The Oscar nominations have been revealed, and if you’re not a die-hard movie buff, chances are you’ve only caught a glimpse of a few of the films vying for the prestigious award. As Canada faces a frigid weekend, now might be the ideal time to catch up on the latest cinema offerings.
Let’s delve into the lineup competing for the Best Picture category at the Academy Awards this year and explore how you can access these films.
**Bugonia**
**Plot:** In “Bugonia,” two conspiracy-obsessed youths abduct a high-profile CEO, believing she is an alien set on Earth’s destruction.
**Cast:** Featuring Emma Stone as the CEO, Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis as the young conspirators, along with Alicia Silverstone and comedian Stavros Halkias.
**Where to Watch:** “Bugonia” is rentable or purchasable on Amazon Prime or Apple TV.
**F1**
**Plot:** “F1” follows a retired Formula One racing legend as he mentors a young, talented driver.
**Cast:** Starring Brad Pitt as the veteran racer, alongside Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, and Kerry Condon.
**Where to Watch:** Stream “F1” on Apple TV with a subscription or rent/purchase it on the same platform.
**Frankenstein**
**Plot:** Guillermo del Toro’s rendition of the classic tale portrays a scientist’s hubris in bringing a monster to life with disastrous outcomes.
**Cast:** Featuring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Christoph Waltz, and Mia Goth.
**Where to Watch:** “Frankenstein” is available for streaming on Netflix.
**Hamnet**
**Plot:** Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, “Hamnet” delves into William Shakespeare and his wife’s grief over their son’s plague-induced demise, potentially shaping the creation of “Hamlet.”
**Cast:** Paul Mescal portrays Shakespeare, with Jessie Buckley in the role of his wife.
**Where to Watch:** While not yet available for home viewing, “Hamnet” is showing in theaters.
**Marty Supreme**
**Plot:** Timothée Chalamet stars as a 1950s table tennis athlete striving for greatness amidst challenges.
**Cast:** Alongside Chalamet, the film features Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion, and Kevin O’Leary.
**Where to Watch:** “Marty Supreme” is currently screening in theaters.
**One Battle After Another**
**Plot:** This dark comedy by Paul Thomas Anderson follows a paranoid ex-revolutionary (Leonardo DiCaprio) navigating a crisis to save his daughter.
**Cast:** Featuring DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Chase Infiniti, and Teyana Taylor.
**Where to Watch:** Stream “One Battle After Another” on Crave or rent/purchase on Amazon Prime/Apple TV.
**The Secret Agent**
**Plot:** Set in 1977 Brazil, the film traces a tech expert’s escape from a dictator’s pursuit.
**Cast:** Wagner Moura stars in the lead role.
**Where to Watch:** Currently, “The Secret Agent” is only playing in theaters in Canada.
**Sentimental Value**
**Plot:** “Sentimental Value” narrates the reunion of two sisters with their estranged father, a film director, after their mother’s passing.
**Cast:** Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Elle Fanning, and Anders Danielsen Lie.
**Where to Watch:** Rent or buy “Sentimental Value” on Apple TV or Amazon Prime.
**Sinners**
**Plot:** The acclaimed vampire movie “Sinners” goes beyond its genre, focusing on twin brothers (both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan) running a nightclub in rural Mississippi.
**Cast:** Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, Delroy Lindo, and Jack O’Connell.
**Where to Watch:** Watch “Sinners” on Crave with a subscription or rent/buy on Amazon Prime/Apple TV.
**Train Dreams**
**Plot:** Adapted from Denis Johnson’s novella, “Train Dreams” chronicles the life of a logger and railroad worker amidst early 20th-century American transformations.
**Cast:** Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, and William H. Macy.
**Where to Watch:** Stream “Train Dreams” on Netflix.