Discover the top Academy nominated movies of 2024 that are making headlines for their storytelling, direction, and performances. These films have captured the attention of both audiences and critics. From intense biopics to imaginative fantasies, here’s a rundown of the must-watch movies recognized by the Academy this year.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
The 2024 Academy Awards Best Picture category features films such as ‘Oppenheimer,’ which has already won the Best Picture award and received 13 nominations, among other notable nominees like ‘American Fiction,’ ‘Barbie,’ and ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’
Key performances in acting categories include Colman Domingo’s portrayal of Bayard Rustin in ‘Rustin’ and Carey Mulligan’s role in ‘Maestro,’ both of which have earned critical acclaim and solidified their reputations in the acting community.
The Best Director category includes prestigious nominations such as Christopher Nolan for ‘Oppenheimer’ and Martin Scorsese for ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ highlighting their continued impact and mastery in filmmaking.
Best Picture Nominees
The 2024 Academy Awards’ Best Picture category pays tribute to this year’s nominees who have demonstrated extraordinary storytelling and cinematic prowess. Leading the pack is ‘Oppenheimer’, which has already garnered significant acclaim, winning the Best Picture award at the 96th Academy Awards and receiving a total of 13 nominations. This gripping biopic about the father of the atomic bomb has captivated audiences with its intense narrative and masterful direction.
Other standout nominees in the Best Picture category include:
‘American Fiction’
‘Anatomy of a Fall’
‘Barbie’
‘Killers of the Flower Moon’
‘Poor Things’
‘The Holdovers’
‘Maestro’
‘Past Lives’
‘The Zone of Interest’
Each offering unique and compelling stories that have resonated with viewers and critics alike. These films showcase the depth and variety of contemporary cinema.
The Best Picture category, being one of the most-awaited at the Academy Awards, frequently sets the tone for the entire ceremony. With such a strong lineup of contenders, audiences are sure to be enthralled by the storytelling, direction, and performances that define these exceptional films, all vying for the title of best picture winner. As the anticipation builds, everyone eagerly awaits the announcement of the picture winner.
Best Actor Performances
Among the Best Actor nominees, Colman Domingo’s portrayal of Bayard Rustin in ‘Rustin’ stands out as a powerful and compelling performance. Domingo’s nuanced and deeply emotional portrayal of the civil rights leader has earned him a well-deserved nomination, showcasing his ability to bring complex historical figures to life on screen.
The Best Actor category this year teems with standout performances, all of which highlight the remarkable talent and dedication of the involved actors.
Best Actress Highlights
By earning a nomination for Best Actress for her role in ‘Maestro,’ Carey Mulligan has further cemented her position as one of her generation’s most talented actresses. Her portrayal of Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, capturing the essence of true love’s triumphs and trials. Mulligan’s performance has not only captivated audiences but also garnered critical acclaim, making her a strong contender in this category.
Alongside Mulligan, Emma Stone has also received recognition for her outstanding performance, earning the Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress. Stone’s ability to immerse herself in diverse roles continues to impress, and her nomination highlights the depth of talent present in this year’s Best Actress category. These performances, along with those of other nominees, underscore the exceptional artistry and dedication of these remarkable actresses.
Best Supporting Actor
The Best Supporting Actor category presents a stellar lineup of nominees, notably Sterling K. Brown, Robert De Niro, and Mark Ruffalo. Sterling K. Brown’s role as Clifford Ellison in ‘American Fiction’ has earned him critical acclaim, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. Brown’s performance is both captivating and poignant, making him a strong contender for this award.
Robert De Niro, with his ninth Oscar nomination, continues to be a force in the film industry. His role in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ is a testament to his enduring talent and ability to deliver powerful performances. Mark Ruffalo’s nomination for his work in ‘Poor Things’ further highlights the exceptional talent in this category. Each of these actors, including the likes of Robert Downey Jr, has contributed significantly to their respective films, enriching the narratives with their compelling performances.
Best Supporting Actress
Leading the nominees for Best Supporting Actress are Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Emma Stone, both of whom have delivered performances that have had a lasting impact on both audiences and critics. Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s role has already earned her the Best Supporting Actress award at the Golden Globes, underscoring her exceptional talent and ability to bring depth to her characters.
Emma Stone’s nomination in this category further highlights her versatility and skill as an actress. Stone’s ability to seamlessly transition between leading and supporting roles demonstrates her range and commitment to her craft. These performances, along with those of other nominees, celebrate the remarkable talent and dedication of this year’s Best Supporting Actress contenders.
Original Screenplay Nominees
Highlighting the creativity and innovation of this year’s nominees is the Best Original Screenplay category at the 2024 Academy Awards. Among them are:
Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, whose work has captivated audiences with its originality and depth
David Hemingson and Bradley Cooper, who are recognized for their exceptional storytelling and ability to craft compelling narratives
Josh Singer, who has also been acknowledged for his outstanding screenplay
Samy Burch’s collaboration with Alex Mechanik on the screenplay for ‘May December’ showcases the importance of humor and performance quality in original screenplays. These nominees demonstrate the diverse approaches to storytelling that continue to push the boundaries of cinema, offering audiences fresh and engaging experiences.
Adapted Screenplay Contenders
The 2024 Academy Awards’ Best Adapted Screenplay category celebrates the adept transformation of existing works into filmic masterpieces. Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer,’ adapted from ‘American Prometheus’ by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, is a standout nominee. Nolan’s ability to translate complex historical narratives into compelling films is evident in this adaptation.
Cord Jefferson’s ‘American Fiction,’ based on the novel ‘Erasure’ by Percival Everett, and Jonathan Glazer’s ‘The Zone of Interest,’ adapted from Martin Amis’s novel, are other notable nominees,. These adaptations highlight the creativity and skill involved in bringing diverse source materials to the screen, enriching the cinematic landscape with their unique perspectives.
Cinematography Excellence
The 2024 Oscars’ Cinematography category honours the visual artistry that injects life into films. Hoyte van Hoytema’s work on ‘Oppenheimer’ has already been recognized with top honors from the American Society of Cinematographers, making him a leading contender for this year’s award. The film’s striking visuals and meticulous attention to detail have captivated audiences and critics alike.
Other notable nominees include Rodrigo Prieto for ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ and Edward Lachman for ‘El Conde’,. These cinematographers have each contributed to the visual storytelling of their respective films, enhancing the narratives with their unique artistic visions. The Best Cinematography category highlights the importance of visual storytelling in creating immersive cinematic experiences.
Best Production Design
The creativity and craftsmanship of their designers are evident in the imaginative worlds created by the nominees for Best Production Design. ‘Poor Things,’ ‘Barbie,’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ are among the standout nominees in this category, each offering visually stunning and meticulously crafted environments.
Shona Heath, James Price, and Szusza Mihalek’s work on ‘Poor Things’ and Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer’s designs for ‘Barbie’ showcase the diverse approaches to production design. Ruth De Jong and Claire Kaufman’s contributions to ‘Oppenheimer’ further highlight the importance of production design in bringing a film’s vision to life.
Costume Design Nominees
With some of the most memorable and visually striking costumes in recent cinema, the nominees for Best Costume Design have truly made their mark. Jacqueline Durran’s work on ‘Barbie’ and Janty Yates and Dave Crossman’s designs for ‘Napoleon’ are among the standout nominees,. Holly Waddington’s costumes for ‘Poor Things’ further highlight the creativity and attention to detail that define this category. These designers have each brought their unique visions to the screen, enhancing the narratives with their exceptional craftsmanship.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
The Best Makeup and Hairstyling category honours the transformative power of makeup and hairstyling. Nominees such as Karen Hartley Thomas, Suzi Battersby, and Ashra Kelly-Blue have demonstrated their exceptional skills in creating memorable looks for their films.
The winner for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier, and Josh Weston, has been recognized for their outstanding and transformative work. These artists have each contributed significantly to the visual storytelling of their respective films.
Best Original Score
The emotionally resonant music of the Best Original Score nominees has been crucial in elevating the impact of their films. Nominees include ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ and ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. Ludwig Göransson’s award-winning score for ‘Oppenheimer’ is another standout, showcasing his ability to create evocative and memorable musical compositions.
These scores have each added depth and resonance to their respective films, enriching the overall cinematic experience.
Best Original Song
Memorable tunes that have resonated with audiences are featured in the 2024 Academy Awards’ Best Original Song category. ‘The Fire Inside’ from Flamin’ Hot, with music and lyrics by Diane Warren, and ‘Dance The Night’ from Barbie, with music and lyrics by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, are among the standout nominees. These songs have each contributed to the emotional and narrative depth of their respective films.
The winner for Best Original Song, ‘What Was I Made For?’ from Barbie, with music and lyrics by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, has captivated audiences with its poignant and introspective lyrics. These songs highlight the power of music in film, enhancing the storytelling and leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Documentary Feature Highlights
Compelling stories and important narratives are showcased in the 2024 Academy Awards’ Documentary Feature category. ‘Bobi Wine: The People’s President’ has won the award, highlighting the powerful and inspiring story of the Ugandan political leader. Created by Mstyslav Chernov, Michelle Mizner, and Raney Aronson-Rath, this documentary has captivated audiences with its engaging and impactful narrative.
The Documentary Feature category emphasizes the importance of factual storytelling in bringing important issues and stories to light.
International Feature Film Nominees
The artistic and cultural diversity of global filmmaking is celebrated in the 2024 Academy Awards’ International Feature Film category. This year’s nominees showcase unique cultural perspectives from various countries, offering audiences an opportunity to explore narratives that might not be widely available outside their countries of origin.
The inclusion of these films in the Academy Awards highlights the importance of international representation in cinema, enriching the global cinematic landscape with diverse voices and stories.
Animated Feature Film Contenders
The Best Animated Feature Film nominees have shown truly remarkable creativity and innovation. ‘Nimona’ and ‘Robot Dreams’ are among the standout nominees in this category, each offering unique and imaginative storytelling. Nick Bruno, Troy Quane, Karen Ryan, and Julie Zackary’s work on ‘Nimona’ has been recognized for its exceptional animation and engaging narrative.
‘Robot Dreams,’ with nominees Pablo Berger, Ibon Cormenzana, Ignasi Estapé, and Sandra Tapia Díaz, further highlights the creativity and innovation in animated filmmaking. Other notable nominees include Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki, as well as the team behind ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’,. These films demonstrate the diverse approaches to animation that continue to push the boundaries of the genre.
Short Films Nominations
The 2024 Academy Awards’ Short Films categories acknowledge the powerful storytelling and creativity of filmmakers who work within shorter runtimes. This year, the categories include Best Animated Short, Best Live-Action Short, and Best Documentary Short, each showcasing compelling and innovative narratives.
These short films offer unique and engaging stories, highlighting the talent and creativity of their creators.
Animated Short
The Best Animated Short category features imaginative and innovative animations that have captivated audiences. This year’s winner is ‘WAR IS OVER! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko,’ a touching and creative film by Dave Mullins and Brad Booker. Other nominees include:
Tal Kantor
Amit R. Gicelter
Jerusha Hess
Jared Hess
Stéphanie Clément
Marc Rius
These motion picture films showcase the diverse and dynamic world of animated storytelling, each bringing a unique vision to the screen.
Live-Action Short
The Best Live-Action Short category highlights compelling narratives that have been masterfully told within a brief format. ‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar’ won this year’s award, captivating viewers with its engaging story. Other noteworthy nominees include ‘The After’ by Misan Harriman and Nicky Bentham, which stars David Oyelowo, and works by Vincent René-Lortie, Samuel Caron, Lasse Lyskjær Noer, Christian Norlyk, Nazrin Choudhury, and Sara McFarlane,,,. These films exemplify the power of short-form storytelling and the creativity of their filmmakers.
Documentary Short
The Best Documentary Short category features factual and engaging narratives that shed light on diverse topics. This year’s winner is a film by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, recognized for its compelling storytelling. Other nominees include ‘The Barber of Little Rock,’ along with works by filmmakers like Sheila Nevins, Trish Adlesic, S. Leo Chiang and Jean Tsien are collaborating on a new documentary. They are both well-respected in their field. These documentaries highlight the importance of short-form factual storytelling in bringing important stories to a wider audience.
Best Director Nominees
Featuring a robust lineup of visionary filmmakers, the Best Director category stands out at the 2024 Academy Awards. Among the films nominated, Christopher Nolan, an oscar winner, is a frontrunner for his work on ‘Oppenheimer,’ which has received multiple nominations across various categories. His mastery in filmmaking is evident in this gripping biopic. Martin Scorsese has also been nominated for ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ continuing his legacy as one of cinema’s most influential directors. Jonathan Glazer, nominated for ‘The Zone of Interest,’ showcases his distinctive vision in directing.
Justine Triet’s nomination for ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ marks a significant achievement in her directing career, while Yorgos Lanthimos is recognized for his unique style in ‘Poor Things’,. These visionary filmmakers have made significant contributions to cinema this year, each bringing their unique perspectives and skills to their films.
Check out Oscars 2024: Best Picture Nominees, Ranked From Worst
Summary
The 2024 Academy Awards celebrate an incredible array of talent and creativity across all major categories. From the gripping narratives and powerful performances in the Best Picture and acting categories to the innovative storytelling and technical excellence in screenplay, cinematography, and production design, this year’s nominees showcase the best of contemporary cinema. As we look forward to the awards ceremony, these films and performances remind us of the magic and power of storytelling in film.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which film won the Best Picture award at the 2024 Academy Awards?
The film “Oppenheimer” won the Best Picture award at the 96th Academy Awards.
Who are some of the nominees for Best Actor in 2024?
Colman Domingo is one notable nominee for his role in ‘Rustin’.
What are some of the standout nominees for Best Original Screenplay?
Some standout nominees for Best Original Screenplay include Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, David Hemingson, and Bradley Cooper with Josh Singer.
Which film won the Best Live-Action Short Film award?
The film that won the Best Live-Action Short Film award is “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.”
Who are the nominees for Best Director at the 2024 Academy Awards?
The nominees for Best Director at the 2024 Academy Awards are Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, Jonathan Glazer, Justine Triet, and Yorgos Lanthimos. No date.
