What to Watch? An Oscar Movie to Suit Everyone’s Taste
Sunday night’s Oscars brought the glitz and glam to the world of cinema. Oftentimes, people have a set idea of the “type” of films that are nominated for an Academy Award, however we’ve compiled a list of movies to suit a multitude of audiences and every one has been nominated (and won) an Oscar! We have selected two movies based on a range of different movie tastes. So get the popcorn popping, grab a few tasty treats and settle in to our Oscar Movie Madness!
If you like… History
History buffs rejoice, the Oscars love a good historic film just like you! Our picks for best historic Oscar winners are…
The King’s Speech (2010).
The King’s Speech was nominated for 12 Oscar’s in 2010, and won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Original Screenplay.
What’s it about? Colin Firth stars as future King George VI who struggles with a stammer. With public speaking being at the forefront of royal life, Firth’s character sees speech and language therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). The story centres around the struggle King George VI faced with not only his speech, but the announcement of his brother’s abdication meaning the crown would now rest on his head.
12 Years A Slave (2013).
12 Years A Slave won Best Motion Picture Of The Year, as well as Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role and Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay.
What’s it about? 12 Years A Slave is based on the 1853 slave memoir of Solomon Northup. Northup was born a State-born free African American from New York City. He was kidnapped and sold into slavery. The movie follows Northup’s traumatic story of being sold into slavery, and his pursuit of regaining his freedom.
If you like… “Based on a True Story”
If you enjoy a story that’s true to real life then these two movies are worth a watch…
The Blind Side (2009).
The Blind Side was nominated for Best Picture at The Academy Awards, and won for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
What’s it about? Starring Sandra Bullock and Quinton Aaron this is a biographical movie based around American football. The Blind Side follows Michael Oher, an offensive lineman who is brought up in impoverished condition, adopted by Bullock’s character and her husband in the hopes of a better life Oher becomes a coveted college footballer.
The Theory of Everything (2014).
The Theory of Everything was nominated for 5 Oscars at the 87th Academy Awards. Eddie Redmayne won for Best Actor.
What’s it about? The Theory of Everything follows the life of theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. Focusing on his diagnoses of ALS and the breakdown of his marriage to college sweetheart, The Theory of Everything is based on a book by Jane Hawking.
Photo by JESHOOTS.com from Pexels.
If you like… Musicals
Have a sing-song with these Oscar worthy musicals!
Les Misérables (2012).
Nominated for 8 Academy Awards, Les Mis won for Best Supporting Actress, Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Sound Mixing.
What’s it about? A musical number based on the novel by Victor Hugo, Les Mis is set in revolutionary France and follows the life of convict Jean Valjean. An intricate story where characters lives overlap in several ways throughout, Les Mis is a classic and should be top of your must see list!
La La Land (2016).
You probably remember this one for the awkward “have they/haven’t they won” scenario at the 89th Academy Awards. While they didn’t win Best Picture (check out Moonlight if you want to see the movie that did win), La La Land won for Best Director, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, and Best Production Design.
What’s it about? Following aspiring actress Mia as she navigates breaking into Hollywood, La La Land focuses on her relationship with Sebastian, a jazz pianist. The two rising stars must face the ups and downs of stardom as jealousy impacts their lives in a way they didn’t expect.
If you like… Romance
Of course we have options for all the hopeless romantics out there…
Midnight In Paris (2011).
Nominated for 4 Oscars, Midnight in Paris won for Best Original Screenplay (Woody Allen).
What’s it about? A bit of a fantasy film, Midnight in Paris follows Gil as he escapes his troublesome marriage and goes back in time every night at midnight to roam the streets of 1920’s Paris. A quirky watch when you want something romantic with a twist!
Call Me By Your Name (2017).
Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Original Song, Call Me By Your Name won Best Adapted Screenplay at the 90th Academy Awards.
What’s it about? A romantic coming of age story, Call Me By Your Name follows Elio a 17 year old Jewish-American boy living in Italy, who meets Oliver, a 24 year old student. The two become close and Elio starts to develop feelings for Oliver. The two pursue a relationship, however distance separates them. Call Me By Your Name is the story of the impact a first love has.
Photo by Alex Munsell on Unsplash.
If you like… Animated Movies
Whether it’s to watch with the kids or you just enjoy a bit of animation, these two movies tick all the Oscar worthy boxes!
Up (2009).
Up won for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score and Best Picture at the 82nd Academy Awards. An amazing achievement for an animated movie.
What’s it about? Old-age widower, Carl meets enthusiastic boy scout Russell and the two take off on an adventure to South America when Carl decides to tie thousands of balloons to his house and follow his and his late wife’s dream of travelling. Russell’s presence in the house is unbeknownst to Carl at first. The two forge an unlikely friendship which is central to the plot. A story of love and loss, the opening credits alone pack an emotional punch!
Coco (2017).
At the 90th Academy Awards, Coco won for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
What’s it about? Coco is based in Mexico and follows the story of Miguel, a young aspiring musician who finds himself in The Land of the Dead on Día de Muertos. He must get back to the land of the living before he disappears completely. His adventure is assisted by a host of interesting characters. A colourful exploration of death and loss, Coco is a must watch for adults and children alike.