We Watched All The Oscar Nominated Movies & Here's What We Really Think

Another masterpiece by Sean Baker, after Tangerine and Florida Project, this tragicomedy is rooted in the social reality of the lives of sex workers. What really sets this movie apart is the way in which Mikey Madison carries the audience with her throughout the plot; from the New York accent to her fearless demeanour to the desperation to get out of her profession, Anora gives us the reality check which many have compared to a not-so-fairytale version of Pretty Woman. What's also commendable is the way in which the movie balances the comedy and the reality of the life of sex workers: with comic relief in one scene and pulls us back to reality in the next. The movie celebrates reality but does not shy away from giving the audience a glimpse of hope before taking it all back. If nothing, the film reminds us that ultimately it's marginalized women who pay for the spineless masculinity of the rich brats!

Director: Sean Baker

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Actors: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Karren Karagulian

Oscar Wins: 5

Adrien Brody just bagged his second Oscar, and rightly so! The Brutalist is a sight to behold. The movie is a biopic of a fictional Hungarian architect and Holocaust survivor, László Tóth, who makes it to the postwar US, poverty-ridden. This movie is a masterclass on how purposeful and dense each scene should, and can be. It is dreamy, and hallucinatory, with architecture as a theme, Laszlo as an artist, and a whole perspective on industrial money after World War 2.

What I loved the most about this is that it is like a love letter to the genre of Drama itself. The historical precedence is surmountable, and so is the direction. The only thing that might stick out is the lack of transitions which might leave you a tad confused if you're not locked in. Other than this, it is a great film with a brilliant score, great writing and lovely acting by the actors.

Director: Brady Corbet 

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Actors: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn

Oscar Wins: 1

Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan is nothing short of fabulous in this biographical film. It’s raw, touches the right nerves and goes beyond just Bob’s story as it taps into the cultural shifts of that era. Even though it’s over two hours, you stay hooked to your screen, and because the music is so great, you won’t have to struggle to keep yourself hooked. Also, all soundtracks in the movie were recorded and performed by the cast themselves which only makes it cooler. What’s really commendable about the writing is that it doesn’t seem preachy at all and covers a myriad of aspects of Bob’s life, from his genius capabilities to the weight of his choices, struggles and distant relationships. 

Director: James Mangold

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Actors: Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Monica Barbaro and Elle Fanning

Oscar Wins: 0

Listen, we do not know about you, but it definitely is Timothée Chalamet's year. I mean, two Oscars of his movies nominated? That's something. But coming to Dune: Part Two, other than the (incredible) niche memes that flooded the internet earlier in 2024, the movie was just what you'd expect from the second instalment of the movie. It followed Paul Atreides who unites with Chani and the Fremen, while on the quest to seek revenge against the folks who destroyed his family. Other than the very Bollywood-coded trope (which we love) the second part also revealed a lot when it came to the whole Dune-verse itself. It also explores the conundrum he faces when choices have to be made between the love of his life and the fate of the universe. 

Director: Denis Villeneuve

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Actors: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem

Oscar Wins: 2

Emilia Pérez is a conversation starter and with reason. I started watching for Selena and kept watching for Karla. Karla Sofía Gascón is the real deal. Her intense, vulnerable portrayal fleshes out her character, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her. The storyline of a drug cartel trying to settle in as a woman and trying hard to reconnect with their kids is thought-provoking. And Audiard throws in these musical numbers which, honestly, sometimes work and sometimes, they are...questionable. The authenticity of Mexican representation as per the storyline is a matter of contention as it ruffles a few feathers. All in all, it is not an easy movie; it pushes boundaries and takes some extremely tough subjects into its gambit, stringing along the lives of four women. Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez are the perfect second fiddles to Gascón. The entire movie is bold, original, and messy — honestly, that makes it worth discussing. It's not a safe choice, and maybe that's what the Oscars need right now.

IMDb Rating: 5.4/10

Actors: Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Édgar Ramírez, Adriana Paz

Oscar Wins: 2

Adapted from Colson Whitehead’s prize-winning novel, the Nickel Boys is a historical drama centred on two African-American boys, Elwood and Turner, who are sent to a brutal juvenile reform school in 1960s Florida. The direction is impeccable, making you feel like a fly on the wall, witnessing their harrowing experiences unfold firsthand. The story was gripping as it started by capturing the heartbreak and how it eventually led to resilience. The climax would feel like the eventual metamorphosis of their friendship. It's rooted in true events; there was actually a Dozier School in Florida, which operated for 111 years. Even today, the search for unmarked graves, estimated to be around two dozen, continues.

Director: RaMell Ross

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Actors: Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Oscar Wins: 0

Unflinchingly moving, vulnerable and not to sound emotional but heartbreaking to the core, ‘I’m Still Here’ is one for the books. Based on the disappearance of Marcelo Rubens Paiva during the dark chapter of Brazil’s military dictatorship, it explores how his wife, Eunice deals with this unimaginable suffering. The character development is unreal and the depth with which it is showcased on the screen deserves all the recognition for single-handedly causing a storm in your brain and heart. Also, while it is a depiction of loss, dark times, resilience and grief, the cinematography is beautiful and offers you something to look at beyond the turmoil with the beautiful beaches and other visual nuances.

Director: Water Salles

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Actors: Fernanda Torres, Fernanda Montenegro  and Selton Mello

Oscar Wins: 1

When I say that this movie is not everyone's cup of tea, I actually mean that you might not be able to keep your tea down while watching this. A strong feminist message, (that might be too in your face at times) a sci-fi anomaly, and lots (and lots) of body horror. The Substance has got to be one of Demi Moore's best. The plot follows a TV star troubled by the natural state of ageing and of course, decides to make some questionable choices to always stay young by birthing a better half. If body horror and movies have the message they're trying to portray, in your face, then watch it. 

Director: Coralie Fargeat

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Actors: Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle

Oscar Wins:1

Wicked is undoubtedly a visual rollercoaster. Jon M. Chu really went all in. The real anchor of the film is Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, who plays the ostracized, misunderstood witch. Her performance is raw and emotional and captures her character. On the other hand, Ariana Grande's Glinda, initially popular, bubbly sorority type, undergoes a real change. What stood out was their complex friendship — the way they navigate their different paths is what makes the film a compelling watch. But the main story— how 'good' and 'wicked' are often a matter of perspective, and the power of female friendship— echoes in the movie’s veins. Erivo and Grande delivered, and the storyline sticks with you. Is this an ideal film? No, but it is a solid adaptation, and their performances are worth the nominations they are getting.

Director: Jon M. Chu

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Actors: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh

Oscar Wins: 2

LBB Tip: Paul Tazewell's win for Costume Design was historic, as he became the first Black man to win in that category. 

When I say that nothing, I mean nothing can prepare you for the twist that comes in this stunning papal drama. Conclave is a movie you watch when you want to watch cinematography and art come together. A political thriller, the pope is dying, there are attacks on the Vatican, and everyone is back-biting everyone while several skeletons tumble out of the closet. Conclave is a movie that weirdly stays with you. It is slow, and takes its time, but keeps you hooked. What I liked the most is that without delving into characters much, you already know who to trust and who not which is testimony to Berger's genius. I thought they'd win Best Picture, but sadly that didn't happen, however, they did win Best Adapted Screenplay. 

Director: Edward Berger 

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Actors: alph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini

Oscar Wins:1