The 90th annual Academy Awards are right around the corner, and with a few Oscar nominated movies already available on Netflix Australia, there’s no better time to don your stretchy pants and settle in for a weekend of top-quality viewing.
From huge 2017 blockbusters (Beauty and The Beast, anyone?) to moving Netflix originals with more than a few nominations under their belt, these seven titles are worth tuning in to before the big day.
1. Mudbound
Starring Aussie Jason Clarke, Carey Mulligan and Mary J. Blige, Netflix original, Mudbound, has picked up four Oscar nominations – Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Original Song and Best Cinematography.
If that wasn’t impressive enough, it also was responsible for the first ever female cinematographer nomination for Rachel Morrison.
It’s Netflix description reads: “Two Mississippi families — one black, one white — confront the brutal realities of prejudice, farming and friendship in a divided World War II era.”
2. Beauty and The Beast
Disney films picking up Academy Award nominations is a tale as old as time, and the hit 2017 film starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens was never going to be the exception. The stunning film is competing in the Best Production Design and Best Costume Design categories.
Netflix describes the remake as: “Held captive in an enchanted castle where clocks and candlesticks come to life, a brave young woman clashes with a beastly but good-hearted prince.”
3. Guardians of the Galaxy, vol 2
It’s rare for a sequel to break into the Best Picture category, and unsurprisingly, the second Guardians of the Galaxy franchise didn’t quite make the cut. It did, however, pick up a nomination for Best Visual Effects so at least your eyeballs will be pleased.
The film’s Netflix description reads: “The ragtag, wisecracking band of miscreants known as the Guardians of the Galaxy return to unravel the mystery of Peter “Star Lord” Quill’s origins.”
4. Kong: Skull Island
Going head-to-head with Guardians is Kong: Skull Island. The film stars Marvel alums Tom Hiddleston and Samuel L Jackson alongside previous Oscar winner Brie Larson.
If you’re new to the Kong universe, Netflix describes the remake as: “A U.S. military and scientific team sets out to survey an uncharted remote island, unaware of the gigantic surprise that lies in wait for them.”
5. Icarus
For a change of pace, try Best Documentary Feature nominee, Icarus. Actor-director Bryan Fogel sets out to discover the truth about doping in sports making it a timely piece in light of the allegations of doping in the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics.
The Netflix description reads: “In his Oscar-nominated film, an American cyclist plunges into a vast doping scandal involving a Russian scientist — Putin’s most-wanted whistleblower.”
6. Strong Island
Also up for the Best Documentary Feature Oscar is this heart-wrenching piece. You may need to bring out the tissues.
The official description reads: “The forces of family, grief and racial injustice converge in this powerful documentary exploring the murder of filmmaker Yance Ford’s brother.”
Heroin(e)
For a shorter watch, try Elaine McMillion Sheldon’s doco, Heroin(e), which is nominated for Best Documentary (Short).
Netflix describes it as: “This Oscar-nominated film follows three women – a fire chief, a judge and a street missionary – battling West Virginia’s devastating opioid epidemic.”
