SCREEN GEMS
So you’ve seen a few of the films up for Oscars, but aren’t sure which of the others to watch before the show. With days until the big ceremony, Sonia Rao can help.
1917 SAM MENDES 10 director, nominations: original For screenplay, picture, cinematography, sound editing, sound mixing, production design, makeup and hair, visual effects and original score
How to watch it: In theatres Why to watch it: After landing a few major Oscar predictors, this First World War epic is the front-runner for best picture. PARASITE BONG JOON HO
Six nominations: For picture, director, original screenplay, international feature film, film editing and production design
How to watch it: In select theatres, or rent online
Why to watch it: If 1917 does win best picture, then Parasite will land best international feature. ONCE UPON A TIME ...INHOLLYWOOD QUENTIN TARANTINO
10 nominations: For picture, lead actor, supporting actor, director, original screenplay, cinematography, sound editing, sound mixing, production design and costume design
How to watch it: In select theatres, or rent online
Why to watch it: Tarantino has won the best original screenplay twice. However, before this cycle, none of his films had been nominated for best picture. JOKER TODD PHILLIPS
11 nominations: For picture, lead actor, director, adapted screenplay, cinematography, film editing, sound editing, sound mixing, makeup and hair, costume design and original score
How to watch it: Rent online Why to watch it: Joker landed the most Oscar nominations of any film and has earned Joaquin Phoenix, who plays the infamous Batman villain in this origin story, the best actor trophy at countless ceremonies. WATCH IF YOU HAVE TIME JOJO RABBIT TAIKA WAITITI
Six nominations: For picture, supporting actress, adapted screenplay, film editing, production design and costume design
How to watch it: In select theatres, or rent online
Why to watch it: Waititi’s satire about a Hitler Youth who discovers his mother is hiding a Jewish teenager in their attic, won best adapted screenplay at the BAFTAS, following its triumph at the Writers Guild Awards. MARRIAGE STORY NOAH BAUMBACH
Six nominations: For picture, lead actor, lead actress, supporting actress, original screenplay and original score
How to watch it: Stream online
(Netflix)
Why to watch it: Supporting actress Laura Dern joins peers Phoenix, Renée Zellweger and Brad Pitt in having had a very, very good awards season.
THE MARTIN IRISHMAN SCORSESE
10 nominations: For picture, supporting actor (two nominations), director, adapted screenplay, cinematography, film editing, production design, costume design and visual effects
How to watch it: Stream online
(Netflix)
Why to watch it: Scorsese’s contemplative gangster movie won’t likely win in the oft-discussed Oscar categories, but the critically acclaimed film is worth seeing — and quite accessible. LITTLE GRETA GERWIG WOMEN
Six lead nominations: actress, supporting For picture, actress, adapted screenplay, original score and costume design How to watch it: In theatres Why to watch it: Gerwig was snubbed for a best director nomination this year, attracting the ire of those who loved her adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic coming-of-age story. WATCH AT LEISURE THE TWO POPES FERNANDO MEIRELLES
Three nominations: For lead actor, supporting actor and adapted screenplay
How to watch it: Stream online
(Netflix)
Why to watch it: Critics point to the wittiness of Anthony Mccarten’s script, and masterful performances from both lead actors — Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce. A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD MARIELLE HELLER
One nomination: For best supporting actor
How to watch it: Rent online. Why to watch it: Heller approached the children’s television host’s legacy from an unusual angle, focusing on his relationship with a journalist inspired by Tom Junod rather than telling a straightforward story about Fred Rogers’s own life. HARRIET KASI LEMMONS
Two nominations: For lead actress and original song
How to watch it: Rent online Why to watch it: Harriet, starring first-time nominee Cynthia Erivo, is the first major motion picture to tell Harriet Tubman’s story, and it’s worth appreciating an icon’s journey to the big screen. BOMBSHELL JAY ROACH
Three nominations:
actress, supporting actress, For lead and makeup and hair In select
How to watch it: theatres, or preorder Bombshell, online
Why to watch it: about Fox broadcasting the women legend who ousted Roger Ailes, the lead has actors’ attracted transformations, attention for most Megyn notably Kelly. Charlize Theron as