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Monica Burton serves as the deputy editor of Eater.com, where she has been writing about restaurants, food policy, and the nexus of food and culture since 2017.
The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 2, showcasing films that have garnered recognition from various industry experts as the year’s finest cinematic achievements. However, audience opinions on these choices might differ. At Eater, we’ve curated our own list, acknowledging that while recent films in the awards spotlight didn’t make the cut as standout food films, they still feature unforgettable moments centered around food and dining experiences.
In light of the Academy’s frequent oversight of culinary-themed narratives, we decided to join the celebration of awards season and highlight films that have enriched the cinematic portrayal of food. We may not be handing out physical trophies, but we assure you that these selections represent the most captivating culinary moments in 2024’s film offerings. Congratulations to all honorees, whether they be human, edible, or inanimate. (Fair warning: spoilers for this year’s films ahead.)
Best performance of eating by an actor
Dennis Quaid, The Substance
In a matter of moments, Dennis Quaid, portraying Harvey, completely transformed my positive impression of him cultivated since my childhood affection for The Parent Trap (1998). The Substance kicks off with Harvey dismissing Elizabeth Sparkle (played by Demi Moore) during a power lunch characterized by a feast of shrimp — notably, only Harvey indulges in this meal. The intense close-ups and exaggerated sounds of eating — the crunching and slurping that might resonate with those suffering from misophonia — convey a sense of grotesqueness that amplifies the film’s unsettling themes. Quaid’s depiction of gluttony effectively underscores his character’s manipulative personality, capturing the film’s absurd portrayal of body horror. Kudos to Quaid for crafting such an off-putting dining scene, alongside director Coralie Fargeat for masterfully constructing one of the film’s most disconcerting moments at the table. — Bettina Makalintal, senior reporter at Eater.com
Best kitchen appliance cameo
The espresso machine, Conclave
One striking element of Conclave is its unflinching representation of the mundane. The characters, aspiring popes, are depicted sipping their wine from plastic cups in a harshly lit cafeteria scene, embodying a stark contrast to the gravity of their roles. A notable moment finds Tremblay (John Lithgow) offering an espresso from a clanking instant machine to Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) amidst their serious discussions. This noisy scene, where the sounds of the machine drown out their conversation, serves as a profound reminder that the procedure for electing a pope is fraught with materialism, stripped of any semblance of sanctity. — Jaya Saxena, correspondent
Best performance by a sweet snack (comedy)
The churro, Challengers
It’s no surprise that Challengers director Luca Guadagnino — known for his earlier film Call Me By Your Name — would use a churro to embody thick sexual tension between characters. In this notably charged depiction, competitive tennis players Patrick (Josh O’Connor) and Art (Mike Faist) engage not only in athletic rivalry but also vie for the affection of the alluring Tashi Donaldson (Zendaya). The moment they share a churro becomes a focal point of heated passion, spawning numerous discussions on social media, showcasing the unexpected role food can play in such intense narratives. — Amy McCarthy, reporter
Best performance by a sweet snack (drama)
The candy, Hard Truths (2024)
In Mike Leigh’s drama set in London, the character Pansy Deacon (played by Marianne Jean-Baptiste) embodies high tension and emotional turmoil. Amidst her struggles, her son Moses (Tuwaine Barrett) emerges as a beacon of hope. A captivating scene unfolds when Moses, having retreated from the chaos of his life, shares strawberry lace candy with a stranger at a bustling fountain. Their spontaneous exchange and the act of sharing offers a momentary connection and glimmer of optimism in a film shadowed by despair. — Nadia Chaudhury, editor, Eater Northeast
Best cafeteria choreography
“What Is This Feeling,” Wicked
One of the most thrilling aspects of adapting the musical Wicked for film is capturing innovative choreography that transcends traditional stage limitations. In the musical number “What Is This Feeling?”, a vibrant rivalry is depicted between witches Elphaba and Galinda, effortlessly shifting from intimate roommate battles in their bedroom to expansive dance sequences across various settings, including a cafeteria. The energetic choreography involves character-focused interactions with cafeteria trays, elevating a mundane environment into a dynamic, entertaining spectacle. — Missy Frederick, cities director
Best food or drink erotica
The milk, Babygirl
In a time when cow’s milk is a hot topic, Babygirl presents its own provocative take through scenes that contain erotic undertones involving milk. Directed by Halina Reijn (Bodies, Bodies, Bodies), the film masterfully balances sensuality with realistic dialogue amid its thrilling plot. Notably, Nicole Kidman’s character indulges in a milky drink from her intern, showcasing a blend of desire and curiosity that ignites discussions around the often polarizing topic of milk in contemporary culture. — Francky Knapp, commerce writer
Best animated meal
The fish-catching scene, Flow
The visually stunning, Oscar-nominated Latvian film Flow features many remarkable moments, particularly when the titular cat navigates a journey alongside a capybara, Labrador, and lemur. Viewers are often left wondering when Flow will finally eat, with many opportunities presenting themselves as the cat encounters fish. Midway through the reflective film, Flow bravely dives into the water, capturing vividly colored fish and returning triumphantly with a bounty to share, marking one of the film’s most heartwarming sequences. — Jess Mayhugh, managing editor
Best ensemble performance at a group dinner
A Real Pain
A Real Pain encapsulates the anxiety of traveling with strangers, where social dynamics can quickly turn uncomfortable. The film follows cousins Benji (Kieran Culkin) and David (Jesse Eisenberg) on a Jewish heritage tour in Poland, grappling with their own emotional tribulations. During a collective dinner in Lublin, underlying tensions surface: Benji’s blunt demeanor clashes with David’s attempts to maintain civility, leading to an anxiety-ridden atmosphere as onlookers react to the unfolding drama. Such moments of palpable discomfort illustrate the complex interplay of human relationships, making for a painfully captivating viewing experience. — JS
Best performance by a beverage
The Water of Life, Dune 2
Awarding recognition to a beverage that serves as both a potential poison and plot catalyst seems paradoxical, yet the Water of Life in Dune 2 is pivotal. Extracted from a dying sandworm, this vividly colored liquid undergoes a transformational journey, enabling characters like Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) to access profound powers and insights. The Water of Life engenders hallucinogenic experiences that propel the narrative forward, ultimately influencing the fate of the universe. As viewers witness the ritual of its consumption, one can’t help but wonder: What does this intriguing concoction actually taste like? — Ben Mesirow, associate editor, travel
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