Many people returned to theatres this year to see blockbuster movies on the silver screen, instead of in their own houses, following the quarantine and pandemic. The release of nominations for the Oscar awards left people excited to watch the program, and rooting for their favorites. This being said, let’s see the rundown:

Best Picture:

BELFAST

A young boy and his family face challenges due to attacks on Catholics in the August 1969 riots in Northern England.

CODA

Tells the story of a family of deaf adults and their hearing child. CODA means “child of deaf adults.”

DON’T LOOK UP

Satire about astronomers attempting to warn humanity about the threat of a comet coming to hit earth, which no one takes seriously. Stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, and Meryl Streep appear.

DRIVE MY CAR

Drama film about a family made in Japan, it was inspired by a short story called “Men Without Women.”

DUNE

A science fiction story based on the book of the same name, this is the first film in the series and features Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya.

KING RICHARD

A biopic of the young lives of Venus and Serena Williams and their father, portrayed by Will Smith.

LICORICE PIZZA

Set in 1973, this movie is a coming of age story which features Alana Haim and Bradley Cooper.

NIGHTMARE ALLEY

Psychological thriller film based on the 1946 book of the same name, starring Bradley Cooper.

THE POWER OF THE DOG

A western drama that stars Benedict Cumberbatch set in 1925 Montana.

WEST SIDE STORY

An adaptation of the classic Broadway play.

As for actors in a leading role, some big names are in the mix, including: Benedict Cumberbatch for The Power of the Dog, Andrew Garfield for Tick Tick Boom, Will Smith for King Richard, Denzel Washington for The Tragedy of Macbeth, and Javier Bardem for Being the Ricardos. Actresses up for Leading Roll are Penelope Cruz for Parallel Mothers, Olivia Coleman for The Lost Daughter, Nicole Kidman for Being the Ricardos, Jessica Chastain for The Eyes of Tammy Faye, and Kristin Stewart for Spencer, about Princess Diana.

Big names and new faces are sure to make this year’s award ceremony great, so make sure to catch up on these movies before watching the anticipated red carpet and opening of envelopes on March 27.