It’s something of an understatement to say that the last 12 months have been rather unorthodox for the world of cinema but as things slowly start to return to some form of normality, the 93rd Academy Awards are just around the corner. So let’s take a little look at the 2021 nominations for the highly coveted Best Picture award.

The Father

Directed by Florian Zeller and starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, The Father tells the story of an aging man struggling to cope with his progressive memory loss, refusing assistance from his daughter as he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and the very fabric of his reality.

Judas and the Black Messiah

Shaka King’s Judas and the Black Messiah tells the story of FBI informant, William O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) who infiltrates the Black Panther Party to keep tabs on their charismatic leader (Daniel Kaluuya). Whilst initially O’Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both sides, before long he begins to want out of his deal with the FBI.

Mank

In the mid 1930’s America, along with much of the world, was in the midst of the Great Depression and filmmaker Orson Welles hires washed up alcoholic screenwriter Herman J Mankiewicz to help write a screenplay. The film is ‘Citizen Kane’, and Mank tells the story of how it was written.

Directed by David Lynch and starring Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried and Lily Collins.

Minari

Written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, Minari tells the story of an ambitious father who relocates his Korean-American family to rural Arkansas in a bid to achieve the ever elusive American Dream. But starting afresh is difficult and challenging, and the family must persevere in the face of sincere promises, cultural unease and the ever-present threat of financial ruin.

Nomadland

Based on the book by Jessica Bruder, director Chloe Zhao brings to life her story of a woman who, following the economic collapse of her hometown, becomes a modern day nomad, travelling from state to state across the country, exploring a life outside of conventional society.

Promising Young Woman

Written and directed by Emerald Fennell, Promising Young Woman tells the story of Cassie, a medical school dropout who, traumatised by a past tragedy goes out each night, baiting predatory men and showing them that sometimes the hunter can becomes the prey.

Read my full review – here.

Sound of Metal

Riz Ahmed takes the lead in Darius Marder’s musical drama, Sound of Metal, which tells the story of a heavy-metal drummer whose life is thrown into turmoil as he begins to lose his hearing, and must come to terms with the significant changes this brings to his life.

The Trial of the Chicago 7

Inspired by real events, Aaron Sorkin’s courtroom drama, The Trial of the Chicago 7, tells the shocking story of seven political activists who are on trial for inciting riots and uprisings at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Read my full review – here.

And the winner is….