Top 10 Oscar-Winning Movies Of 2021: A Must-Watch List

Hey movie buffs! Get ready to dive into the glitz, the glamour, and the absolute best of cinema from 2021. The Academy Awards are always a huge event, celebrating the films that moved us, made us think, and sometimes even made us cry. If you're looking to catch up on the films that took home the coveted golden statues, you've come to the right place, guys. We're counting down the top 10 Oscar-winning movies of 2021 that you absolutely need on your watchlist. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's talk about these cinematic masterpieces.

The Reigning Champions: Best Picture and Beyond

When we talk about Oscar wins, the Best Picture category is always the one everyone's buzzing about. For 2021, the ultimate winner was CODA. This heartwarming film about a hearing teenage girl who is the only hearing member of her deaf family, a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), absolutely swept the awards. Its story of family, dreams, and finding your own voice resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The win for CODA wasn't just a victory for the film itself, but also a significant moment for representation, as it highlighted the Deaf community and their experiences in a mainstream Hollywood production. The directing award also went to a powerhouse: Chloé Zhao for Nomadland. While Nomadland came out in 2020, its eligibility for the 2021 Oscars meant it was a major contender and ultimately a huge winner. Zhao's intimate and poignant portrayal of a woman wandering the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad, was nothing short of breathtaking. Her win was historic, making her the first woman of color to win Best Director and only the second woman ever to do so. This film, Nomadland, is a masterclass in subtle storytelling, focusing on the lives of people often overlooked by society. It’s a quiet film, but its emotional impact is profound, exploring themes of grief, resilience, and the search for community in the face of economic hardship. The cinematography alone is worth the watch, capturing the vast, beautiful, and sometimes lonely landscapes of America in a way that feels both epic and deeply personal. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on our own lives and the societal structures we inhabit. The Academy clearly recognized the artistry and emotional depth of these films, making them standout winners.

Acting Triumphs: Performances That Stole the Show

Of course, no Oscar discussion is complete without talking about the acting awards. These are the performances that truly bring stories to life. For Best Actor, the award went to Anthony Hopkins for his absolutely devastating portrayal of a man grappling with dementia in The Father. This film is a powerful and unflinching look at aging, memory, and the loss of self. Hopkins' performance is a tour de force, showcasing incredible vulnerability and strength. He plays a man whose grip on reality is slipping, and the film cleverly puts the audience in his shoes, experiencing his confusion and frustration. The Father is a masterclass in empathetic filmmaking, allowing viewers to understand the profound challenges faced by individuals with cognitive decline and their loved ones. It’s a difficult watch at times, but its honesty and emotional resonance are undeniable. On the Best Actress front, the win went to Frances McDormand for her role in Nomadland. This was her third Best Actress Oscar, a testament to her incredible talent and dedication to her craft. Her performance as Fern is quiet, stoic, and deeply moving, embodying the spirit of a woman who has lost everything but finds a new way to live. Frances McDormand's ability to convey so much with so little is remarkable. She doesn't rely on grand dramatic gestures; instead, her power lies in her subtle expressions, her quiet resilience, and her profound connection to the character. The film’s exploration of her journey into a nomadic lifestyle is a commentary on the American Dream and the search for meaning beyond material possessions. The supporting acting categories also delivered memorable wins. Daniel Kaluuya took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his electrifying performance as Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton in Judas and the Black Messiah. His portrayal was powerful, charismatic, and historically significant. He embodied Hampton's passion and intelligence, making his tragic story incredibly impactful. Daniel Kaluuya’s performance is a standout, capturing the fiery spirit and intellectual prowess of a revolutionary leader. The film itself is a crucial historical document, shedding light on a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement and the forces that sought to silence him. It’s a gripping drama that offers a compelling look at race, power, and resistance in America. And for Best Supporting Actress, the award went to Youn Yuh-jung for her role as the eccentric grandmother in Minari. Her performance was charming, witty, and deeply affecting, adding a wonderful depth to the film. Youn Yuh-jung charmed audiences and the Academy with her nuanced portrayal, bringing warmth and wisdom to the character of Soon-ja. Minari itself is a beautiful, semi-autobiographical story about a Korean-American family trying to make a life for themselves in rural Arkansas. It’s a film about the immigrant experience, family bonds, and the pursuit of the American Dream, told with honesty and grace. Her win was celebrated worldwide, marking a significant achievement for Asian representation in Hollywood.

Beyond the Big Five: Other Notable Oscar Wins

While the major categories often grab the headlines, the Oscars recognize excellence across a wide spectrum of filmmaking. The Best Original Screenplay award went to Emerald Fennell for Promising Young Woman. This bold and provocative film, which also marked Fennell's directorial debut, tackles themes of trauma, revenge, and societal complicity with a unique and stylish flair. Promising Young Woman is a film that sparks conversation, and its sharp, witty screenplay was a major reason for its success. Carey Mulligan's central performance is also a standout, delivering a complex and compelling character. It's a movie that challenges conventions and pushes boundaries, making it a deserving winner for its originality and daring. For Best Adapted Screenplay, the award went to Florian Zeller and Christopher Hampton for The Father. This is a testament to the strength of the storytelling in this powerful film, adapting Zeller's stage play into a cinematic experience that delves deep into the subjective experience of dementia. The screenplay skillfully navigates the disorienting reality of the protagonist, making the audience feel his confusion and emotional turmoil. The Father's screenplay is a masterclass in perspective, drawing the audience into the character's fragmented world in a way that is both heartbreaking and incredibly effective. The Best Animated Feature award went to Soul. This Pixar gem explores profound philosophical questions about life, purpose, and what it truly means to be alive, all wrapped in stunning animation and a touching story. Soul is visually spectacular and intellectually stimulating, offering a fresh take on the animation genre. It’s a film that appeals to both children and adults, with its humor, heart, and existential musings. The Best International Feature Film award was given to Another Round from Denmark. This film, starring Mads Mikkelsen, is a thought-provoking exploration of midlife crises and the pursuit of happiness through a social experiment with alcohol. Another Round is a brilliantly acted and surprisingly uplifting film that delves into complex themes with a light touch. It’s a celebration of life, friendship, and finding joy in the everyday, even amidst existential doubt. The Best Documentary Feature went to My Octopus Teacher. This unique and visually stunning film documents a filmmaker's unusual friendship with an octopus in a South African kelp forest. My Octopus Teacher is a testament to the wonders of the natural world and the profound connections that can form between humans and animals. It’s an intimate and inspiring look at nature, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of life beneath the waves. These films, while perhaps not winning the top prizes, represent the diverse and rich tapestry of cinematic achievement recognized by the Academy. They showcase innovation, powerful storytelling, and the ability of film to connect with us on intellectual, emotional, and even spiritual levels. It's always exciting to see the breadth of talent celebrated, proving that great cinema comes in all forms and genres.

Why These Films Matter

So, why should you care about these Oscar-winning movies from 2021? Well, guys, these films aren't just trophies on a shelf. They represent the pinnacle of storytelling, acting, and filmmaking craft for that year. CODA’s win highlights the importance of diverse voices and stories in Hollywood, proving that a smaller, more intimate film can achieve massive success. It’s a story about family, love, and overcoming obstacles, themes that resonate universally. Nomadland offered a poignant look at a segment of American society often unseen, prompting reflection on economic disparity and the search for belonging. Chloé Zhao’s directorial vision brought a unique and empathetic perspective to the screen. The acting wins for Hopkins, McDormand, Kaluuya, and Youn Yuh-jung underscore the power of performance to transform a film, delivering emotionally charged and unforgettable characters. These performances are studied by aspiring actors and admired by audiences for their depth and authenticity. The screenplay wins for Promising Young Woman and The Father show the incredible talent behind crafting compelling narratives that challenge, entertain, and provoke thought. Whether it's a sharp revenge fantasy or a deeply personal exploration of a degenerative illness, strong writing is the backbone of great cinema. Even in categories like Best Animated Feature and Best International Film, the winners like Soul and Another Round demonstrate the global reach and diverse appeal of cinema, tackling complex themes with creativity and skill. My Octopus Teacher reminds us of our connection to the natural world and the simple beauty of observation. These films, in their own ways, reflect the times we live in, explore timeless human experiences, and push the boundaries of what cinema can achieve. They are conversation starters, emotional journeys, and artistic triumphs. Watching them isn't just about seeing what won an award; it's about experiencing the best of what filmmakers and performers have to offer. So, if you're looking for your next movie night, definitely check out these top Oscar-winning movies of 2021. You won't be disappointed!