Skip to main content

The 2021 Academy Awards are just around the corner, and many movie fans are diving deep to learn what they can about all the performers and films nominated. One of the most hotly-contested categories is Best Picture, and this year, eight top-performing movies are vying for top honors. For fans who want to watch all the nominees before the ceremony in April, there are some great streaming options — so get the tub of popcorn and settle down for a movie marathon of epic proportions. 

Academy Awards (Oscars) Statuette
Academy Awards (Oscars) Statuettes | Andrew H. Walker / Staff

‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ is available on HBO Max

One of the nominees for Best Picture is Judas and the Black Messiah, a biographical drama that tells the story of the betrayal of real-life American activist Fred Hampton. The film, a late arrival for inclusion in the Oscars, hit theaters in early 2021, and is available to watch for viewers at home on the streaming platform HBO Max. Depending on subscription terms, the film is free for many subscribers, as well as those who receive the HBO channel in their cable package. 

Mank tells the story of iconic Hollywood screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz, and his struggle to develop the screenplay for Citizen Kane. The film was released to limited theaters in late 2020, and by early 2021, it had made its way to Netflix, where all subscribers can stream the movie for free, as included in the cost of their subscription. 

‘Minari’ is receiving rave reviews

Starring The Walking Dead actor Steven Yeun, Minari is a semi-autobiographical movie that follows a group of South Korean immigrants who live and work in rural America in the ’80s. All in all, the film has six Academy Award nominations this year and is available to rent or purchase on-demand, through most cable services. 

‘The Father’ features Anthony Hopkins

Featuring a star-studded cast, including Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, The Father tells the story of an aging man who struggles with his own mortality as he deals with the reality of memory loss. With six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, The Father is a must-watch for movie fans of all ages. It is available to watch to Prime subscribers for free on Amazon Prime Video, as well as on-demand through a cable subscription, for a fee. 

‘Nomadland’ earned high marks for Frances McDormand

One of the nominees earning a massive amount of critical praise for the writing, direction, and acting is Nomadland, starring Frances McDormand. The film tells the story of a homeless woman who becomes a world traveler after losing her job. Available to stream on Hulu for free for subscribers of the platform, Nomadland is also available to watch in select theaters. 

‘Promising Young Woman’ is a fan-favorite film

Starring Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman is an entertaining thriller that follows Cassie, a young woman who is dead set on revenge after experiencing a life-altering trauma. The film is available to purchase or rent on multiple streaming platforms, including Prime Video, and will likely be hitting Netflix in the next few months. 

‘Sound of Metal’ is available on Amazon Prime

The tale of a drummer who is struggling with hearing loss, Sound of Metal is an intense drama that has garnered six Academy Award nominations. Praised by critics as well as fans, Sound of Metal is a film that will appeal to music lovers and all who appreciate a serious character study. Fans can watch Sound of Metal exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, which is also available as a standalone streaming service for less than $10 monthly. 

‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ is an intense drama

A historical-based drama with a star-studded cast, The Trial of the Chicago 7 is one of the buzziest films of this awards season. Exclusively available on Netflix and free for all subscribers, the film tells the story of a protest that was supposed to be peaceful, and what happened after it turned violent. 

While no one can say for sure which of these films will take home top honors at the Oscars, movie fans can get a head start on their predictions by catching up on all the nominees before the ceremony in April. 

Best in Entertainment