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The 2025 awards season has been overshadowed by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, resulting in significant displacement and property loss. Consequently, the timeline for Oscar nominations has shifted, with nominations now slated for Thursday, January 23, and voting extended to January 17 at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.
Despite these challenges, movie enthusiasts can still catch many of the top contenders ahead of the Oscars, which are scheduled for Sunday, March 2. Below is a list of notable films likely to be recognized by the Academy, along with where viewers can find them to watch and stream.
Anora
This film, directed by Sean Baker, depicts the life of a Brooklyn sex worker whose fortunes change upon meeting the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. It’s a front-runner for several categories including Best Picture and Best Director. Currently, Anora can be purchased through digital platforms like Amazon, and will also be available on Hulu starting in 2025.
The Brutalist
Brady Corbet helms this sweeping narrative about a fictional Hungarian Jewish architect who seeks a fresh start in America post-World War II. Anticipated nominations include Best Picture and Best Actor for Adrien Brody. The film is currently screening in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles; tickets can be found here. Following its theatrical run, it is expected to stream on Max.
Conclave
This drama from Edward Berger, known for directing the acclaimed All Quiet on the Western Front, explores the inner workings of a papal conclave. It stands a strong chance of securing nods for Best Picture and Best Actor for Ralph Fiennes. The film is streaming on Peacock and is still showing in select cinemas.
Wicked
Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the beloved stage musical about the Wicked Witch of the West could dominate the nominations with potential recognition in eight categories, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Cynthia Erivo. It is currently in theaters, and tickets can be purchased here. The film will also be available on VOD and streaming on Peacock later this year.
Emilia Pérez
Jacques Audiard’s unique musical crime dramedy focuses on a trans cartel leader and boasts several nominations, including Best Director and Best Actress for Karla Sofia Gascón. This film is currently streaming on Netflix.
Dune: Part Two
Denis Villeneuve’s sequel in the sci-fi epic about the battle for Arrakis may not lead in major categories but is a strong candidate for technical achievements. It’s available for streaming on Max.
Sing Sing
This poignant drama by Greg Kwedar highlights the experiences of inmates using theater to address their pasts. It is contending for Best Picture and Best Actor for Colman Domingo. Although limited screenings are available, an A24 theatrical re-release is planned for January 17, aligning with the original nomination announcement date. For tickets, visit this page.
A Real Pain
This dramedy, written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, tells the story of two cousins exploring their family history through a Holocaust tour. Eisenberg is in contention for Best Original Screenplay, while Kieran Culkin is a strong contender for Best Supporting Actor. The film is currently in theaters, with tickets available here, and is also streaming on Hulu.
Nickel Boys
RaMell Ross’s debut narrative feature, based on Colson Whitehead’s novel, tackles themes of abuse within a reform school setting. It has potential nominations for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, with limited theatrical availability; find tickets here. It will later stream on Amazon Prime Video.
The Substance
This satirical horror film by Coralie Fargeat features an actress grappling with the effects of an experimental drug, placing it in contention for several Oscars, including Best Actress for Demi Moore. It’s currently streaming on Mubi and will return to select theaters on January 17.
A Complete Unknown
James Mangold’s biopic about Bob Dylan, focusing on his formative years, is a strong contender for multiple awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Timothée Chalamet. It opens in theaters on December 25; find tickets here and will be available on Hulu in 2025.
September 5
Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, this historical drama about a sports broadcasting team during the 1972 Olympics is vying for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. Currently in select theaters, tickets can be found here and will later stream on Paramount+ in 2025.
Gladiator II
This highly anticipated sequel from Ridley Scott is vying for Best Picture and features Denzel Washington as a Best Supporting Actor contender. It is available in theaters and through digital platforms such as Amazon, with streaming expected on Paramount+ later on.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Directed by the acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, this Persian-language film is a longshot for Best Picture but likely to gain a nomination for Best International Feature. It depicts a judge navigating a tumultuous moral dilemma during protests and is currently in limited release; tickets can be found here. Distribution by Neon suggests it may be available on Hulu at a later date.
The Wild Robot
This animated feature is a contender for Best Animated Feature and Best Song for Maren Morris’ “Kiss the Sky.” The story follows an alien robot caring for a lost gosling and is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon, with streaming on Peacock starting January 24.
Maria
Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larrain’s biopic positions her for a Best Actress nod. The film is also up for Best Costume Design and is currently streaming on Netflix.
Queer
In Luca Guadagnino’s romantic drama, Daniel Craig’s performance as an expat navigating love and addiction has him in the running for a Best Actor spot. The film is currently in select theaters, with tickets available here and can be digitally rented or purchased.
Babygirl
The race for Best Actress is highly competitive, with Nicole Kidman contending for her role in Halina Reijn’s thriller, which opened in theaters on Christmas. Find tickets for Babygirl here.
Hard Truths
Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s performance as a woman grappling with depression places her in the Best Actress conversation in Mike Leigh’s newest drama. The film is screening in select theaters as of January 10; visit here for nearby showings.
The Piano Lesson
Although not a frontrunner for major awards, Malcolm Washington’s adaptation of August Wilson’s play features Danielle Deadwyler, who may secure a Best Supporting Actress nomination. The film is currently streaming on Netflix.
Source
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