Awards season is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in the best films vying for Academy gold. With the Oscars just around the corner in March 2025, it’s not just about the glamour of the red carpet but also about celebrating the artistry and storytelling that capture our imaginations. This year’s buzzy contenders range from emotional biopics to groundbreaking original stories, and each one offers a unique cinematic experience. Whether you’re a die-hard film buff who loves dissecting Best Picture hopefuls or just looking for a standout movie to watch this February, these are the films that have dominated the awards conversation. Adding these to your watchlist will ensure you're ready to join the heated debates when the big night comes around!

1. Oppenheimer

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer has left an indelible mark on both audiences and critics. Released in July 2023, the film explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man deemed the “father of the atomic bomb.”

First off, it’s a Nolan film, and the Academy loves his ambitious storytelling. Cillian Murphy delivers an unforgettable performance as Oppenheimer, radiating both genius and tortured complexity. Expect this biopic to rake in nominations for everything from Best Picture to technical categories like sound design and cinematography.

2. Killers of the Flower Moon

Martin Scorsese’s epic drama, which boasts a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, and Robert De Niro, premiered in late 2023 to rave reviews. Based on David Grann’s nonfiction book, it dives into the Osage Nation murders in the 1920s.

With Scorsese at the helm, you know the craftsmanship is top-tier. DiCaprio’s nuanced performance as the conflicted Ernest Burkhart is mesmerizing, while Gladstone has emerged as a strong contender for Best Actress. Between its gripping narrative and flawless direction, this film is almost guaranteed to be an Oscar heavyweight.

3. The Holdovers

Alexander Payne’s indie darling, The Holdovers, is a heartfelt dramedy set in the 1970s. It stars Paul Giamatti as a grumpy private school teacher tasked with supervising a rebellious student over the holiday break.

Giamatti is incredible, striking the perfect balance between curmudgeon and unexpected mentor. Meanwhile, Payne’s knack for balancing emotional depth with dry humor shines throughout. The Academy adores stories about human connection, making this one a strong contender for Best Original Screenplay.

4. Poor Things

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things has been hailed as one of 2024’s most daring films. Starring Emma Stone as a woman resurrected with an infant’s brain in Frankenstein-esque fashion, it’s a quirky, visually stunning commentary on life and identity.

Emma Stone gives a pitch-perfect performance, pushing herself into new territory that could easily earn her the Best Actress nod. Between Lanthimos’s bold direction and its innovative production design, this movie has the potential to sweep big categories.

5. Maestro

Bradley Cooper returns to the Oscar race, this time as both actor and director of Maestro. The film is a biographical drama about Leonard Bernstein, the iconic composer and conductor. Cooper stars in the lead role, with Carey Mulligan playing Bernstein’s wife, Felicia Montealegre.

Cooper’s dedication to the role is astounding, showcasing Bernstein’s musical genius alongside his complex personal life. Mulligan’s performance is equally haunting, portraying a woman caught in the cracks of love and sacrifices. Between its heartfelt storytelling and lush musical score, Maestro ticks all the boxes of an Academy darling.

6. Anatomy of a Fall

This French-language legal thriller won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and is widely regarded as one of the most compelling films of the year. Directed by Justine Triet, the plot revolves around a wife accused of murdering her husband, with intricate courtroom drama unfolding.

International films have gained traction at the Oscars in recent years (Parasite, anyone?), and Anatomy of a Fall has extraordinary momentum. The film’s razor-sharp storytelling and complex character portrayals make it a frontrunner in the Best International Feature category.

7. Barbie

Surprise! Greta Gerwig’s Barbie isn’t just a pink, sparkly comedy. Beneath the glossy exterior lies a sharp satire about identity, patriarchy, and self-discovery. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling lead the cast, with the latter’s hilarious take on Ken earning all the memes.

While it initially seemed like a commercial spectacle, Barbie turned out to be a critical juggernaut. Gerwig’s inspired direction and screenplay are likely Oscar contenders, with Gosling in the running for Best Supporting Actor. This film could remind everyone that movies don’t need to be “serious” to be award-worthy.

8. The Zone of Interest

Jonathan Glazer’s chilling Holocaust drama explores the banality of evil by focusing on a Nazi officer's family living next to Auschwitz. Loosely based on Martin Amis’s novel, it’s a haunting, thought-provoking piece of work.

Expect The Zone of Interest to be a lock in the Best International Feature and possibly Best Picture categories. The intense subject matter and Glazer’s unflinching direction make it a powerful cinematic experience that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

9. Saltburn

Emerald Fennell wowed audiences with Promising Young Woman, and now she’s back with Saltburn, a darkly comedic thriller about privilege, obsession, and twisted relationships. Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi lead in this gorgeously shot film.

Keoghan’s performance has critics raving, as he crafts a perfect balance between charm and discomfort. Fennell’s sharp writing and stylish direction deliver another intoxicating tale that could make waves in acting and screenplay categories.

From emotional biopics to mind-bending genre films, this year’s Oscar hopefuls showcase extraordinary diversity in storytelling. Whether you’re into intense dramas like Oppenheimer or flashy, high-concept movies like Barbie, there’s something to satisfy every kind of cinephile. These films entertain, push boundaries, spark conversation, and remind us why we love cinema in the first place.

Make some popcorn, find your comfiest spot on the couch, and start streaming or heading back to the theaters. Not only will watching these films prepare you for awards night debates, but they’ll also enrich your appreciation for the artistry that defines today’s filmmaking. Now we just have to wait for the new movies this summer.