As we wade through another award season, we're stepping closer and closer to Oscars time. Taking place on March 12, 2023, the 95th Academy Award Season will make the call on the best in cinema this year. This will be a hard choice as 2022 gave us a lot. Alas, no need to fret, here are the oscar films we recommend you watch from the shortlist.
As we peruse the Oscar nominations for 2023, we thought now would be a good time to take a pause and turn our heads to some of the films that stole our hearts in the year that's gone by. Below, find the movies tapped by the Academy as the shortlist set to bring home the winning ticket in 2023. From Everything, Everywhere All at Once, Aftersun and Elvis here is a guide to the films you should see before the awards are dished out!
1. Everything, Everywhere All at Once
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When an interdimensional rupture unravels reality an unlikely hero must channel her newfound powers to fight bizarre and bewildering dangers from the multiverse as the fate of the world hangs in the balance. As the chaos goes, Everything, Everywhere All at Once is not only being considered for Best Picture but 10 others as well, which in turn makes it the most nominated film of the year.
2. Elvis
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Played by Austin Butler, Elvis tells the tale of the rock icon's unprecedented rise to stardom. The story touches on Elvis' childhood, his complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker the role his wife Priscilla played in Elvis finding happiness. Directed by Baz Lurmann, this film has picked up 8 Academy Award nominations so is definitely worth a watch before the votes are in.
3. The Banshees of Inisherin
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On a remote island off the coast of Ireland, Pádraic is devastated when his friend Colm suddenly ends their lifelong friendship. With the help of his sister and a young local, Pádraic is determined to repair the friendship by any means necessary. This doesn't work out quite as planned, as he delivers an ultimatum that leads to shocking consequences.
4. Aftersun
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The A24-produced, Paul Mescal led drama, Aftersun follows Sophie, an 11 year old Scottish girl on vacation with her father at a Turkish resort on the eve of his 31st birthday. While the film is not directly based on the director, Charlotte Wells' life, she does reveal that the tone of the film is situated in her own recollections. This story studies the complexities of the nuanced relationship between a father and daughter. It is Wells' debut and Mescal's first Oscar nomination. If that doesn't pique your interest, I'm not sure what will.
5. Women Talking
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One of the heavier picks that comes with a trigger warning, Women Talking is set on an isolated religious colony. The women there struggle to reconcile with their faith after a series of sexual assaults. This film is based on a true story that was fictionalised by Miriam Toews in her novel of the same name.
6. Tár
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7. Triangle of Sadness
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Now for some laughter Triangle of Sadness brings to mind shows like Below Deck and White Lotus. A cruise for the super-rich sinks, leaving the survivors including a model and a celebrity couple stranded on an island. Directed by Ruben Östlundand and nominated for best picture, we'd highly recommend giving this one a sitting to get those laughs in before the big night.
8. The Whale
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9. Living
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Living is a drama film directed by Oliver Hemanus, with a screenplay by Kazuo Ishiguro. It's not the first time some might have seen the film, with its first iteration coming out in 1952. The film tells the story of an ordinary man, reduced by years of an oppressive office routine to a shadow of his former self before deciding to make something wonderful of his life.
10. All the Beauty and the Bloodshed
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The story of Nan Goldin's life and work pours out in All the Beauty and the Bloodshed. The documentary is a story of activism and feminism through the lens of Goldin's photography as she spearheads protests against the Sackler family. It's a great place to begin if you are interested in the iconic photographer's work and a must-watch this Oscar season.
For a complete list of the Oscar movies 2023 nominations, shortlist check out the definitive list. We'll be updating you in March on which films make the final cut! Happy Oscar's season.
