Oscars season is arguably the most important time of year for film. Every year, the Academy votes for movies that deserve to be nominated for Best Picture, one of the most prestigious awards in the industry.
This past weekend, the Academy Awards were filled with tension and excitement, but exactly what films got nominated for Best Picture, and who took the Oscar home? With all that in mind, let’s go over each of the Best Picture nominees and recap the awards won by some of the biggest films of 2024.
Anora
Anora follows the life of a sex worker, Anora (Mikey Madison). Anora’s boss takes advantage of the fact that she is Uzbek-American and often pairs her with customers who speak Russian. During one of her shifts, she meets Vanya (Mark Eidelstein), who turns out to be the son of an extremely wealthy businessman. The story takes a turn when Anora and Vanya fall in love and elope. However, their honeymoon is interrupted when Vanya’s parents find out about the marriage and make it their goal to reverse it.
Anora gained a lot of attention from movie buffs, particularly because of its style and the fact that it’s an independent film. Mikey Madison’s performance did not go unnoticed and could not have gotten more praise. The movie’s press tour focused on creating a positive outlook on sex workers, which gained mixed reactions yet brought awareness to the profession.
Anora not only took home the Oscar for Best Picture, but it was also accompanied by director Sean Baker’s wins for Best Directing, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Screenplay. The film also earned Mikey Madison’s first Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role, making Anora this year’s sweep.
The Brutalist
The Brutalist takes place after World War II and follows an architect, László Toth (Adrien Brody). László and his wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones), leave Europe hoping to make a better life in America. Their dream comes true when an industrialist offers László an opportunity to design a grand monument. László and Erzsébet quickly face highs and lows as they manage their new American life.
This film won the Oscars for Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, and Adrien Brody earned Best Actor in a Leading Role for the second time. While there has been some controversy surrounding the use of AI to aid Brody’s performance, his win seemed inevitable.
A Complete Unknown
A Complete Unknown is a biopic about Bob Dylan’s rise to becoming one of the most successful musicians in music history. It follows 19-year-old Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) as a folk singer who quickly rises to fame as his songs dominate the charts. The film ends with Bob’s Newport Folk Festival performance in 1965.
This film earned a total of eight nominations but, unfortunately, did not win any awards.
Conclave
Conclave follows Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), who is assigned to run a covert process after the death of the Pope. The Catholic Church’s most important leaders gather from around the world and live together in the Vatican halls. Lawrence later discovers a trail of secrets left in the late Pope’s wake, which could cause an uproar if let out into the public.
Although the film was nominated for eight Oscars, Conclave ended the night with a single win for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Dune: Part Two
Dune: Part Two builds on the story established in Dune, all the way back in 2021. It follows Paul Atredies (Timothée Chalamet) as he reunites with Chani (Zendaya) on his journey of revenge against those who destroyed his family.
Just like the film before it, Dune: Part Two won the Oscars for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects, with the franchise having earned seven Oscars in total — so far.
Emilia Pérez
Emilia Pérez takes place in Mexico and follows Rita, a Dominican lawyer (Zoe Saldaña). Rita is offered a job to help a well-known cartel boss (Karla Sofia Gascón) fake their death and transition into a woman. Despite the numerous controversies surrounding the film, it was still a success at the Academy Awards.
This film won the Oscars for Best Original Song and Best Supporting Actress, earning Zoe Saldaña her first Oscar. It had 13 nominations in total, almost beating the record of 14.
I’m Still Here
I’m Still Here is based on a true story about a Brazilian woman, Eunice Paiva (Fernanda Torres). It follows Eunice having to live under a military dictatorship after her husband was forcibly disappeared by the government during the 1970s. Enuice goes through the journey of looking for answers and supporting her family. The film focuses on oppression, political repression, and activism.
I’m Still Here took home the Oscar for Best International Feature Film, becoming the first ever Brazillian-produced film to take home an Academy Award.
Nickel Boys
Nickel Boys is based on the novel of the same name and takes place in Florida during the 1960s. It follows Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse), an African-American boy who is sent to the Nickel Academy after he is accused of a crime. He later forms a friendship with Turner (Brandon Wilson) as they try to survive the abusive treatment of the school and its employees. It revolves around the Jim Crow era and brings awareness to those horrific times.
This film earned two nominations for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay but did not win in either category.
The Substance
The Substance is a body horror following a long-time celebrity, Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), whose time in the spotlight is coming to an end. Elisabeth injects herself with a suspicious drug that creates a younger version of herself. The drug, simply called “The Substance”, splits open her body and reveals a younger version, Sue (Margaret Qualley).
This film won the Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
Wicked
Wicked is based on the Broadway musical, which is based on the book of the same name. The story acts as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, shining light on its cast of characters and giving them all vivid backstories. It follows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a woman with green skin, who starts school at Shiz University and forms a friendship with Galinda (Ariana Grande). Their journey takes place when they encounter the Wizard of Oz and later shape their destinies.
Wicked took home the Oscar for Best Production Design. Paul Tazewell became the first black man to win Best Costume Design for his work in Wicked.
Conclusion
This year’s Oscars were full of tension as some of the Best Picture Nominees were viewed as controversial, and more people than usual were unhappy with the results. However, it was a night full of love and passion for the art of cinema. Conan O’Brien did not disappoint as host. He made sure to bring lighthearted jokes and dance routines to the table.
Anora ended up taking the Best Picture award home and was accompanied by four other Oscar wins. As an independent film, it took the media by storm with its unique screenplay and starring lady, Mikey Madison.
Until the next awards season!
