The Oscars stand as the biggest night for film enthusiasts, and with the recently released nominations, there's no better time to dive into all the acclaimed films before the awards ceremony on 10 March.
Explore Prime Video's array of Oscar-nominated films, ranging from compelling biopics like Oppenheimer to gripping thrillers such as Anatomy of a Fall.
Barbie
Nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Ryan Gosling), Best Supporting Actress (America Ferrera), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Original Song ("What was I Made For" by Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell and "I'm Just Ken" by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt)
This blockbuster musical comedy directed by Greta Gerwig is not just a visual delight but a smart and funny exploration of self-discovery, feminism, and the patriarchy through the world of Barbies. Margot Robbie shines as Stereotypical Barbie, living in the perfect Barbieland until she is plagued by thoughts of death, leading her on a hilarious adventure with Ken (Ryan Gosling) to uplift the spirits of the girl playing with her real-world doll counterpart. Get ready for delightful gags, disco dance parties, beach battles, and unforgettable musical moments—prepare to have "I'm Just Ken" on repeat in your mind.
With production design and costumes straight out of the Barbie Dream Houses we all loved, it's no wonder Barbie is a top contender for awards at this year's Academy Awards.
Rent Barbie for £4.99 or buy it for £13.99 on Prime Video.
Oppenheimer
Nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor (Cillian Murphy), Best Director (Christopher Nolan), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Junior), Best Supporting Actress (Emily Blunt), Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Film Editing, Best Sound
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Smith, Oppenheimer skilfully immerses us in the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the visionary physicist and architect of the atomic bomb who grappled with the devastating consequences of his creation. Oppenheimer’s (Cillian Murphy) journey unfolds from his days as a student in Europe to a professor in California and ultimately to New Mexico, where he spearheaded the Manhattan Project – the top-secret US programme to build the atomic bomb during World War II. Told in a non-linear style between multiple time periods, brace yourself for a showdown with Oppenheimer’s nemesis Lewis Strauss (Robert Downey Jr) which unfolds through tense government hearings to revoke Oppenheimer’s security clearance and tarnish his public image. Clocking in at just over three hours long and featuring a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, and Emily Blunt, this biopic is sure to be a big winner at this year's Academy Awards.
Oppenheimer is available to rent for £4.99 or buy for £13.99 on Prime Video.
Anatomy of a Fall
Nominations: Best Picture, Best Actress (Sandra Huller), Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing
In this gripping legal thriller, a celebrated writer Sandra (Sandra Hüller) finds herself on trial when her husband Samuel (Samuel Theis) an aspiring author, tragically plummets to his death from the attic window of their secluded chalet in France. The narrative unfolds into a suspenseful courtroom drama, exploring Sandra's life, her marriage with Samuel, and the testimony of their son, who is compelled to speak in open court. The film raises the pivotal question: is Sandra innocent or guilty?
Anatomy of a Fall is available to rent for £4.49 or to buy for £13.99 on Prime Video.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominations: Best Picture, Best Actress, Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, Best Production Design, Best Film Editing
Martin Scorsese's latest historical epic, based on David Grann's Killers of the Flower Moon, transports viewers to 1920s Oklahoma, revealing an untold chapter in American history. The Osage Nation, enriched by oil discovery, falls victim to a sinister plot led by William Hale (Robert De Niro) and his cohorts in Fairfax, Oklahoma, as they aim to siphon off the newfound wealth and commit murder. The narrative follows Ernest Burkhart (Leo DiCaprio), William’s nephew, who marries an Osage woman Mollie (Lily Gladstone) to exploit her fortune. Unfolding against the struggles of the Osage community, the film portrays Mollie's courageous fight to protect her people amidst mysterious deaths. Exploring themes of love, greed, and the historical treatment of Native Americans, the movie delivers a compelling story with standout performances, especially from Lily Gladstone.
Buy Killers of the Flower Moon for £13.99 on Prime Video.
Past Lives
Nominations: Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay
Starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro, Past Lives takes you on a poignant journey spanning 24 years, tracing the lives of childhood friends Nora Moon (played by Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (played by Teo Yoo). Initially separated when Nora relocates from Korea to Canada, their romantic connection is reignited through Facebook and Skype, only to be temporarily severed as they focus on their individual lives. When Hae-sung visits Nora and her husband in New York, the two engage in heartfelt discussions about their lives, relationships, and the concept of "in yun" — the idea of reuniting people who were lovers in past lives. This visually stunning romantic drama, drawn from director Celine Song’s personal story, is sure to linger in your thoughts and emotions long after the credits roll.
Rent Past Lives for £4.99 or buy it for £9.99 on Prime Video.
The Holdovers
Nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor (Paul Giamatti), Best Supporting Actress (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing
Transport yourself back to 1970 with The Holdovers, a heart-warming and hilarious Christmas story set in a New England prep school. Paul Giamatti shines as Paul Hunham, a grumpy professor tasked with overseeing a handful of students left behind during the Christmas break. Among them is Angus Tully, played by the talented newcomer Dominic Sessa, a bright student with a penchant for mischief. Joining the unlikely trio is Mary Lamb (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), the school’s head cook who is grappling with the loss of her son in Vietnam. Prepare for a journey filled with laughter and poignant moments as these three companions navigate the holiday break together, forging unexpected bonds along the way.
The Holdovers is available to rent for £15.99 or buy for £19.99 on Prime Video
Elemental
Nominations: Best Animated Feature
Elemental is a heartwarming tale of love, family, and acceptance in a world where different elemental forces (fire, water, earth, air) live together. Join Ember Lumen, a fire element and Wade Ripple, a water element, as they embark on a journey to save Ember’s family store and develop a budding romance along the way. But there’s more to Elemental than the central love story. The film also explores the universal immigrant experience, exploring themes like otherness, class, prejudice and more. Elemental is not just for children, it is a cinematic treat for both kids and adults, blending heart, humour, and stunning visuals.
Rent Elemental for £4.49 or buy it for £13.99.
Napoleon
Nominations: Best Visual Effects, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design
Ridley Scott's gripping historical drama unfolds the captivating story of Napoleon Bonaparte (Joaquin Phoenix), tracing his remarkable rise to power and the tumultuous relationship with his wife, Empress Josephine (Vanessa Kirby). This epic film takes you from Napoleon's humble beginnings in Corsica to his pivotal role as an officer in the French Army during the Revolution and, ultimately, to becoming the most powerful figure in the world. With its immersive narrative, this cinematic journey offers history enthusiasts a thrilling exploration of Napoleon's life, love, and legacy.
Napoleon is available to rent for £15.99 and buy for £19.99.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Nominations: Best Animated Feature Film
Get ready for an exhilarating ride in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the sequel to the Oscar-winning animated sensation, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Miles goes on an epic adventure across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence. When the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most. Don't miss the action, emotion, and stunning animation - this movie is a must-watch for everyone.
Buy Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse for £13.99 on Prime Video.
