The 91st Academy Awards will be televised on Sunday, February 24. This gives us a few weeks to watch the movies that will be honored.
Keep reading to find out how to see all the nominees for best picture.
Unless you go to the movie theater regularly, seeing all the films nominated for “best picture” can be a challenge. By the time the nominees are announced, some movies are already out of theaters and may have entered a blackout period where they are not yet available through other providers.
Luckily, this year with some careful planning we can have access to all the movies in time for the awards show. Not many are available for rent yet so you will have to purchase some of them, but keep in mind that $15 is still cheaper than two people going to the theater!
Although the list of nominations is by no means a complete list of all the movies worth seeing from the year, I have found this project a good way to see a diverse group of movies, many of which I would not have seen otherwise.
Below is my guide for how you can see all the movies before Feb. 24. I will be filling in my thoughts about all as I work through the list myself.
BEST PICTURE NOMINATIONS
“The Favourite”
“The Favourite,” a costume drama about Queen Anne’s court in the early 18th century received 10 total nominations. The trio of women starring in this movie were all nominated for awards.
My experience: My husband chose this movie, and we had no idea what we were getting into! We thought it looked like a quirky, dark comedy. It was quirky, and there were funny moments, but overall it was dark and disturbing. The visuals, however, were stunning. The specifics of the plotline were surprising to us; I won’t get into it here so you can have the same experience! I have thought about this movie a lot since seeing it. I can see how visually and cinematically it leads the nominations, and of course the acting is superb.
How to see it: “The Favouite” is still playing in theaters although in my area it is down to one showing per day. Make this a priority if you want to see at the theater, which I recommend for maximum enjoyment of the artistic elements. But the good news is that it will be available for purchase on Amazon Prime on February 12: Click here to watch “The Favourite“
“Roma”
“Roma” is an emotional drama about a domestic worker set in 1970s Mexico. It also received 10 nominations!
My thoughts: This movie is cinematic with lots of touching moments. But I felt a sense of doom throughout the movie which affected my enjoyment. I can see why it is critically acclaimed for portrayal of place and time as well as camera shots. Still, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to most people.
How to see it: “Roma” is a Netflix Original movie so it is available only on Netflix!! Click here to watch it. If you don’t have a subscription, you can sign up for a free month.
“A Star is Born”
“A Star is Born” is a remake (3rd?) about a struggling, famous singer who discovers and falls in love with another talented singer. I feel like everyone has seen this movie already so I feel silly describing it!! 🙂
My experience: I was so psyched about this movie because the official trailer left me in awe of how this movie presented itself. I could (and have) watched this trailer over and over!!! I did really enjoy the movie, yet perhaps not as much as the trailer predicted I would. But the soundtrack of course is amazing and so is the acting.
How to see it: If you are one of the few people who have not seen this or you want to see it again, it will be widely available. You can purchase on Amazon Prime on Feb. 19. A cheaper option is RedBox, where it will also be available Feb. 19. Click here to watch “A Star is Born, A: SE (2018)”on Amazon.
“Green Book”
“Green Book” is a drama and comedy about a working-class Italian who drives a African-American pianist on a tour through the south in the 1960s. The title refers to a travel guide for blacks to most safely travel through the south. It is based on a true story and friendship.
My experience: I loved this movie. It is a crowd pleaser. Although it is primarily a story of racial divides and discrimination in America, I also appreciated its (true) take on how different personalities can still become good friends.
How to see it: This movie is still widely available in theaters so get out there and see it! But if you miss it at the theater it will be available for streaming on Redbox Feb. 19 and also purchase on Amazon on this same date. Click here to purchase “Green Book.”
“Vice”
“Vice” is a biopic (unauthorized, I’m sure) of Dick Cheney during his time as Vice President.
My experience: I have yet to see this. I am hoping to go see it this is week.
How to see it: Of all the films, this may be the most challenging to catch in time. It is wrapping up its time in the theater, and I am not seeing the specific dates that it will be available anywhere else. So get to the theater ASAP!! It will eventually be available on Amazon: Click here to purchase “Vice”
“Black Panther”
“Black Panther” is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character. He is defending Wakanda, a technologically advanced country in Africa.
My experience: Sorry I am just not a superhero movie person. I did enjoy this one as much or more than any of the others I’ve seen or quit watching ha! It was visually beautiful. If time allows, I plan to watch it again to see if I can get into it more.
How to see it: “Black Panther” is available on Netflix, free for members. It is also available at RedBox. You can rent on Amazon Prime for $3.99: Black Panther (2018)(Theatrical Version)
“BlacKkKlansman”
“BlacKkKlansman” is a drama portraying racism in America. A newly hired black detective attempts to prove his worth by infiltrating the local chapter of the KKK.
My experience: This movie was terrifying to me – not only because of the depictions of racism but also the situations that the detectives put themselves in. It was well done. As this is a primarily a book blog, it is my duty to tell you this was based on this memoir: Black Klansman: Race, Hate, and the Undercover Investigation of a Lifetime.
How to see it: This is already available to rent on Amazon: Click here to rent “Blackkklansman”. It is also already available at RedBox!
“Bohemian Rhapsody”
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is a biopic and drama that celebrates the rock band Queen and its lead singer Freddie Mercury.
My experience: I loved this movie. Although I grew up listening to Queen, I didn’t know their story or understand how incredibly popular they were. After this movie I have a much greater appreciation for who they were as a band and for the music they created. The Live Aid re-creation was incredible. I also see Rami Malek as best actor for this performance.
How to see it: It is only currently available for purchase on Amazon: Bohemian Rhapsody. It will be available at RedBox on Feb. 12
Other movies nominated for awards
I have put a couple of other movies on my immediate to-watch list because they were nominated for other major awards although not best picture. You can see the official list of all the nominated films and categories here.
“If Beale Street Could Talk”
“If Beale Street could talk is adapted from a novel by James Baldwin, which I am currently reading (link here): If Beale Street Could Talk. It is a love story set in 1970s Harlem about a black man imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. This is up for three awards, including adapted screenplay and actress in a supporting role.
How to see it: This is still in some theaters but hurry! It will be available on Amazon in the future but no date set: If Beale Street Could Talk
“The Wife”
“The Wife” is about the woman in the shadow of a famous novelist. Glenn Close is nominated for Best Actress and may win!
How to see it: This will be at RedBox on Jan. 29 and for purchase on Amazon the same day: The Wife
My experience: This is a great movie for writers and readers to watch. It reminded me a lot of a book I read last year though I can’t say which one without giving too much away. I can see why she may win the Oscar for this performance!
“At Eternity’s Gate”
This is a biopic of Vincent Van Gogh. William Dafoe is nominated for best actor.
My experience: I enjoyed this movie although it is more experimental/cinematic and not for everyone (my husband). For example, there are long shots tall grass as it beautifully brushes aside as Van Gogh passes. It is scenic and provides insight (as much as possible) into this life. I thought Dafoe may deserve the Oscar for best actor but that was before I saw Bohemian Rhapsody.
How to see it: Available at RedBox and Amazon on Feb. 12. Watch “Eternity’s Gate”
“Can You Ever Forgive Me?”
A comedy based on a true story, a struggling writer cheats and lies to find success. Melissa McCartney is nominated for best actress!
How to see it: This will be available Feb. 19 at RedBox and Amazon: Watch “Can You Ever Forgive Me”
Overlooked?
I want give a shout out to my friends at “Mashley at the Movies” who – unlike me – see movies all year and have a great podcast. They had a couple favorites they feel were overlooked that I am interested in seeing.
“Eighth Grade” available on Netflix only.
“Will You Be My Neighbor” running on PBS for one night only Feb. 9 (check your local listings.
Thank you for reading this long, long post. Let me know your favorites below and what may have been overlooked.
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