This weekend marks the Oscars, and soon the list of contenders will be reduced to winners and past nominees. For those looking for last-minute award-contender movies to watch on streaming or video on demand, we have curated a selection that includes recent releases, nominees, and past winners. From a gripping journalism thriller to a music biopic and a haunting ghost story, this list offers something for every taste. Additionally, we highlight a classic documentary and a critically acclaimed thriller set to debut on Netflix.
Exploring Historical Events Through Film
For those interested in historical dramas, there are two standout options that delve into significant moments from the past. One film focuses on the challenges faced by a news crew during a tragic event, while another provides an insightful look at the Munich Olympics hostage crisis through both fiction and documentary lenses. These films offer a powerful exploration of real-life events, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the complexities involved.
The journalism thriller September 5 transports audiences to the 1972 Munich Olympics, where a Palestinian militant group took Israeli athletes hostage. The film follows an ABC Sports news crew as they navigate the practical, moral, and ethical dilemmas of reporting on such a harrowing event. With a strong ensemble cast led by Peter Sarsgaard, this film is nominated for Best Original Screenplay. Streaming on Paramount+ and MGM+, it offers a tense and thought-provoking experience. If you're subscribing to MGM+ for this film, consider pairing it with One Day in September, the 1999 Academy Award-winning documentary that examines the same event from a research-based perspective. Director Kevin Macdonald's work delves into the failings of the German government and provides a comprehensive view of the incident, making for a compelling double feature.
Showcasing Artistic Genius and Creative Experiments
Music biopics and innovative storytelling techniques take center stage in this section. A biographical drama about a legendary musician and a unique ghost story showcase the diversity of filmmaking. Both films push creative boundaries, offering audiences fresh perspectives on familiar genres. Whether it's exploring the transformation of a folk icon or experiencing a narrative from an unconventional viewpoint, these selections promise to captivate and inspire.
A Complete Unknown, a music biopic nominated for eight Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, tells the story of Bob Dylan's rise from the Greenwich Village folk scene to his groundbreaking electric performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. Timothée Chalamet, who portrays Dylan, is a frontrunner for Best Actor following his SAG win. The film also features strong supporting performances by Monica Barbaro and Edward Norton. Available on VOD platforms like Amazon, this movie captures the essence of a musical revolution. Meanwhile, Steven Soderbergh's latest project, Presence, offers a unique take on the ghost story genre. Shot entirely from the ghost's perspective, this film explores the dynamics of an unhappy family living in a haunted house. Though not particularly scary, it showcases Soderbergh's innovative approach to filmmaking. Available on VOD, this formal experiment is sure to intrigue viewers seeking something different. Lastly, Denis Villeneuve's Sicario, which debuts on Netflix this month, is a border thriller that has garnered critical acclaim for its cinematography and sound editing. This intense and cynical tale of an FBI agent's journey into cartel territory is a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.