The 93rd Academy Awards nominees have been been announced and nine films will fight for the best picture trophy this year.
The nomination season was a strange one, as movie theaters were shuttered for much of the eligibility period. For the first time, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences permitted films that would have gone to cinemas to still be eligible if they debuted on streaming services.
That’s why many of this year’s nominees can only be viewed with a subscription. However, now that more movie theaters are opening, particularly in New York and Los Angeles, it’s possible that movie theater operators will strike deals to showcase streaming films on the big screen.
Nomadland
Written and directed by Chloe Zhao, “Nomadland” tells the story of a woman in her sixties who, after losing everything during the Great Recession, begins living in a van and traveling through the American West.
The Searchlight Pictures film starring Frances McDormand can be streamed on Hulu. It is also available in select theaters.
The Trial of the Chicago 7
“The Trial of the Chicago 7” was written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. The film centers around seven people who are on trial for charges stemming from an uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.
Promising Young Woman
Written and directed by Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman” follows Cassandra Thomas, a woman traumatized by a tragic event in her past. Played by Carey Mulligan, Cassandra sets out to avenge her best friend, who was a victim of rape.
The film can be purchased digitally on YouTube, Google Play, Vudo and Amazon Prime Video, among other platforms. It can also be seen in select theaters.
Mank
David Fincher’s “Mank” follows the life of screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz as he races to finish the screenplay of “Citizen Kane” for Orson Welles. The film stars Gary Oldman and Amanda Seyfried.
The Father
“The Father” stars Anthony Hopkins as a man who refuses assistance from his daughter as he ages. However, his fabric of reality soon begins to unravel as he begins to doubt his loved ones while suffering from dementia.
The film can be rented or bought through video on-demand services and is playing in select theaters.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Based on the play of the same name by August Wilson, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is centered around Ma Rainey, an influential blues singer, and a turbulent recording session in 1920s Chicago.
The film can only be watched on Netflix.
Judas and the Black Messiah
Offered a plea deal by the FBI, William O’Neal (Lakeith Stanfield) infiltrates the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party to gather intelligence on Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya).
“Judas and the Black Messiah” can be streamed on HBO Max and seen in select theaters.
Minari
“Minari” follow a Korean American family as they move to an Arkansas farm in search of the American Dream.
The film is available for rent and purchase on a variety of video on-demand platforms and is playing in select theaters.
Sound of Metal
“Sound of Metal” is the story of Ruben Stone (Riz Ahmed), a heavy metal drummer whose life is thrown into freefall when he begins to lose his hearing.
