Award season is in full swing! On Jan. 24, the nominations for the 95th Academy Awards were announced, honoring some of the most successful films that debuted in 2022. With the ceremony quickly approaching on March 12, there is no better time to learn more about the Best Picture nominees and where to watch them.
“All Quiet on the Western Front”
Directed by Edward Berger, “All Quiet on the Western Front” follows the story of Paul Bäumer, a German soldier on the western front during World War I. Played by Felix Kammerer, Paul and his friends voluntarily enlist in the German army, but their excitement soon dissolves as they face the harsh realities of the brutal war ahead of them.
Nominated for a total of nine awards, including Best Achievement in Visual Effects and Cinematography, you can stream “All Quiet on the Western Front” on Netflix.
“Avatar: The Way of Water”
The visually innovative blockbuster directed by James Cameron, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” has earned a coveted spot on the best picture ballot. The “Avatar” sequel follows Jake Sully and his family on the extrasolar moon Pandora. After a threat returns to the planet, Sully joins forces with the Na’vi army to protect their home.
Other than Best Picture, this film is nominated for four other awards including Best Achievement in Sound, Production Design and Visual Effects. “Avatar: The Way of Water” is currently not on streaming platforms, but you can still watch this film in theaters.
“The Banshees of Inisherin”
Directed and written by Martin McDonagh, “The Banshees of Inisherin” follows lifelong friends, Pádraic and Colm, living on a remote island off the western coast of Ireland who find themselves at a crossroads when one of them decides to unexpectedly end the friendship. Never taking no for an answer, the film explores Pádraic, played by Colin Farrell, trying to recover his now broken relationship with Colm.
Along with the Best Picture nomination, this film scored nine nominations in total — four of those being in the Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor categories. “The Banshees of Inisherin” is currently streaming on HBO Max.
“Elvis”
Surely one of the most talked about films, thanks to Austin Butler’s lasting Elvis accent phenomenon, the Baz Luhrmann film depicts the life of the musical icon from his childhood, to becoming a rock star and then a movie star. “Elvis” also covers the complicated relationship of the star’s relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks.
Nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling and Film Editing, you can stream “Elvis” on HBO Max.
“Everything Everywhere All at Once”
Arguably a fan favorite amongst the nominees, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” tells the story of an overworked laundromat owner who is drowning in stress from her marriage, her strained relationship with her daughter and looming judgment from her father, all while her business is one step away from failure. One day she gets caught up in an mission where she must save the world’s existence by jumping around multiple universes and connecting with the life she could have led.
This film received the most nominations, 11 total, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Achievement in Directing. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is available to stream on Showtime and can also be rented on VOD platforms such as Amazon, Vudu and Apple TV.
“The Fablemans”
“The Fablemans,” tells the story of a young aspiring filmmaker who finds out an imploding family secret, which leads him to learn about how films can help him see the truth of the world. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the story is loosely based on his life.
Nominated for a total of seven awards, including Best Achievement in Production Design and Best Original Score, you can rent “The Fablemans” on VOD platforms including Prime Video and Google Play.
“Tár”
Directed by Todd Field, “Tár” tells the story of an achieved conductor-composer, Lydia Tár, at the height of her career. Considered the greatest living conductor, the film depicts her downfall and the repercussions of cancel culture.
“Tár” is nominated for six Oscars, including Best Achievement in Directing and Best Original Screenplay. You can stream this film on Peacock.
“Top Gun: Maverick”
Following the events of “Top Gun,” “Top Gun: Maverick” is set thirty years later and viewers find Maverick still on the top of his game as a respected naval aviator. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, this sequel captures Maverick training a new set of Top Gun graduates during an important mission, while dealing with ghosts of his past.
Securing six nominations, including Best Achievement in Film Editing and Best Sound, you can stream “Top Gun: Maverick” on Paramount+.
“Triangle of Sadness”
Directed by Ruben Östlund, “Triangle of Sadness” tells a tale of power, fame and money. When a group of the social elite hops aboard a luxury yacht, they expect it to be smooth sailing and full of content for their followers, yet when a catastrophe occurs out at sea, it puts their egos to a test.
With a total of three nominations, including Best Original Screenplay, you can rent “Train of Sadness” on VOD platforms such as Amazon.
“Women Talking”
The decision to stay and fight, get up and leave or do nothing in a difficult situation is the main thread of “Women Talking,” directed by Sarah Polley. This film tells the story of a group of women in a deeply religious community who are wrestling with the heinous realities of their faith.
“Women Talking” is also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay and it is currently only playing in theaters.
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