Oscar 2022: Must-See Netflix Nominated Movies

Hey guys! The 2022 Oscars were a blast, weren't they? And Netflix totally brought their A-game with a bunch of amazing movies. So, if you're still catching up (like me!), let's dive into some of the best Netflix films that snagged those sweet Oscar nominations. Get your popcorn ready; this is gonna be a fantastic movie marathon!

The Power of the Dog

Okay, let's kick things off with The Power of the Dog. This movie was, like, everywhere during awards season, and for good reason! Directed by Jane Campion, it’s a visually stunning and deeply psychological Western that explores themes of masculinity, repression, and unspoken desires. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Phil Burbank, a charismatic yet cruel rancher whose world is turned upside down when his brother brings home a new wife and her son.

The performances in The Power of the Dog are absolutely top-notch. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a career-defining performance, portraying Phil with a simmering intensity that keeps you on edge. Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons, who are also a couple in real life, bring incredible depth to their roles as the wife and brother, respectively. Kodi Smit-McPhee, as the gentle and observant son, is equally compelling.

What makes The Power of the Dog so captivating is its slow-burn narrative and its exploration of complex characters. The movie doesn't spoon-feed you answers; instead, it invites you to interpret the characters' motivations and relationships. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the vast and desolate landscapes of Montana, which mirror the characters' inner turmoil. The film received a whopping 12 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Jane Campion, Best Actor for Benedict Cumberbatch, Best Supporting Actress for Kirsten Dunst, and Best Supporting Actor for both Jesse Plemons and Kodi Smit-McPhee. Jane Campion ultimately won Best Director, making history as the third woman to ever win the award. If you're looking for a thought-provoking and visually stunning film, The Power of the Dog is a must-watch. Trust me, you'll be thinking about it long after the credits roll!

Don't Look Up

Next up, we have Don't Look Up, a satirical comedy that hits a little too close to home, right? This star-studded film, directed by Adam McKay, follows two astronomers, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, who discover a giant comet hurtling towards Earth. Their mission? To warn the world and, you know, prevent total annihilation. Sounds simple enough, but things get hilariously complicated when they encounter a media landscape obsessed with sensationalism and a political system more concerned with self-preservation than saving the planet.

Don't Look Up is packed with A-list talent, including Meryl Streep as the narcissistic President of the United States, Jonah Hill as her equally clueless son and chief of staff, and Cate Blanchett as a charismatic news anchor. The film's humor is sharp and often uncomfortable, as it skewers everything from social media addiction to political polarization. It's the kind of movie that makes you laugh and cringe at the same time, because, let's be honest, it feels a little too real.

Despite its comedic tone, Don't Look Up raises some serious questions about our society's ability to address existential threats. The film's message is clear: we need to take science seriously and prioritize the common good over short-term political gains. While it didn't win any Oscars, Don't Look Up was nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Score, and sparked a ton of conversations about climate change, media literacy, and the state of our world. If you're in the mood for a dark comedy that will make you think, give Don't Look Up a watch. You might laugh, you might cry, but you'll definitely be entertained.

Tick, Tick... Boom!

Okay, musical lovers, this one's for you! Tick, Tick... Boom! is a biographical musical drama directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, making his directorial debut. The film tells the story of Jonathan Larson, the creator of the groundbreaking musical Rent, as he struggles to make his mark in the theater world. Andrew Garfield delivers an amazing performance as Jonathan, capturing his energy, passion, and vulnerability.

Tick, Tick... Boom! is a celebration of creativity and the sacrifices artists make to pursue their dreams. The film follows Jonathan as he approaches his 30th birthday, feeling the pressure to achieve success before it's too late. He's working as a waiter while writing his musical, Superbia, and facing constant rejection. Despite the challenges, Jonathan never gives up on his vision, fueled by his love for music and his belief in his own talent.

What makes Tick, Tick... Boom! so special is its authenticity and its heartfelt portrayal of Jonathan Larson's life. Lin-Manuel Miranda, a longtime admirer of Larson's work, brings a deep understanding and respect to the story. The musical numbers are fantastic, blending Larson's original songs with new compositions that enhance the narrative. Andrew Garfield's performance is a tour de force, earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. While he didn't win, his portrayal of Jonathan Larson is unforgettable. If you're a fan of musicals, or if you're an artist struggling to find your voice, Tick, Tick... Boom! is a must-see. It's a reminder that dreams are worth fighting for, even when the odds are stacked against you.

The Hand of God

Alright, time for a little international flair! The Hand of God is an Italian coming-of-age drama directed by Paolo Sorrentino. Set in Naples in the 1980s, the film tells the story of Fabietto Schisa, a teenage boy whose life is turned upside down by two unexpected events: the arrival of football legend Diego Maradona and a shocking family tragedy. The Hand of God is a semi-autobiographical film, drawing on Sorrentino's own experiences growing up in Naples.

The film is a vibrant and emotional portrait of adolescence, exploring themes of family, love, loss, and the search for identity. Fabietto is a young man caught between two worlds: the excitement of football and the passion for cinema. He idolizes Maradona, seeing him as a symbol of hope and possibility. But when tragedy strikes, Fabietto must confront the harsh realities of life and find his own path.

The Hand of God is a visually stunning film, capturing the beauty and chaos of Naples with Sorrentino's signature style. The performances are excellent, with Filippo Scotti delivering a breakout performance as Fabietto. The film was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars, and while it didn't win, it was a powerful and moving representation of Italian cinema. If you're looking for a film that will transport you to another time and place, and make you feel deeply, The Hand of God is a must-watch.

Audible

Now, for something a little different. Audible is a short documentary that follows a group of deaf high school football players at the Maryland School for the Deaf as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and prepare for their final homecoming game. This film offers a powerful and intimate look into the lives of these young athletes, showcasing their resilience, determination, and camaraderie.

Audible is more than just a sports documentary; it's a story about community, identity, and the power of human connection. The film follows Amaree McKenstry-Hall, a star player on the football team, as he grapples with the loss of a close friend and prepares to graduate. Amaree and his teammates find solace and strength in their shared experiences, and their bond is truly inspiring.

What makes Audible so impactful is its authentic and unfiltered portrayal of deaf culture. The film uses subtitles to make the dialogue accessible to hearing viewers, but it also incorporates visual storytelling techniques that allow the audience to experience the world from the perspective of the deaf community. Audible was nominated for Best Documentary Short Subject at the Oscars, and while it didn't win, it raised awareness about the importance of inclusivity and representation. If you're looking for a short but powerful film that will leave you feeling inspired, Audible is a must-watch.

So there you have it, folks! A rundown of some of the amazing Netflix movies that were nominated for Oscars in 2022. Whether you're into Westerns, comedies, musicals, dramas, or documentaries, there's something on this list for everyone. Happy watching!