A Complete Unknown official trailer with Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan
One of the most anticipated events in Hollywood, the 97th Academy Awards, is set to take place this Sunday.
The star-studded event will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX for UK viewers on March 2.
The annual ceremony recognises the best films from the previous year, as chosen by a committee of Academy members.
This year, Succession’s Kieran Culkin, pop sensation Ariana Grande, and renowned actress Demi Moore are among those competing for awards.
While many film enthusiasts may have seen most of the 2024 releases, the Oscars feature over 20 categories, each with five different nominees, meaning some films might have slipped under the radar.
For those planning a movie marathon before the ceremony, here are five must-see nominees and where you can watch them.
A Complete Unknown
Chalamet is nominated for Best Leading Actor (Image: AP)
A Complete Unknown features Timothée Chalamet, who recently made headlines for his pursuit of greatness. The Dune actor, who received his first Oscar nomination in 2018 for his breakout role in Call Me By Your Name, has another chance at the prestigious award.
In A Complete Unknown, he portrays the legendary Bob Dylan during the early days of his career, reports the Mirror.
The film’s synopsis reveals: “Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota arrives with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music.
“He forges intimate relationships with music icons of Greenwich Village on his meteoric rise, culminating in a ground-breaking and controversial performance that reverberates worldwide.”
A Complete Unknown has also been nominated in prestigious categories including Best Supporting Actor (Edward Norton), Best Supporting Actress (Monica Barbaro), Best Director (James Mangold) and Best Picture.
A Complete Unknown is currently showing in cinemas.
Sing Sing
Domingo is up for the Best Leading Actor prize (Image: A24)
Colman Domingo is no stranger to the Academy Awards. Last year, the 55-year-old actor received a nomination in the Best Leading Actor category for his role in Rustin.
This year, he’s back in the running for the same title with Sing Sing, a heartwarming drama based on the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Domingo portrays Divine G, a wrongfully incarcerated man who discovers a sense of purpose through the arts.
The film’s synopsis states: “Divine G, imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group with other incarcerated men.
“When a wary outsider joins the group, the men decide to stage their first original comedy, in this stirring true story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art, starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors.”
Sing Sing has also received nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Achievement in Music.
Sing Sing can be purchased on Amazon Prime.
Wicked
Erivo and Grande are both nominated for Oscars (Image: AP)
Wicked has taken the internet by storm since its premiere in November, breaking numerous box office records to become the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation of all time.
The film boasts an all-star cast, including accomplished actors and singers Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as witches Elphaba and Glinda, with both performers earning Academy nominations – Erivo for Best Leading Actress and Grande for Best Supporting Actress.
The synopsis reads: “Elphaba, a young woman ridiculed for her green skin, and Galinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads.”
The film has a total of ten nominations, including Best Picture, Best Visual Effects, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score.
Wicked is still showing in cinemas and available to buy on Amazon Prime and Sky Store.
The Substance
Moore is up for her first Oscar (Image: Mubi)
The Substance, Demi Moore’s triumphant return to the big screen, has seen the actress secure her first Oscar nomination. Starring alongside Margaret Qualley, Moore is up for Best Leading Actress.
The horror flick features Moore as a ‘fading actress’ who discovers an age-defying drug. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, the film grapples with themes of beauty standards and body image.
The plot revolves around Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading actress who is fired from her aerobics show by her chauvinistic boss. She injects herself with a mysterious serum that promises a younger version of herself, but things take a disastrous turn.
The Substance has also been nominated for Best Original Screenplay, Best Picture, Best Director and Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
The Substance is currently streaming on MUBI.
A Real Pain was written and directed by actor Jesse Eisenberg (Image: Searchlight Pictures)
Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain, which he wrote and directed, has earned him his second Oscar nod. In 2011, the actor was nominated for his leading role as Mark Zuckerberg in David Fincher’s cult classic The Social Network.
Now, Eisenberg is being recognised for his writing skills in this 2024 drama, where he stars opposite Kieran Culkin (Succession), who is nominated for Best Supporting Actor. The dramedy explores the relationship between two family members during a lengthy road trip.
The plot summary states: “Mismatched cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) reunite for a tour through Poland to honour their beloved grandmother. The adventure takes a turn when the odd-couple’s old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.”
A Real Pain is in cinemas now.
The Oscars Ceremony air this Sunday (March 2) on ITV1 and ITVX from 10.30PM.
