The 92nd Oscars will air on February 9th, giving you a 20-day window to catch up on the thirty-eight films nominated for Academy Awards.
Some heavy-hitting contenders are still in their theatrical runs, yet there’s time to cross off a few from your “films to watch” list.
Although we’re a tad sour due to a few snubs, we’re still looking forward to the highly anticipated film event of the year.
The Irishman
Beginning with a mega contender, if you’ve put off this film cause of the colossal screentime of 3 hours and 29 minutes, now is your time.
Martin Scorsese never disappoints and the Academy agrees, scoring 10 Oscar nominations.
In short, make sure you have plenty of snacks and give yourself a couple of intermissions for this one.
Where to watch: Netflix ($13 per month)
Marriage Story
Undoubtedly, we’ve all seen the Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson memes of their screaming marital spat; it was trying not to. However, don’t let that deter you from this nominee since there’s more to it.
Indeed a quintessential Noah Baumbach film, it’s worth the watch for the sheer raw emotions.
Consequently, the film reminded me of the PTSD of my childhood growing up.
Where to watch: Netflix ($13 per month)
The Two Popes
The budding friendship between Pope Francis, Jonathan Pryce, and Pope Benedict XVI, Anthony Hopkins, served as inspiration for this Netflix film. It scored the biographical drama three Oscar nominations.
Where to watch: Netflix ($13 per month)
I Lost My Body
Nominated for Best Animated Feature Film, this French animation is a can’t miss.
The film follows around a severed hand trying to find its way back to its owner, Naoufel (Dev Patel). Along the way, Naoufel falls in love with Gabrielle (Alia Shawkat).
Yet viewers see that this particular love may something to do with the separation from his hand.
Where to watch: Netflix ($13 per month)
Pain and Glory
For those who haven’t seen Pedro Almodóvar’s latest, Pain and Glory, it’s now streaming via Amazon Prime (today).
Besides starring Antonio Banderas and Asier Etxeandia, the SONY film also features Penelope Cruz and even Rosalía in her acting debut.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime (with Prime Membership; $13 per month)
Honeyland
Honeyland earned North Macedonia two Oscar nominations, its first-ever for this visually stunning documentary.
It is centered around beekeeper Hatidze Muratova using ancient beekeeping traditions in the mountains of Macedonia.
Except tension runs high when a new family moves nearby, competing for the same honey cultivation, disregarding her wisdom and sage advice.
Where to watch: Hulu (with Hulu Membership; $6 per month)
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
In the final How to Train Your Dragon installment, the trilogy comes to an end.
The film’s nominated for Best Animated Feature Film and rightfully so. Its gorgeous animation was dazzling, my ten-year-old niece (who’s a massive fan) was captivated from start to finish when seeing it in theaters. She gives it a 10/10.
Where to watch: Hulu (with Hulu Membership; $6 per month)
Missing Link
Another fellow Best Animated Feature Film nominee, Missing Link‘s an underrated stop motion gem which is the first non-computer animated film to win a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film since Waltz with Bashir in 2008.
With a beautiful message of finding friends who become your own family, this one will warm your heart.
Where to watch: Hulu (with Hulu Membership; $6 per month)
Coming Soon:
Parasite
During his Best Foreign Film speech at the Golden Globes, director Bong Joon Ho justifiably said: “once you overcome the 1-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many films.”
Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait a bit longer to watch via Amazon Prime. However, we assure you it’s well worth the wait.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime starting January 28th (with Prime Membership; $13 per month)
Jojo Rabbit
This satirical Taika Waititi directorial earned six nominations. So if you’re familiar with Waititi’s work, without a doubt, you’re in for another wonderfully weird treat.
Centered around Germany, Jojo (Roman Griffin) is just like any other kid.
Except he’s a nazi, and his imaginary friend is the Führer himself, Hitler (Taika Waititi; who’s Jewish-Māori).
As a result, Jojo’s life turns upside down when he discovers that his mother, Rosie (Scarlett Johansson), hides a young Jewish girl named Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) in the crawl space of their house.
Complicating things, Jojo starts to challenge his poisonous beliefs put on him by the systemic state-enabled propaganda. Thus the entire movie is about Jojo’s perspective and the possibility of removing the blinders of brainwashing off.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime February 4th (with Prime Membership; $13 per month)
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Unquestionably, childhood favorite Mister Rogers was always on our TVs growing up. Even as a young kid, when fellow peers deemed it for “babies,” Mister Rogers brought me comfort through the kindness that Mister Rogers exuded. For that reason alone, I, especially, couldn’t pass this film up.
Even my mother, who isn’t a fan of movies, called me to tell me to see my favorite childhood icon’s story on the big screen. Also, there were indeed tears.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood‘s centered around Rogers’ and journalist Tom Junod’s (Matthew Rhys) friendship.
Who else but Tom Hanks can take the role of TV icon (and childhood hero) Fred Rogers, no one that’s who.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime February 4th (with Prime Membership; $13 per month)
Toy Story 4
Finally, this brings us to Toy Story. Which will always have my heart from watching as a child. Growing up with this PIXAR classic made my childhood especially better.
Though it’s another Toy Story, it still has our hearts. Mainly we’re referring to Forky, although we can’t ever forget about Woody.
Where to watch: Disney+ February 5th (with membership; $7 per month)
