Synopses of the 2024 Oscar-Nominated Best Picture Films

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We finally know all the nominees for ‘Best Picture’ category at the 2024 Oscars! As expected, the impact of the Barbieheimer phenomenon is evident, with both films securing nominations in multiple categories. This year promises a strong lineup of exceptional cinema, setting the stage for a fierce competition. Whether you haven’t had the opportunity to watch these films, missed a few, or simply wish to learn more about this year’s Best Picture nominees, we’ve got you covered. 

American Fiction

• Director: Cord Jefferson
• Country: United States
• Language: English
• Genre: Comedy-Drama

The film follows the story of a college professor and novelist who, despite producing remarkable work, doesn’t receive recognition because they don‘t fit the typical ‘black’ themes. In frustration, he decides to write a deliberately exaggerated and stereotypical ‘black’ book as satire. However, things take an unexpected turn when the book gets published and becomes a huge success, receiving widespread praise. 

The movie is Cord Jefferson’s directorial debut, starring Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, and Keith David.

     The dumber I behave, the richer I get.”

Anatomy of a Fall 

• Director: Justine Triet
• Country: France
• Language: French/English
• Genre: Legal Drama Thriller

For the past year, Sandra, her husband Samuel, and their eleven-year-old son Daniel have been living in isolation in a small town in the French Alps. When Samuel is discovered dead in the snow near their chalet, the police start to investigate whether it was a case of murder or suicide. Samuel’s death raises suspicions, and Sandra becomes the prime suspect. What unfolds is not just an inquiry into how Samuel died but also a deeply unsettling exploration of the complex dynamics in Sandra and Samuel’s troubled relationship. 

The movie stars Sandra Hüller, Swann Arlaud, Milo Machado Graner, Antoine Reinartz, Samuel Theis, Jehnny Beth, Camille Rutherford.

Barbie

• Director: Greta Gerwig
• Country: United States
• Language: English
• Genre:  Fantasy-Comedy

Barbie begins to experience an existential crisis that prompts her to reevaluate everything she knows. She and Ken embark on a journey of self-discovery, navigating both Barbieland and the real world. 

The movie stars Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, Hari Nef, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Mackey, Connor Swindells, Michael Cera.

The Holdovers

• Director: Alexander Payne
• Country: United States
• Language: English
• Genre: Comedy-Drama

The movie follows a grumpy instructor at a New England prep school who is forced to stay on campus during the Christmas break to supervise a small group of students who have no other plans. 

The movie stars Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Carrie Preston, Dominic Sessa.

Killers of the Flower Moon

• Director: Martin Scorsese
• Country: United States
• Language: English/Osage
• Genre:Western True-Crime Thriller

At the turn of the 20th century, oil brought a fortune to the Osage Nation, who became some of the richest people in the world overnight. The wealth of these Native Americans immediately attracted white outsiders, who manipulated, extorted, and stole as much Osage money as they could before resorting to murder. The story unfolds through the unlikely love story of Ernest Burkhart and Mollie Kyle, where real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal.

The movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Mollie Kyle, Robert De Niro, Jesse Plemons, John Lithgow, Brendan Fraser, Tantoo Cardinal, Cara Jade Myers, JaNae Collins, and Jillian Dion.

Maestro

• Director: Bradley Cooper
• Country: United States
• Language: English
• Genre:  Biographical Romantic Drama Film

Maestro follows the lifelong relationship between cultural icon Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein, from the moment they met in 1946 at a party, through two engagements, a 25-year marriage and three children.

The movie stars Bradley Cooper, Carey Mulligan, Felicia Montealegre, Matt Bomer, Sarah Silverman, Maya Hawke.

Oppenheimer 

• Director: Christopher Nolan
• Country: United States
• Language: English
• Genre: Biographical Thriller

Jumping back and forth through time as it explores the life and legacy of Oppenheimer, the film delves into the profound ethical consequences and the inherent dangers accompanying the pursuit of groundbreaking technologies, forcing audiences to confront the moral complexities and dilemmas arising from scientific advancements. 

The movie stars Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Rami Malek, Josh Hartnett, Gary Oldman.

Past Lives

• Director: Celine Song
• Country: United States
• Language: English/Korean
• Genre: Romantic Drama

The movie follows the lives of Nora and Hae Sung, who were childhood friends attending the same school in Seoul. However, their friendship comes to an end when Nora’s family moves to Canada. After twelve years, Nora notices that Hae Sung has been trying to reconnect with her through social media. They reestablish contact and reunite for one week in New York, where they struggle with ideas of destiny and love. 

The movie stars Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro, Moon Seung-ah, Leem Seung-min.

Poor Things 

• Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
• Country: United States
• Language: English
• Genre: Sci-Fi, Comedy, Drama, Romance

The film portrays the transformation of a young girl named Bella Baxter, who is brought back to life by the brilliant but unconventional scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter. Under her guidance, Bella is eager to learn and longs for the worldly experiences she missed. She embarks on an adventurous journey across different continents with Duncan Wedderburn, a charming but morally questionable lawyer. Freed from the social prejudices of her time, Bella becomes unwavering in her commitment to championing equality and liberation.

The movie stars Emma Stone, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, Jerrod Carmichael, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley.

The Zone of Interest

• Director: Jonathan Glazer
• Country: United States, United Kingdom, Poland
• Language: German/Polish/Yiddish
• Genre: Historical Drama

The film tells the story of Rudolf Höss, a German Nazi commandant, as he strives to establish a dream life with his wife, Hedwig, in a next to the German Auschwitz concentration camp.

The movie stars Christian Friedel, Sandra Hüller, Marie Rosa Tietjen, Johann Karthaus, Daniel Holzberg, Ralph Herforth.