These 23 Netflix movies have every chance in the 2021 Oscar race

Netflix is ​​gearing up for an impressive show of force at the upcoming Academy Awards. The streaming giant has over 20 titles vying for across multiple categories. These films include “Da 5 Bloods” by Spike Lee, “Pieces of a Woman” with Vanessa Kirby, “Mank” by David Fincher and “The Chicago Seven”, Aaron Sorkin’s forensic drama.

The Oscars, which will take place on April 25, will be a little different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic crippling theaters around the world. Not only has the date of the ceremony been postponed by a few months, but the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has also allowed streaming films to compete without having to go to theaters first, and this for the first time. .

This obviously gives Netflix an advantage to land its first Oscar for Best Picture, while many films from mainstream studios have been pushed back.

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Here are 23 original Netflix movies that could land one of the coveted statuettes this year:

’40 years, still in the flow ‘

Radha Blank takes her real-life frustrations as a black designer and channels them into this dramatic comedy she stars in, writes, and directs. The film is about a playwright who, at 40, decides to reinvent herself as a rapper. Radha Blank’s chances of getting an Oscar could arise in several categories.

‘Athlete A’

This documentary is sure to be in contention for an Oscar, as it offers a captivating and insightful look at Indianapolis Star reporters, who revealed the story of Coach Larry Nassar’s abuse of the women’s gymnasts on the National Team. United States.

‘The Boys in the Band’

This drama, based on the 1968 play by Mart Crowley (who co-wrote the screenplay), centers around a group of gay friends who are celebrating one of their birthdays. But the night is quickly plunged into turmoil, revealing some hard truths.

The cast – consisting of Jim Parsons, Zachary Quinto, and Matt Bomer, just a few of the actors who starred in the 2018 version of the show – could wow Oscar voters. Mart Crowley and Ned Martel’s screenplay could also receive a nomination.

‘Circus of Books’

This fascinating documentary takes a look at the lives of Karen and Barry Mason. After responding to an ad to distribute Larry Flynt’s Hustler magazine in the late 1970s, the duo became the largest distributor of gay porn in the United States at the time, thanks to their Circus of Books store.

‘Crip Camp: The Revolution of the Crippled’

Another potentially successful Oscar-winning documentary promises a powerful look at several people who attended summer camp for teens with disabilities. Who have become the main spokespersons for the disability rights movement.

‘Da 5 Bloods: Blood Brothers’

Spike Lee’s thrilling and emotionally charged film about friendship, loyalty and redemption is sure to grab the Oscar’s attention.

Delroy Lindo’s performance is a big hit in securing his very first Oscar nomination (minimum) and Spike Lee could be in the race for Best Director, as is the stunning stills and soundtrack to the film. .

‘The Devil all the time’

This drama about a group of troubled people whose lives intersect (and often end badly) could grab Oscar attention in technical categories like best sets and costumes. These two elements are essential to take us back to the 50s and 60s, when the film is set.

‘Dick Johnson is Dead’

Director Kirsten Johnson uses comedy to tackle a very serious subject.

With her father, Dick, suffering from dementia, she decides to come up with scenarios in which he could die. Dick plays along, which results in a very special father-daughter story.

Academy voters might not be sensitive to the tone used, but it’s worth a try.

‘The Dig’ (available January 29)

Based on John Preston’s novel – published in 2007 – about the most famous archaeological dig of modern British times, that of Sutton Hoo.

With a cast including Lily James, Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes, this is a film to watch.

‘Trans identities: Beyond the image’

This powerful documentary tells the story of how Hollywood portrayed transgender people and how this impacted society in general.

‘An American Ode’

This Oscar-nominated drama about the American Dream is an adaptation of JD Vance’s controversial novel.

The film, directed by Ron Howard, stars Glenn Close, Amy Adams, Haley Bennett, Freida Pinto and Gabriel Basso.

The film could see Glenn Close or Amy Adams win their first Oscar, unless the bad reviews it received upon its release reduce their chances.

‘I just want to end this’

If a Charlie Kaufman film came out during the year, it should automatically be considered among the Oscar contenders.

Her skills as a screenwriter and director shine here in this look at a woman who meets her boyfriend’s parents.

‘The life ahead’

This Italian feature film – adapted from Romain Gary’s novel – could well touch the sensitive chords of Academy voters.

Sophia Loren, who has not been seen on the big screen since 2009, plays the role of a Holocaust survivor who creates a bond with an immigrant boy from Senegal. And to top it off, the film is directed by the actress’ son, Edoardo Ponti.

If Netflix plays its cards right, the film could go beyond just being nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Film and claim a nomination in the Best Actress category as well.

‘The Blues of Ma Rainey’

Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman (in his last role before his death) star in this adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play and in which Viola Davis plays legendary blues singer Ma Rainey.

This film, which is Chadwick Boseman’s last on-screen appearance, could well be a big hit for Netflix in awards season.

‘Malcolm & Marie’ (available February 5)

Sam Levinson, creator of the hit HBO series “Euphoria”, directs this drama between a filmmaker (John David Washington) and his girlfriend (Zendaya) whose relationship is put to the test as they return home from a preview and await feedback from critics.

The film has been highly anticipated since the streaming giant bought it for $ 30 million.

‘Mank’

Here’s another movie that Netflix has a lot of hope behind.

David Fincher’s feature debut since “Gone Girl” in 2014 focuses on the man behind the “Citizen Kane” screenplay, Herman J. Mankiewicz (played by Gary Oldman).

From a screenplay written by Fincher’s late father, Jack, here we follow the unlikely creation of one of the greatest movies ever made and the self-destructive person who made it possible (and who isn’t called Orson Welles).

‘Midnight in the universe’

George Clooney directs and stars in this film where he plays a scientist who tries to prevent an astronaut crew from returning home following a mysterious global disaster.

Along with George Clooney, Felicity Jones, Kyle Chandler and David Oyelowo are also on the bill. The film could well aim for a nomination for the Oscar for best director, the second for George Clooney.

‘Journey to the Moon’

In the Oscar category for Best Animated Feature, Netflix might just stand a chance with this musical that follows a little girl who builds a rocket in the hopes of meeting the Moon Goddess.

‘Pieces of a Woman’

Vanessa Kirby is undoubtedly one of the contenders for the best actress category thanks to her incredible performance in this drama which features a woman who loses her baby during childbirth.

Without forgetting Ellen Burstyn, is in the running for the category of best actress in a supporting role. She plays the disapproving mother of Vanessa Kirby’s character.

‘The Prom’

This Ryan Murphy’s musical film, which is a big-screen adaptation of the 2016 musical of the same name, features a five-star cast to play a group of actors from New York, who travel to Indiana to support a girl who is not allowed to bring her girlfriend to the prom.

Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Kerry Washington, Keegan-Michael Key, Jo Ellen Pellman and Tracey Ullman are the headliners of this musical.

‘Rebecca’

Lily James plays the role of a newlywed who finds herself having to live up to the legacy left by Rebecca, the first wife of her new husband.

The lush sets and costume design could grab the attention of Oscar voters.

‘The Chicago Seven’

Aaron Sorkin writes and stages this powerful look at the protesters responsible for the uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention and the media circus of the trial that took place a year later.

Sacha Baron Cohen and Jeremy Strong are giving Oscar-worthy performances and there is a lot of talk about Aaron Sorkin’s nomination for Best Direction and Best Screenplay.

‘The White Tiger’

Ramin Bahrani (“99 Homes”, “Fahrenheit 451”) delivers a powerful story about social class in India.

Consider the story of a boy born in a village (Adarsh ​​Gourav) who becomes the driver of a wealthy landowner. Thanks to his intelligence, he tries to get out of bondage.

Here is certainly another title from Netflix that could go for a potential Oscar.

Original version : Jason Guerrasio / INSIDER

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