaranteed to scoop up some major nominations, and you can expect a slew of technical nods too.

The two clash as Elphaba (Erivo), a misunderstood outcast with green skin and extraordinary magical powers, and Glinda (Grande-Butera), a charming socialite who’s always had things go her way, at the prestigious Shiz University. But as the two overcome their initial hostility, they eventually become close friends, embarking on a journey to meet the Wizard of Oz in the Emerald City. There, their lives—and the history of this fantastical world—are changed for good.

Buy/rent on Amazon or Apple

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Expectations can be a pretty dangerous thing when it comes to movies. Go into a film with your excitement levels too high, and it’s easy to walk away disappointed when the movie doesn’t measure up to the unrealistic bar you’ve set in your head. That certainly could have been the case with “A Real Pain." After loving the initial trailer and hearing glowing recommendations from colleagues, my sky-high expectations seemed destined to be unfulfilled.

However, to my sheer delight, “A Real Pain” was everything I’d hoped, wanted and needed it to be. This 2024 comedy-drama had me laughing, reflecting and then thanking Jesse Eisenberg for crafting such a special little movie. And now this critical darling, and awards contender, has arrived on Hulu (as of Jan. 16) following a (brief) period on premium video-on-demand streaming.

While I’d already filed my favorite movies of 2024 roundup before seeing the movie, if I were to rework my ranking, “A Real Pain” wouldn’t just be included, it would be right at the top. Here’s why this movie is a must-watch on Hulu.

What is ‘A Real Pain’ about?

David (Jesses Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) are two American Jewish cousins with very different personalities and outlooks on life. David is socially awkward and neurotic, while Benji is boisterous and always speaks his mind. Having drifted apart, "A Real Pain" opens with the cousins reuniting at the airport as they prepare to travel from New York City to Poland.

However, the two aren’t just traveling to Europe for a vacation, they’ve signed up for a Holocaust tour of the picturesque country to honor their grandmother, who fled Poland to escape the war. While visiting various memorial sites, and connecting with their heritage, old grievances, tensions and resentments begin to resurface.

'A Real Pain' is humorous, heartfelt and harrowing

Jesse Eisenberg serves as writer, director and lead actor in “A Real Pain” and there’s a palatable sense from the start that this is a hugely personal picture to Eisenberg. From a Jewish background with Polish ancestry, Eisenberg appears to have poured himself into this comedy-drama, giving the movie an almost unrivaled sense of authenticity. Plus, he’s cited a desire to portray Poland as ”beautiful and dynamic and colorful," an objective he succeeds in achieving (I’ve been myself, it’s a very special corner of the world).

However, while Eisenberg crafted “A Real Pain," the star of the show is Kieran Culkin. The “Succession” actor once again steals the spotlight with ease, much like he did throughout the aforementioned HBO show’s run. Benji is a compassionate, charming and charismatic figure, but behind the humor and carefree attitude, Benji hides real pain (no pun intended). Culkin particularly shines brightest during a memorable scene on a train, in which he struggles to reconcile the horrors of the past with the luxuries of our modern-day lifestyle.

Eisenberg and Culkin’s odd-couple dynamic is the driving force of “A Real Pain," but while the movie mines plenty of effective comedy from their chemistry, it’s not afraid to get serious when the subject matter demands it.

Generational trauma is an ever-present theme, but it’s the part where the tour group visits the Lublin concentration camp that impacted me most. Having visited Auschwitz-Birkenau during my own trip to Poland, I can attest to the profound impact of standing in a place where such atrocities were committed, and Eisenberg captures this feeling with a fitting tone and by stripping away music and dialogue. All the focus is on the haunting past.

Perhaps “A Real Pain’s” biggest achievement is that it covers such harrowing ground and yet still feels like a deeply uplifting watch by the end. It’s one of the most human movies I’ve ever watched, running a full gamut of emotions, and while it confronts the pain of the past (and present) head-on, it’s never a movie to wallow in total misery, instead, it’s a thoughtful picture that uplifts by the end. It’s really something special, and I can’t wait to rewatch it.

You must watch ‘A Real Pain’ on Hulu right now

I’m not alone in my adoration of “A Real Pain.” The movie holds a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and from almost 230 reviews too, so we’re not talking about a small sample size. The flick has also been ever-present during the ongoing awards season, with Culkin recently winning a Gloden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, which was richly deserved.

“A Real Pain” is expected to be a contender at the upcoming 97th Academy Awards (aka Oscars 2025) and I’ll be rooting for the flick to take home as many golden statues as possible. If you skipped it during its limited theatrical release last November (or on PVOD in late December), I implore you to watch it on Hulu, the acclaim is warranted. “A Real Pain” is a genuine joy to watch.

Once you’ve streamed “A Real Pain”, here are new movies you can watch across the best streaming service this week.

Watch "A Real Pain" on Hulu now

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We officially have our 2024 Oscar winners! When the nominations came out, there were some clear favorites, especially "Oppenheimer" with 13 nominations. Ultimately, it ended up being the big winner of the night, winning seven awards from those 13 nominations. 

Honestly, there weren't many surprises during the presentation of the 96th Academy Awards. Most winners were considered favorites going into the ceremony aside from Emma Stone, whose performance in "Poor Things" beat out Lily Gladstone's performance in "Killers of the Flower Moon," though that was essentially a toss-up going into the night. And while I'm furious that "I'm Just Ken" lost Best Original Song despite being the iconic moment of the telecast and by far the best song nominated, there wasn't much to be upset about.

In the end, 13 different movies won Oscars, including three — "Oppenheimer" (7), "Poor Things (4) and "The Zone of Interest" (2) — that won multiple awards. Here's the full list of 2024 Oscar winners and where you can stream them on the best streaming services, including Netflix, Max, Hulu and more.

'Oppenheimer'

Won: Best Picture, Best Director (Christopher Nolan), Best Actor (Cillian Murphy), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr.), Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing

Christopher Nolan's biopic about the father of the atomic bomb has been a runaway hit critically and commercially and now it's a 7-time Oscar winner. If you haven't yet seen this stunning three-hour epic featuring award-winning performances from Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr., do it now on Peacock, and feel free to hit pause if you need a bathroom break.

Stream on Peacock now

'Poor Things'

Won: Best Actress (Emma Stone), Best Production Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Costume Design

While Lily Gladstone was, frankly, equally incredible in "Killers of the Flower Moon," don't let that in any way diminish Emma Stone's performance in "Poor Things." Between her performance, supporting gems from Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe and gorgeous sets and costumes, this movie is a must-watch on Hulu right now.

Stream on Hulu now

'The Zone of Interest'

Won: Best International Feature Film, Best Sound

"The Zone of Interest" is not an easy watch, but it is worth watching. This tale of Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel), the notorious commandant of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz isn't quite what you'd expect. Rather than examining the horrors of the Holocaust by going inside the camp, it examines what type of person could live outside the camp and try to build their best life while next door thousands are being executed on the orders of that same person. It's harrowing but well deserving of its Oscar nominations and wins.

Buy or rent now on Amazon or Apple (Max streaming date TBA)

'Barbie'

Won: Best Original Song ("What Was I Made For?")

Is it absurd that neither director Greta Gerwig nor lead actress Margot Robbie were nominated for their contributions to "Barbie?" Yes. Unequivocally, yes. So if you feel the way I do, or want to see what all the fuss is about, watch this inspired tale of a popular children's toy finding herself on Max now. You won't regret it.

Stream on Max now

'The Holdovers'

Won: Best Supporting Actress (Da'Vine Joy Randolph)

If I got to pick the Best Picture winner from the 10 nominees, we'd all be talking about Best Picture winner "The Holdovers" right now. But I don't get that privilege so instead I just need to implore you to watch this incredible period comedy drama from director Alexander Payne. While there's a lot to praise it for, it's a must-watch for the performances of Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa (in his feature-length debut) and Best Supporting Actress winner Da'Vine Joy Randolph.

Stream on Peacock now

'Anatomy of a Fall'

Won: Best Original Screenplay

If you saw the Oscars ceremony, you may have noticed a certain dog. That dog is Messi, and he stars as Snoop in this thrilling French legal drama.

Okay, so the real star is Sandra Hüller as Sandra Voyter — she's also excellent as Hedwig in "The Zone of Interest" — but regardless, this movie is an Oscar winner for a reason. Come for the brilliant acting; stay for the steel drum cover of "P.I.M.P." by 50 Cent.

Buy or rent now on Amazon or Apple (Stream on Hulu starting March 22)

'American Fiction'

Won: Best Adapted Screenplay

Having watched "American Fiction," I'm not surprised at all that it won Best Adapted Screenplay. In fact, I voted for it in the upcoming Writers Guild of America awards. It's just that brilliant — and funny. Add in great performances from Jeffrey Wright and Sterling K. Brown and it's no surprise this movie about exploring how Black culture is viewed by modern American society has become a critical darling.

Stream on MGM Plus now

'The Boy and the Heron'

Won: Best Animated Feature

Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli are synonymous with prestige animation. So it's no surprise that his latest (and possibly last) film took home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. 

Unfortunately, this tale of Mahito (Soma Santoki [Japanese], Luca Padovan [English]) coming to terms with the loss of his mother doesn't have a streaming date yet. However, it was just announced that you can catch it in theaters again to celebrate the film's Oscar win. You can also pre-order a digital copy on Apple now if you prefer to wait to watch at home.

Pre-order now from Apple

'20 Days in Mariupol'

Won: Best Documentary Feature

There's near-universal acclaim and then there is universal acclaim. And with a 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 66 critical reviews and an Oscar win for Best Documentary Feature, "20 Days in Mariupol" is firmly the latter. Watch this glance into the beginning of what has been a devastating war in Ukraine for free, right now, on PBS. There's no excuse not to watch.

Stream for free on PBS now

'The Last Repair Shop'

Won: Best Documentary Short Film

Los Angeles is one of the few cities left in America that provides not only free musical instruments to public school students but also freely repaired instruments. This short documentary takes you inside the downtown Los Angeles warehouse where those instruments are repaired in what is an insightful look into an overlooked part of our education system.

Stream on Disney Plus now

'The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar'

Won: Best Live Action Short Film

This short film was honestly one of my favorite movies I've seen in a long time. It's just a brilliant production and expertly written. Based on the short story of the same name by Roald Dahl "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar" is well worth the 39 minutes you'll need to watch it.

Stream on Netflix now

'War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John and Yoko'

Won: Best Animated Short Film

Currently, "War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John and Yoko" isn't available on streaming services, and it's unclear if it ever will be. But if you want to watch this anti-war story by Sean Lennon and Dave Mullins set to the music of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s anti-war holiday song "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," you're in luck. The animated short film is currently still playing at select theaters.

Streaming details TBA. Watch in theaters now in select cities.

'Godzilla Minus One'

Won: Best Visual Effects

"Godzilla Minus One" was a surprise hit last year and a movie we praised again and again. This epic monster movie was made on a definitively not epic budget of just $15 million but still managed to impress audiences with its exploration of the impact of war as well as its visual effects. 

Unsurprisingly, it took home the Oscar for Best Visual Effects, but disappointingly, there's currently no way to watch it. Bookmark our 'Godzilla Minus One' streaming date tracker if you want to know when this big hit is coming to the small screen.

Streaming details TBA

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It’s almost time to watch the Oscars 2024 live stream online to see the past year's best movies and performances honored. Here's wishing everyone luck in their Oscar pools! 

This year's Oscar nominations ran the gamut, from mega blockbusters and quiet indies to provocative documentaries and flashy animated spectacles. 

The 10 nominees for Best Picture are "American Fiction," "Anatomy of a Fall," "Barbie," "The Holdovers," "Killers of the Flower Moon," "Maestro," "Oppenheimer," "Past Lives," "Poor Things" and "Zone of Interest."

The frontrunner is, without a doubt, "Oppenheimer." As TG's Rory Mellon noted in his Oscar predictions, it's earned every major precursor so far. It should also rake in other awards, including Director for Christopher Nolan and Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr. 

The 2024 Oscars ceremony will televise all 23 awards and performances by all five Best Song nominees. Jimmy Kimmel is hosting again, though let's hope there's no repeat of the "Moonlight"/"La La Land" debacle. 

Here's everything you need to watch the 2024 Oscars online. Plus, check out what else you can watch this weekend.

How to watch the Oscars from anywhere on Earth

Just because ABC isn't available everywhere doesn't mean you need to miss the Oscars if you're away from home. Watching along with the rest of the internet can be pretty easy. With the right VPN (virtual private network), you can stream the show from wherever you go.

Not sure which VPN is right for you? We've tested many different services and our pick for the best VPN overall is ExpressVPN. It offers superb speeds and excellent customer service.

How to watch the Oscars in the US

In the U.S., the 96th Academy Awards will air Sunday, March 10 at 7 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Note that this is an hour earlier than usual.

ABC is a broadcast network that can be accessed with one of the best TV antennas or through a cable TV package.

If you've already cut the cord and don't have cable, you can watch ABC on a live TV service, like Fubo, Hulu With Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream and (in some markets) Sling TV. Of these options, we recommend Sling or Fubo.

How to watch the Oscars in Canada

Canadians can watch the Oscars on CTV, CTV.ca and the CTV app.

Cord cutters can access their services easily with ExpressVPN.

How to watch the Oscars in the UK

The Oscars have a new home channel in the U.K. Brits can watch the broadcast on ITV for free (previously it aired on Sky). 

It'll be a late night, though. The ceremony begins at 11 p.m. GMT.

Anyone abroad who wants to watch the Oscars with services they already pay for should check out ExpressVPN.

How to watch the Oscars in Australia

Aussies can also watch the Oscars on Channel 7 and 7HD on Monday at 9:30 a.m. AEDT, as well as its streaming service, 7 Plus. 

Want to access your geo-restricted services? Get help from ExpressVPN.

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"John Wick: Chapter 4" was the best movie I saw in 2023. Not "Oppenheimer" and not "Poor Things," which combined for a whopping 24 Oscar nominations. Both those films were great, but they simply could not outdo the art that is Keanu Reaves in black fighting his way through the Parisian night.

Well, at least I thought they couldn't. The cowards at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences disagreed, giving the latest installment in the "John Wick" franchise a total of zero 2024 Oscars nominations. 

Seriously? Zero?

Look, part of me knew this would happen. The movie was a commercial success — the 9th-highest-grossing film domestically and 12th-highest-grossing film worldwide in 2023 — but the Oscars don't inherently honor that. In fact, sometimes it can hurt the movie's Oscars odds if it's considered too mainstream, as many action and superhero movies can attest to.

It's also not like the franchise has been honored by the Academy in past years. The franchise overall has brought in a total of zero nominations across four films to date. This is despite each installment being critically acclaimed and commercially successful, though as mentioned before, that last part doesn't necessarily help.

But this movie was worthy. It's the highest-rated of the four on Rotten Tomatoes, for what that's worth, with a 94% fresh rating from critics and a 93% fresh rating from audiences. It scored an average of 8.1 out of 10 from critics and 4.6 out of 5 from audiences. I gave it a 5 out of 5 on Letterboxd. If you compare that to the 10 Best Picture nominees, it stands up to them, exceeding a few in certain aspects.

So clearly, I'm not alone in lauding this masterpiece as a cinematic achievement. As someone who has seen this movie — and many of the Oscars nominees — I have found a few places where the Academy could have appropriately given this movie its due. Here's what 'John Wick: Chapter 4' should have been nominated for at the 2024 Oscars.

Spoilers for "John Wick: Chapter 4" to follow

'John Wick: Chapter 4' deserved these four Oscars nominations

Best Picture

Obviously, as my choice for best film of the year, I think "John Wick: Chapter 4" should get a Best Picture nomination. I haven't seen "Past Lives," "The Zone of Interest" or "Anatomy of a Fall" yet, largely due to their streaming availability, but I've seen the other seven nominees for the Oscars' most prestigious award.

"Maestro," though, is the easy cut for me here. While the Bradley Cooper-directed biopic about composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein has several incredible moments, the movie is incohesive at times. 

"John Wick: Chapter 4" may run a bit long at 169 minutes, but at no point does it get lost in its own plot. And the entire sequence of John Wick making his way to Sacré-Cœur to face the Marquis de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård) stands its own against anything from a Best Picture nominee this year. I'm not saying that I'd expect it to win, but I genuinely can't see how voters thought "Maestro" was the better film.

Best Directing

"John Wick: Chapter 4" is filled with incredible action sequences and gorgeous cinematography. The choreography of the hand-to-hand combat, with pistols or otherwise, is balletic in its execution. Some of the performances will stand the test of time, from Reeves's Wick to Lawrence Fishburne as The Bowery King.

To pull that all together though, you need a great director. And when it comes to action movies, Chad Stahelski is among the best. As Reeves's stunt double in "The Matrix," Stahelski has a deep connection with not only his star actor but what makes for great stuntwork.

In scenes like the one above, this deep connection pays off. The choreography of the hand-to-hand combat, the camerawork as we follow John weaving through traffic and the musical score behind it all blend perfectly. Then there's the cutting back and forth between the fight scene and the conversation between the Marquis and Mr. Nobody (Shamier Anderson).

With so many moving parts it'd be an easy scene to not land effectively. For that alone, Stahelski would deserve to be nominated, but it's just one of several such sequences in the movie. 

Unfortunately, that means someone needs to be bumped from the list, and while I liked "Killers of the Flower Moon" well enough, Martin Scorsese's nomination this year feels akin to a lifetime achievement award. I'd have easily bumped him for Greta Gerwig's directing in "Barbie" let alone Stahelski's masterclass in "John Wick: Chapter 4."

Best Actor in a Leading Role

This one is tough. The five actors nominated for Best Actor are deserving, including Colman Domingo's critically beloved performance in an arguably flawed "Rustin." And Paul Giamatti in "The Holdovers" is incredible.

But it's time we give Keanu Reeves his due for embodying a character fully. An original character by the way — not replicating a historical figure and being nominated for how realistic that copy appears. Reeves is John Wick, the mythical assassin who strikes terror in the hearts of the kings and queens of the criminal underworld.

This is all the more impressive given that Reeves has an acting range that allows him to be completely believable in performances from "Always Be My Maybe." Spoiler alert, that's a very different performance from Reeves' master assassin in the "John Wick" franchise.

The physicality of the role is also worthy of praise. Not every actor can perfectly execute action scene after action scene like a perfectly choreographed dance. Watch Liam Neeson in "Taken" or even Matt Damon in the Jason Bourne movies. The physical acting that Reeves can achieve is simply on another level, though I'll freely admit Damon comes close.

In terms of who makes way for Reeves, for me, it's the two actors doing historical cosplay. Full disclosure, I actually think truly embodying a historical figure takes real acting skill as well, and deserves praise, but often we simply give that praise because of how similarly the actor looks like their real-world counterpart. 

To me, while Cillian Murphy is great in "Oppenheimer," he simply doesn't embody the character in the same way as Reeves in "John Wick: Chapter 4" or even Bradley Cooper in "Maestro." It's a good performance with incredible moments, but it feels almost paint-by-numbers at times.

Best Cinematography

Look, while the Academy may not love the "John Wick" franchise, it should have had some love for Danish cinematographer Dan Laustsen. While he's never received recognition for the Wick movies, he has received Oscars nominations for his work on "The Shape of Water" and "Nightmare Alley." He's someone the Academy should feel comfortable nominating.

And for scenes like the one above, he'd deserve it. This scene is from the larger sequence in the lead-up to the Sacré-Cœur duel is incredible and probably my favorite from any movie in 2023. The decision to shoot overhead with a drone is brilliant, giving the movie an almost video game-like feel. And the synergy between the cinematography and the choreography feels seamless. 

Much like with Best Actor, it's tough to find an easy candidate to cut, and I have yet to see "Napoleon." But if I give that movie the benefit of the doubt — I've heard that the battle scenes are stunning — then "Maestro" once again gets cut for me. While it's aesthetically pretty to watch, I just don't recall anything about how it was shot being all that memorable. 

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As much as I love video games, I love movies more. And it’s not all close. Do you know what my favorite moment of the year is? Sitting down to watch "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" — Extended Edition, obviously — at precisely 10:45pm on Christmas Day. It’s a whole (slightly unhinged) thing at this point, and a ritual I’ve been doing for years.

Suffice to say, there’s not a video game in existence that I’d repeat such an annual, bleary-eyed “wide awake at three in the morning while you blub over Boromir’s death” routine. That’s precisely because there isn’t a single game that comes close to the level of storytelling that Peter Jackson’s trilogy-opener accomplishes. Granted, that’s probably an unfair bar to set developers, considering Fellowship is frequently listed in top five lists when it comes to the best movies of all time. 

The clutch of films that have all been nominated for Best Picture at the 2024 Oscars, be Past Lives to Poor Things, also blow away the narratives of the vast majority of story-driven games in existence. With an astounding 13 Academy Awards nods to its name, Oppenheimer is nominated in more categories than any other movie this year and rightly so, in my opinion.

Over the course of its runtime, I’d argue Cillian Murphy’s incredibly expressive eyes alone do a more effective job when it comes to emotionally devastating storytelling than the combined narrative output of the entire games industry throughout the last decade.

Clearly, games can do better when it comes to raising their narrative… well, “game.” To be fully transparent, I’m very much wagging my finger at the AAA space when I moan about in-game storytelling and how the vast majority are wince-inducing when you compare their yarns to the finest the film industry frequently spins.

Play it forward

For me, gaming as a medium delivers its best plots and most convincing emotional arcs when the experience is almost fully interactive. When I look back at some of the titles that have a profound impact on me, I think of experiences that don’t try to ape the output of your average Oscar winner. I’m talking games like Ico, Gone Home and Shadow of the Colossus; titles that all put you through the emotional wringer despite the fact they contain either almost wordless or entirely mute central characters. 

As much as last year’s Resident Evil 4 remake is one of my favorite blockbuster games of the past half decade, I wouldn’t dedicate 206 minutes of my life watching a YouTube compilation of its cutscenes because its story is ultimately throwaway. With that said, I’d happily spend exactly that much time rewatching Martin Scorsese’s sobering tale of colonization that is Killers of the Flower Moon.

Obviously comparing a multifaceted tale of racial hatred and unchecked greed to a knowingly camp zombie shooter is about as fair a fight as pitting peak Mike Tyson against Michael Cera. What I think is a more reasonable question to pose is this: How many games would you happily go and buy a cinema ticket for if their studios released supercuts of nothing but their cutscenes? If you’re anything like me, that’s probably a single digit list. And I’ve been playing video games since 1993.

When it comes to AAA titles, my list would probably include Red Dead Redemption 2, Uncharted 4 (at a push), the original Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill 2 and The Last of Us.

On the topic of TLoU, and as much as I adore Naughty Dog’s stealth/horror hybrid and truly cherish Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson’s career-best work, I think the HBO show comfortably outdoes it from a storytelling perspective. That’s mainly down to showrunner Craig Mazin and ND’s Neil Druckmann being given the airtime to expand upon the game’s plot points. There’s no better example of this than the astonishing Bill’s Town-inspired episode, Long, Long Time.

Actually, there is a rare, recent exception of a game where I’d much rather watch its cutscenes over, say, everything MCU-related after Avengers: Endgame. That would be Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

A modern Marvel 

I had a whale of a time playing it over the Christmas break, so much so I stayed up until silly o’clock unlocking its platinum trophy. While earning those sweet in-game accolades is down to my inner obsessiveness, what got me to (and crucially kept me at) the wall-crawling party was that central plot. 

As someone who grew up on the awesome ‘90s Spider-Man cartoon, which does amazing justice to Venom’s origins in large part thanks to stellar work from Hank “Chief Wiggum” Azaria, I don’t make the following statement lightly. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has hands-down my favorite version of the symbiote storyline. And yes, that obviously includes Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3. 

Tonally far more settled in its skin than Insomniac's original Marvel’s Spider-Man, it kept me guessing and thoroughly invested throughout every major story beat. For me, it’s the best game on PS5 precisely because it’s that ultra rare example of a AAA video game copying and nailing the formula of a good silver screen blockbuster.

Would Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 have a chance against the nominees for Best Picture at the 2024 Oscars? Clearly not. That’s not to say I wouldn’t rather rewatch a certain Time Squares mega showdown a dozen times before I entertained the idea of forcing my eyeballs to endure a second of Fast X.

Contrary to how it might come across, I actually think great storylines in games can easily be found. It just rarely happens when they chase the Hollywood formula. For every Her Story, What Remains of Edith Finch or Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture — titles that do a wonderful job of artfully subverting what’s expected of video game narratives — there are dozen mega hits like Halo Infinite or Starfield, that thematically, have nothing interesting to say.

I’m not saying your average big budget video game has to be on the same riveting story level as Best Picture Nominee Anatomy of a Fall (a nerve-shredding French courtroom drama I’m pulling to win the big one at this year’s Oscars). That would be an incredibly unfair ask. I realize as a medium that gaming is decades behind cinema when it comes to telling traditional A to B narratives.

All I hope for is a hopefully near(ish) future where the majority of AAA games don’t have me either listening to a podcast while their cutscenes play or force my index finger in the direction of the skip button every time a cinematic starts.

Maybe that’s too much to ask in 2024. But hey, the industry has come a long way since 2004 — I’m still sore over that outrageous Halo 2 cliffhanger — so I’m hopeful virtual storytelling will have made huge strides by the time 2034 rolls around.

Also, apologies to Kratos for that opening image. I actually think God of War Ragnarök is pretty great, but I had a silly photo mode shot saved on my PS5, so there you go.

More from Tom's Guide

• This is my favorite atomic bomb movie of 2023 — and it's not 'Oppenheimer'
• 2024 Oscars nominations full list — where to watch the Oscars nominees
• Just seen Oppenheimer? Here's the one game you need to play next

Each year I make it my mission to watch every single movie nominated for an Academy Award in the eight major categories (Picture, directing, acting and screenplay). And now that I’ve checked off all the biggest Oscars movies of 2024, I can confirm that it’s a very strong field this year. 

You could watch all 10 nominees in the Best Picture category, and you wouldn’t find a bad movie in the bunch. But if you’re a little short on time, and only want to watch the real cream of the crop, then I’m rounding up my top 7 favorite picks down below. 

From a courtroom drama that had me so close to the edge of my seat that I was in danger of falling to the floor, to a heartfelt comedy-drama that’s the cinematic equivalent of a warm hug. This year’s Oscar movies are of the highest quality, here’s the 7 you should watch first. 

‘Anatomy of a Fall’ 

Much to my disappointment, "Anatomy of a Fall"  looks set to walk away from Oscar night empty-handed. This French courtroom drama is nominated in five categories, including Best Picture and Best Director (for Justine Trent), but it faces stiff competition in all of them. At least it’s already got a major trophy to its name having won the prestigious Palme d’Or at last year’s 76th Cannes Film Festival. 

One of the most engrossing movies of 2023, "Anatomy of a Fall" follows a successful novelist (Sandra Hüller) who is accused of murdering her husband (Samuel Theis) by pushing him out of a third-story window. While she protests her innocence, her blind son (Milo Machado-Graner) is caught in the middle as the sole witness to the events. Hüller gives a true acting masterclass in the lead role, but the performances across the board are stellar. Plus, the twisting plot will keep you hooked up until the end. 

‘The Holdovers’ 

By the time the credits rolled on "The Holdovers" my jaw was starting to ache from smiling too much. They don’t make movies like this anymore, but Alexander Payne’s holiday-themed comedy is a testament to the enduring appeal of an unashamedly heartfelt movie. This delightful film will have you laughing one moment and tearing up the next, and you might just declare it your new favorite movie by the end. 

"The Holdout" sees Paul Giamatti give the best performance of his career, as Paul Hunham, a cranky professor at a posh New England boarding school. Forced to stay on campus over Christmas break to look after the students with nowhere else to go, the inflexible educator develops an unexpected bond with a young burnout (Dominic Sessa) and the school’s cook (Da’Vin Joy Randolph) who’s still grieving the death of her son. This odd trio are unlikely companions, but over the festive period, their bond grows in ways that will warm your soul. 

Buy/rent on Amazon or Apple

‘Oppenheimer’ 

"Oppenheimer" has dominated the awards shows that precede the Oscars, and the narrative is building that this year is Nolan’s overdue time in the spotlight. So, if "Oppenheimer" does prove to be the movie that finally wins the British filmmaker Best Picture (and almost certainly Best Director), then there really couldn’t have been a more deserving flick. 

Recounting the life of Robert J. Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project that birthed the first atomic bomb, this biopic packs just about everything you could want from a movie. For starters, the stacked cast list all give career-best performances, none more so than Cillian Murphy in the lead role, while the direction from Nolan is masterful with inventive touches such as the sequence depicting Oppenheimer’s post-bomb-dropping speech. Plus, this is a three-hour movie that speeds by in a flash. In a seriously strong year for movies "Oppenheimer" would be a worthy winner, and it’s no wonder it’s the current favorite to win. 

Buy/rent on Amazon or Apple

'Past Lives’ 

I’m pretty happy with the Oscar nominations this year, but there was one snub that broke my heart: Greta Lee not getting a Best Actress nod for her powerful performance in "Past Lives." Lee plays Nora Moon, a South Korean immigrant who moved to Canada as a child, and she anchors this stunningly beautiful drama. 

A semi-autobiographical debut from director Celine Song, "Past Lives" chronicles the shifting dynamic between two childhood friends, Nora and Hae (Teo Yoo), over more than two decades, as they grow apart, come back together and reflect on the choices they’ve made (and didn’t make) over a fateful week. What could have been a cheap “will they, won’t they” narrative is elevated by Song’s impressively tender screenplay and two wonderfully subtle performances from its leads. The whole movie is utterly enchanting, but it’s the melancholic ending that leaves the biggest mark. 

Rent/buy on Amazon or Apple

‘Poor Things’ 

"Poor Things" is a fiendishly funny comedy with a wickedly wonderful leading turn from Emma Stone as Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life by a kooky scientist (Willem Dafoe) who embarks on an adventure of self-discovery with a debauched lawyer (Mark Ruffalo) at her side. Along the way, she discovers about herself and also learns about the wider world around her. 

A quick word of warning, "Poor Things" is not a movie to watch with your parents — there’s a whole load of risque material here — but if you don’t mind a few smutty scenes, it’s easily the funniest movie of 2023. The core cast clearly had a ball making this movie, and director Yorgos Lanthimos brings that aspect to the screen in spades. Only a slightly rushed third act dents "Poor Things" because otherwise, it's probably the most consistently entertaining pick on this list. 

‘The Zone of Interest’

Calling “The Zone of Interest” a must-watch feels strange because it’s the one movie on this list I have absolutely zero intention of ever rewatching. Or at least, not rewatching for a very long time. But that’s not because of its quality, but rather because my first watch was such a haunting experience that I’m not sure I’m ready to endure this harrowing drama a second time quite yet. Nevertheless, it’s a movie of such importance that I strongly implore you to watch it at least once.  

Inspired by the 2014 novel of the same name, “The Zone of Interest” follows German officer Rudolf Höss (Christian Friedel), who is assigned to oversee the operation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. The harrowing movie opens with Höss and his wife, Hedwig (Sandra Hüller), having settled into their surroundings with a disturbing ease and the pair are now happily raising their five young children just a stone's throw away from the site of unimaginable atrocities. “The Zone of Interest” is a brutal watch, but it’s also a vital look at a dark chapter of history that must never be forgotten

'May December'

“May December” was a shock omission in several of the majority Oscar categories this year. Its sole nomination in the big eight comes in Best Original Screenplay, and that’s a real shame. The main trio, Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore and Charles Melton, all deserved recognition for their excellent performances in this oddly funny drama from director Todd Haynes.

Natalie Portman plays an actress taking on the role of an infamous woman (Julianne Moore) who was caught having a relationship with a minor. 20 years later, the mismatched pair are still together and are now married despite their romance becoming a national tabloid scandal when first discovered. However, the arrival of the actress set to bring their controversial story to the screen forces the couple to reflect on the past and their relationship faces new pressures. Melton in particular has earned deserved praise for his portrayal of Joe Yoo, the husband who begins to wonder if he was groomed as a child and who’s really in control of his marriage. 

Watch on Netflix  

More from Tom's Guide

• 2024 Oscars nominations full list — where to watch the nominees
• 5 best Max miniseries to binge-watch this weekend
• This is the one Oscar snub that has me heartbroken

The 2024 Oscars nominations are here and while there certainly were some snubs, the main takeaway wasn't a surprise. "Oppenheimer" had dominated previous awards this year, including the 2024 Golden Globes. So it wasn't a surprise to see it get 13 Academy Awards nominations, which was the most of any movie this year. The Christopher Nolan biopic about the father of the atomic bomb is now the likely favorite to take home Best Picture and Best Directing and a full sweep isn't outside the realm of possibility.

But again, there were still significant snubs despite "Oppenheimer" dominating as expected. While "Barbie" did get a Best Picture nomination, Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie missed out on Best Directing and Best Actress in a Leading Role, respectively. And our own Rory Mellon is "heartbroken" about "Past Lives" lead actress Greta Lee getting snubbed. After reading his op-ed for us — he makes a compelling case.

So whether you need to know if your favorite movie got the nominations you felt it deserved or was unjustly forgotten by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, we've got you covered. Here's the full list of the 2024 Oscars nominees and where to stream them. Most movies do have a streaming home, which you'll see listed next to the film's title, but some still haven't had a streaming service or paid video-on-demand release yet — most notably "Poor Things," which received an impressive 11 nominations.

Best Picture

• "American Fiction" (preorder from Amazon)
• "Anatomy of a Fall" (buy or rent from Amazon)
• "Barbie" (stream now on Max)
• "The Holdovers" (stream now on Peacock)
• "Killers of the Flower Moon" (stream now on Apple TV Plus)
• "Maestro" (stream now on Netflix)
• "Oppenheimer" (buy or rent from Amazon now/stream on Peacock starting Feb. 16)
• "Past Lives" (buy or rent on Amazon)
• "Poor Things"
• "The Zone of Interest"

Best Directing

• "Anatomy of a Fall" (buy or rent from Amazon)
• "Killers of the Flower Moon" (stream now on Apple TV Plus)
• "Oppenheimer" (buy or rent from Amazon now/stream on Peacock starting Feb. 16)
• "Poor Things"
• "The Zone of Interest"

Best Actor in a Leading Role

• Bradley Cooper, "Maestro" (stream now on Netflix)
• Colman Domingo, "Rustin" (stream now on Netflix)
• Paul Giamatti, "The Holdovers" (stream now on Peacock)
• Cillian Murphy, "Oppenheimer" (buy or rent from Amazon now/stream on Peacock starting Feb. 16)
• Jeffrey Wright, "American Fiction" (preorder from Amazon)

Best Actress in a Leading Role

• Annette Benning, "Nyad" (stream now with Netflix)
• Lily Gladstone, "Killers of the Flower Moon" (stream now on Apple TV Plus)
• Sandra Hüller, "Anatomy of a Fall" (buy or rent from Amazon)
• Carey Mulligan, "Maestro" (stream now on Netflix)
• Emma Stone, "Poor Things"

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

• Sterling K. Brown, "American Fiction" (preorder from Amazon)
• Robert De Niro, "Killers of the Flower Moon" (stream now on Apple TV Plus)
• Robert Downey Jr., "Oppenheimer" (buy or rent from Amazon now/stream on Peacock starting Feb. 16)
• Ryan Gosling, "Barbie" (stream now on Max)
• Mark Ruffalo, "Poor Things"

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

• Emily Blunt, "Oppenheimer" (buy or rent from Amazon now/stream on Peacock starting Feb. 16)
• Danielle Brooks, "The Color Purple" (buy or rent from Amazon now)
• America Ferrera, "Barbie" (stream now on Max)
• Jodie Foster, "Nyad" (stream now with Netflix)
• Da’Vine Joy Randolph, "The Holdovers" (stream now on Peacock)

Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

• "American Fiction" (preorder from Amazon)
• "Barbie" (stream now on Max)
• "Oppenheimer" (buy or rent from Amazon now/stream on Peacock starting Feb. 16)
• "Poor Things"
• "The Zone of Interest"

Best Writing (Original Screenplay)

• "Anatomy of a Fall" (buy or rent from Amazon)
• "The Holdovers" (stream now on Peacock)
• "Maestro" (stream now on Netflix)
• "May December" (stream now on Netflix)
• "Past Lives" (buy or rent on Amazon)

Best Animated Feature

• "The Boy and the Heron"
• "Elemental" (stream now on Disney Plus)
• "Nimona" (stream now on Netflix)
• "Robot Dreams"
• "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" (stream now on Netflix)

Best Documentary Feature Film

• "Bobi Wine: The People’s President" (stream now on Disney Plus)
• "The Eternal Memory" (stream now on Paramount Plus)
• "Four Daughters" (buy or rent from Amazon)
• "To Kill a Tiger"
• "20 Days in Mariupol" (buy or rent from Amazon)

Best International Feature Film

• "Io Capitano"
• "Perfect Days"
• "Society of the Snow" (stream now on Netflix)
• "The Teacher’s Lounge"
• "The Zone of Interest"

Best Animated Short Film

• "Letter to a Pig"
• "Ninety-Five Senses"
• "Our Uniform"
• "Pachyderme"
• "War Is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko"

Best Live-Action Short Film

• "The After" (stream now on Netflix)
• "Invincible"
• "Knight of Fortune"
• "Red, White and Blue"
• "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar" (stream now on Netflix)

Best Documentary Short Film

• "The ABCs of Book Banning" (stream now on Paramount Plus)
• "The Barber of Little Rock"
• "Island in Between"
• "The Last Repair Shop" (stream now on Hulu)
• "Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó"

Best Cinematography

• "El Conde" (stream now on Netflix)
• "Killers of the Flower Moon" (stream now on Apple TV Plus)
• "Maestro" (stream now on Netflix)
• "Oppenheimer" (buy or rent from Amazon now/stream on Peacock starting Feb. 16)
• "Poor Things"

Best Costume Design

• "Barbie" (stream now on Max)
• "Killers of the Flower Moon" (stream now on Apple TV Plus)
• "Napoleon" (buy or rent from Amazon)
• "Oppenheimer" (buy or rent from Amazon now/stream on Peacock starting Feb. 16)
• "Poor Things"

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

• "Golda" (stream now on Paramount Plus with Showtime)
• "Maestro" (stream now on Netflix)
• "Oppenheimer" (buy or rent from Amazon now/stream on Peacock starting Feb. 16)
• "Poor Things"
• "Society of the Snow" (stream now on Netflix)

Best Original Song

• "The Fire Inside" from "Flamin’ Hot" (stream now on Hulu)
• "I'm Just Ken" from "Barbie" (stream now on Max)
• "It Never Went Away" from "American Symphony" (stream now on Netflix)
• "Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)" from "Killers of the Flower Moon" (stream now on Apple TV Plus)
• "What Was I Made For?" from Barbie (stream now on Max)

Best Original Score

• "American Fiction" (preorder from Amazon)
• "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" (stream now on Disney Plus)
• "Killers of the Flower Moon" (stream now on Apple TV Plus)
• "Oppenheimer" (buy or rent from Amazon now/stream on Peacock starting Feb. 16)
• "Poor Things"

Best Production Design

• "Barbie" (stream now on Max)
• "Killers of the Flower Moon" (stream now on Apple TV Plus)
• "Napoleon" (buy or rent from Amazon)
• "Oppenheimer" (buy or rent from Amazon now/stream on Peacock starting Feb. 16)
• "Poor Things"

Best Film Editing

• "Anatomy of a Fall" (buy or rent from Amazon)
• "The Holdovers" (stream now on Peacock)
• "Killers of the Flower Moon" (stream now on Apple TV Plus)
• "Oppenheimer" (buy or rent from Amazon now/stream on Peacock starting Feb. 16)
• "Poor Things"

Best Sound

• "The Creator" (stream now on Hulu)
• "Maestro" (stream now on Netflix)
• "Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One" (buy or rent from Amazon now/stream on Paramount Plus starting Jan. 25)
• "Oppenheimer" (buy or rent from Amazon now/stream on Peacock starting Feb. 16)
• "The Zone of Interest"

Best Visual Effects

• "The Creator" (stream now on Hulu)
• "Godzilla: Minus One"
• "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" (stream now on Disney Plus)
• "Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One" (buy or rent from Amazon now/stream on Paramount Plus starting Jan. 25)
• "Napoleon" (buy or rent from Amazon)

This year’s Oscars nominations have dropped, and it’s a rare time when I think the Academy has got things pretty much spot on. "Oppenheimer" deserves to be the most nominated film, while I’m thrilled the likes of "Anatomy of a Fall," "The Zone of Interest," "Poor Things" and "The Holdovers" are well represented in the major categories.

Of course, even in a year where the Oscar field is very strong, the conversation has already turned to snubs. In my circles, there’s a large degree of outrage over the fact Greta Gerwig didn’t receive a Best Director nod or Margot Robbie a Best Actress nomination for "Barbie," but I have to be honest, these are omissions I can live with. 

Instead, it’s the lack of love for Past Lives that has me metaphorically shaking my fist in anger toward the Academy voters. 

Fortunately, "Past Lives" hasn’t been entirely overlooked. In fact, it’s been nominated in the biggest category of all Best Picture — although it has no realistic chance of actually winning — and it’s also squeezed into Best Original Screenplay, but again its odds of being announced as the winner at the glitzy ceremony in Hollywood on March 10 are slim. 

However, just a pair of nominations feels like a scant reward for one of my favorite movies of last year. And trust me, I saw an awful lot of movies last year. "Past Lives" deserved so much more, and there’s one category in particular where its omission feels almost criminal. 

'Past Lives' should have been a contender  

"Past Lives" is a semi-autobiographical drama written and directed by Celine Song, and it's the one movie from 2023 that I simply cannot stop thinking about. 

I rewatched the movie for the first time last weekend, with some fear that I’d built it up too much in my head after seeing it in theaters over the summer, but it held up without a doubt. I pretty much fell in love all over again. Many tears were shed. 

If you’re unaware, "Past Lives" focuses on a pair of childhood friends, Nora Moon (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), who grew up together in South Korea, before drifting apart when Nora’s family emigrated to Canada. Over the years the pair reestablish a connection, before drifting apart again, but when they are reunited in person for the first time since they were kids, they reflect on how their lives have been shaped by each other and what could have been.

Why Celine Song hasn't been nominated for Best Director, I’m not quite sure. "Past Lives" marks her directional debut, and she guides viewers through the decade's sprawling story with the confidence of a veteran filmmaker. It’s especially a shame when the Best Director category has a spotty track record of recognizing female directors. At least Justine Triet got in this year for her masterful work on "Anatomy of a Fall," but did the Academy really need to give Martin Scorsese another nomination? 

I’d also argue that Teo Yoo has been unfairly overlooked pretty much throughout the entirety of the 2024 awards season. Greta Lee is the movie’s anchor — and I’ll be giving her some well-deserved flowers in a moment — but Yoo’s performance is similarly impressive. Best Supporting Actor is pretty stacked this year, but I reckon there was room for him in Best Actor, but that would have been a huge shock.  

Greta Lee was seriously snubbed 

Much as I would have loved to see Celine Song pop up in Best Director and room to have been made for Teo Yoo in Best Actor, it’s the omission of Greta Lee from the Best Actress category that I simply cannot wrap my head around. 

In "Past Lives," Greta Lee delivers one of the most powerful performances I’ve ever seen on screen as Nora Moon. A lesser performer may have misinterpreted the material and presented the character's arc as a love triangle, but Lee serves up something so much richer instead. Nora isn’t torn between two men, but instead is a person content with her life but also contemplating what could have been had she taken a different path. 

The role requires a great degree of subtle emotional power, and I can’t help but wonder if that’s why she wasn’t nominated. The Academy has a habit of nominating the most acting rather than the best, and Past Lives was not the flashy choice for the acting categories. After all, there’s no dramatic crescendo where Nora and Hae Sung get into a raging argument or furiously give in to their passion for the other. Instead "Past Lives" is a much quieter movie, and that’s what makes it all the more relatable, heartfelt and incredibly special. 

So, while I’m still greatly looking forward to this year’s Academy Awards ceremony, when the Best Actress category is read out I’ll have a twinge of sadness that Greta Lee will go unrecognized. I guess I’ll have just to hope "Past Lives" somehow pulls off a big upset in the Best Original Screenplay category because even I’m rooting for Oppie for Best Picture. 

Past Live is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and YouTube.  

More from Tom's Guide

• 2024 Oscar contenders you can watch right now
• 7 top new movies to stream this week
• My most anticipated Netflix movie of the year just got its first trailer

It’s time to tune in and watch the Oscars 2023 live stream online, as we see how a very busy Best Picture category turns out. So, are you ready to see the past year's best movies and performances honored? Or do you need more time to prepare your picks?

This year's Oscar nominees for Best Picture run the gamut from massive blockbusters to quiet indie dramas. 

The 10 Oscar movies are All Quiet on the Western Front, Avatar: The Way of Water, The Banshees of Inisherin, Elvis, Everything Everywhere All at Once, The Fabelmans, Tár, Top Gun: Maverick, Triangle of Sadness and Women Talking. (Click here for the full list of nominees.) All, save for the Avatar sequel, can be watched online in one way or another.

The Best Picture frontrunner is Everything Everywhere All at the Once, the ambitious and sprawling multiversal family saga starring Michelle Yeoh. The veteran actress and co-stars Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis and Stephanie Hsu are all nominated for their performances. 

The 2023 Oscars ceremony will televise all 23 awards, unlike last year's controversial pre-taping of select craft categories. Viewers can expect performances from Rihanna (a nominee for Original Song for Black Panther) and Lenny Kravitz (the In Memoriam segment).

Jimmy Kimmel is set to host for the third time.

Here's everything you need to watch the 2023 Oscars online. Plus, check out what else you can watch this weekend.

How to watch the 2023 Oscars from anywhere on Earth

Just because ABC isn't available everywhere doesn't mean you need to miss the 2023 Oscars if you're away from home. Watching along with the rest of the internet can be pretty easy. With the right VPN (virtual private network), you can stream the show from wherever you go.

Not sure which VPN is right for you? We've tested many different services and our pick for the best VPN overall is ExpressVPN. It offers superb speeds and excellent customer service.

How to watch 2023 Oscars in the US

In the U.S., the 95th Academy Awards will air Sunday, March 12 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. 

ABC is a broadcast network that can be accessed with one of the best TV antennas or through a cable TV package.

If you've already cut the cord and don't have cable, you can watch ABC on a live TV service, like FuboTV, Hulu With Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream and (in some markets) Sling TV.

Of these options, we recommend Fubo, one of the best streaming services on the market. Its affordable Pro Plan comes with over 120 channels, including all the broadcast networks. 

How to watch 2023 Oscars in Canada

Canadians can watch the Oscars on CTV, CTV.ca and the CTV app.

Cord cutters can access their services easily with ExpressVPN.

How to watch 2023 Oscars in the UK

Brits can tune into the Oscars, though it'll be a late night for them. The ceremony airs live in the wee hours of Monday, 12 a.m. GMT. 

Anyone abroad who wants to watch the Oscars with services they already pay for should check out ExpressVPN.

How to watch 2023 Oscars in Australia

Aussies can also watch the Oscars on Channel 7 and 7HD from 11 a.m. AEDT, as well as its streaming service, 7 Plus. For those who can't watch during the live broadcast, Channel 7 and 7HD will be airing it again at 8:45 p.m. AEST.

Want to access your geo-restricted services? Get help from ExpressVPN.

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• The Last of Us episode 9 release date and time
• Avatar: The Way of Water digital release date revealed
• How to watch March Madness 2023 live streams online

The Academy Awards 2023 is almost here and to celebrate the biggest night in Hollywood Amazon is launching a new Oscar hub on its Fire TV streaming platform. 

The new feature was confirmed in a recent Amazon blog post and launched yesterday (March 8). The Oscar hub on Fire TV offers everything movie buffs need to enjoy the glitzy awards ceremony this weekend. The hub allows Fire TV users to watch Oscar-nominated movies from this year’s crop of awards contenders, as well as Oscar favorites from years gone by. However, its most interesting inclusion is an interactive voting experience, the first of its kind for Fire TV. 

From today (Tuesday, March 7), you can make your Oscar predictions in seven major categories (including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor/Actress). To make your selections just say “Alexa, vote for the Oscars” into your Fire TV voice remote. After the awards show, users will be given an accuracy score to be shared via social media for the ultimate bragging rights over their film-fanatic friends.

In addition to this interactive voting experience, the Fire TV Oscar hub also brings together all the streaming information you need to watch the biggest movies of this year’s awards season. Whether you want to stream Everything Everywhere All at Once or The Banshees of Inisherin, all the details you need can be found by saying “Alexa, go to Fire TV’s Oscar collection.”  

It is important to note though, that these movies are not available to watch without an additional subscription to some of the best streaming services. For example, All Quiet on the Western Front is on Netflix, whereas Top Gun: Maverick is on Paramount Plus. The Fire TV hub will tell you where to watch these movies, but you’ll still need a separate subscription to the relevant streaming service to actually watch them. 

The Fire TV Oscar collection is also the home to past winners, as well as red-carpet coverage, interviews with Hollywood’s biggest players and even post-show analysis. Naturally, the hub will also point you in the direction of services that will be streaming the Oscars ceremony this year including Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV and FuboTV. Or, you can opt for the more traditional route and tune in at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on ABC. 

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch Oscar nominees: streaming all the major contenders
• Fire TV Stick 4K Max vs Fire TV Stick 4K: What should you buy?
• My 5 favorite new to Netflix movies worth streaming this month

The 2023 Oscar nominees are an eclectic bunch of films, from smaller crowd-pleasing indies like Everything Everywhere All at Once to blockbusters Avatar: The Way of Water and Top Gun: Maverick. 

Unlike in previous years, the 2023 Oscar nominations are dominated by theatrical releases, rather than titles that were exclusive to streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max and Amazon. However, many movies have since moved to streaming after racking up big money at the box office. 

The Academy has grown much more diverse and international in recent years, which was proven again by the inclusion of Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund and his film Triangle of Sadness in several top categories. 

There were plenty of Oscar nomination snubs, of course. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Knives Out: A Glass Onion Mystery and The Whale all failed to crack Best Picture. And while Women Talking did appear in that category, none of its acclaimed cast members (including Claire Foy, Rooney Mara and Jessie Buckley) were nominated.

Here's the full list of 2023 Oscar nominations and where to find them streaming online. Movies labeled "n/a" are not available for streaming, and you'll soon be able to watch Tár online without renting it.

Best Picture

• All Quiet on the Western Front (stream on Netflix)
• Avatar: The Way of Water (n/a)
• The Banshees of Inisherin (stream on HBO Max)
• Elvis (stream on HBO Max)
• Everything Everywhere All at Once (stream on Showtime)
• The Fabelmans (buy on Amazon or Apple)
• Tár (buy on Amazon or Apple)
• Top Gun: Maverick (stream on Paramount Plus)
• Triangle of Sadness (buy/rent on Amazon or Apple)
• Women Talking (n/a)

Best Director

• Martin McDonagh, The Banshees of Inisherin
• Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once
• Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans
• Todd Field, Tár
• Ruben Östlund, Triangle of Sadness

Best Actor

• Austin Butler, Elvis
• Colin Farrell, The Banshees of Inisherin
• Brendan Fraser, The Whale (n/a)
• Paul Mescal, Aftersun (rent/buy on Amazon or Apple)
• Bill Nighy, Living (n/a)

Best Actress

• Cate Blanchett, Tár
• Ana de Armas, Blonde (stream on Netflix)
• Andrea Riseborough, To Leslie (rent/buy on Amazon or Apple)
• Michelle Williams, The Fabelmans
• Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Supporting Actor

• Brendan Gleeson, The Banshees of Inisherin
• Brian Tyree Henry, Causeway (stream on Apple TV Plus)
• Judd Hirsch, The Fabelmans
• Barry Keoghan, The Banshees of Inisherin
• Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Supporting Actress

• Angela Bassett, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (stream Feb. 1 on Disney Plus)
• Hong Chau, The Whale
• Kerry Condon, The Banshees of Inisherin
• Jamie Lee Curtis, Everything Everywhere All at Once
• Stephanie Hsu, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Adapted Screenplay

• All Quiet on the Western Front
  Screenplay by Edward Berger, Lesley Paterson, and Ian Stokell
• Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (stream on Netflix)
  Screenplay by Rian Johnson
• Living
  Screenplay by Kazuo Ishiguro
• Top Gun: Maverick
  Screenplay by Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer, and Christopher McQuarrie, story by Peter Craig and Justin Marks
• Women Talking
  Screenplay by Sarah Polley

Best Original Screenplay

• The Banshees of Inisherin
• Screenplay by Martin McDonagh
• Everything Everywhere All at Once
  Screenplay by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert
• The Fabelmans
  Screenplay by Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner
• TÁR
  Screenplay by Todd Field
• Triangle of Sadness
  Screenplay by Ruben Östlund

Best International Film

• All Quiet on the Western Front
  Germany
• Argentina, 1985 (stream on Prime Video)
  Argentina
• Close (n/a)
  Belgium
• EO (n/a)
  Poland
• The Quiet Girl (n/a)
  Ireland

Best Animated Feature Film

• Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (stream on Netflix)
• Marcel the Shell With Shoes On (buy/rent on Amazon or Apple)
• Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (buy/rent on Amazon or Apple)
• The Sea Beast (stream on Netflix)
• Turning Red (stream on Disney Plus)

Best Documentary Feature Film

• All That Breathes (n/a)
• All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (n/a)
• Fire of Love (stream on Disney Plus)
• A House Made of Splinters (n/a)
• Navalny (stream on HBO Max)

Best Cinematography

• All Quiet on the Western Front
  James Friend
• Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths (stream on Netflix)
  Darius Khondji
• Elvis
  Mandy Walker
• Empire of Light (n/a)
  Roger Deakins
• Tár
  Florian Hoffmeister

Best Film Editing

• The Banshees of Inisherin
• Elvis
• Everything Everywhere All at Once
• Tár
• Top Gun: Maverick

Best Production Design

• All Quiet on the Western Front
• Avatar: The Way of Water
• Babylon (n/a)
• Elvis
• The Fabelmans

Best Costume Design

• Babylon
• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
• Elvis
• Everything Everywhere All at Once
• Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (stream on Peacock)

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

• All Quiet on the Western Front
• The Batman (stream on HBO Max)
• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
• Elvis
• The Whale

Best Original Score

• All Quiet on the Western Front
  Volker Bertelmann
• Babylon
  Justin Hurwitz
• The Banshees of Inisherin
  Carter Burwell
• Everything Everywhere All at Once
  Son Lux
• The Fabelmans
  John Williams

Best Original Song

• "Applause" from Tell It Like a Woman (n/a)
  Music and lyrics by Diane Warren
• "Hold My Hand" from Top Gun: Maverick
  Music and lyrics by Lady Gaga and BloodPop
• "Lift Me Up" from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
  Music by Tems, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler, and Ludwig Göransson; lyrics by Tems and Ryan Coogler
• "Naatu Naatu" from RRR (stream on Netflix)
  Music by M. M. Keeravani and lyrics by Chandrabose
• "This Is a Life" from Everything Everywhere All at Once
  Music by Ryan Lott, David Byrne, and Mitski; lyrics by Ryan Lott and David Byrne

Best Sound

• All Quiet on the Western Front
• Avatar: The Way of Water
• The Batman
• Elvis
• Top Gun: Maverick

Best Visual Effects

• All Quiet on the Western Front
• Avatar: The Way of Water
• The Batman
• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
• Top Gun: Maverick

Best Animated Short Film

• The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse (stream on Apple TV Plus)
• The Flying Sailor (stream on The New Yorker)
• Ice Merchants (n/a)
• My Year of Dicks (stream on Vimeo)
• An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It (n/a)

Best Live Action Short Film

• An Irish Goodbye (n/a)
• Ivalu (n/a)
• Le Pupille (stream on Disney Plus)
• Night Ride (stream on The New Yorker)
• The Red Suitcase (n/a)

Best Documentary Short Subject

• The Elephant Whisperers (stream on Netflix)
• Haulout (stream on The New Yorker)
• How Do You Measure a Year? (n/a)
• The Martha Mitchell Effect (stream on Netflix)
• Stranger at the Gate (stream on Vimeo)

The Golden Globes 2023 winners have been crowned, with The Fabelmans, The Banshees of Inisherin, House of the Dragon, Abbott Elementary and The White Lotus taking top awards. 

The Golden Globes ceremony returned to NBC after the broadcast was canceled last year due to various controversies, including the lack of diversity within the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. 

The 2023 Golden Globes kicked off with host Jerrod Carmichael making pointed barbs about the HFPA, indicating he had only been hired because he is Black and calling himself "unfireable." 

Even with the controversies, the stars flocked to this year's ceremony. Many nominees attended, including Michelle Yeoh, Jennifer Coolidge, Jenna Ortega, Austin Butler and Michelle Williams. 

The 80th Golden Globes honored the year's outstanding movies and television shows. Here is where you can stream them, if they are available online.

Golden Globes 2023 winners and where to stream them

MOVIES

Best Motion Picture, Drama
The Fabelmans
(Buy/rent on Apple or Amazon)

Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
The Banshees of Inisherin
(Stream on HBO Max)

Best Director, Motion Picture
Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama
Cate Blanchett, Tár
(Buy/rent on Apple or Amazon)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama
Austin Butler, Elvis
(Stream on HBO Max)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once
(Stream on Showtime)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
Colin Farrell, The Banshees of Inisherin

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
Angela Bassett, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
(Available to stream on Disney Plus starting Feb. 1)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Screenplay, Motion Picture
Martin McDonagh, The Banshees of Inisherin

Best Motion Picture, Foreign Language
Argentina, 1985
(Stream on Prime Video)

Best Motion Picture, Animated
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio
(Stream on Netflix)

Best Original Score, Motion Picture
Justin Hurwitz, Babylon
(Not available online)

Best Original Song, Motion Picture
"Naatu Naatu," RRR
(Stream on Netflix)

TELEVISION

Best Television Series, Drama
House of the Dragon
(Stream on HBO Max)

Best Television Series, Musical or Comedy
Abbott Elementary
(Stream on Hulu, also season 1 is on HBO Max)

Best Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Film
The White Lotus
(Stream on HBO Max)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Drama
Zendaya, Euphoria
(Stream on HBO Max)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Drama
Kevin Costner, Yellowstone
(Stream previous seasons on Peacock)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy
Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy
Jeremy Allen White, The Bear
(Stream on Hulu)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Movie
Amanda Seyfried, The Dropout
(Stream on Hulu)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Television Movie
Evan Peters, Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
(Stream on Netflix)

Best Supporting Performance by an Actress in a Television Series
Julia Garner, Ozark
(Stream on Netflix)

Best Supporting Performance by an Actor in a Television Series
Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary

Best Supporting Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie
Jennifer Coolidge, The White Lotus

Best Supporting Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Television Movie
Paul Walter Hauser, Black Bird
(Stream on Apple TV Plus)