47 Oscar Contenders You Can Stream Right Now

What It's About: An opera-inspired musical about a comedian who falls in love with an opera singer, serenades her while eating her out, and becomes the father to a puppet. (Yes, it is a strange film.) 

Why It Has Buzz: The film from French auteur Leos Carax made a splashy debut at the Cannes Film Festival, where critics were enamored by the Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard performances at its center. Modern musicals like A Star Is Born and La La Land have done well in recent years, so there is precedent, and Adam Driver is hot off of BlacKkKlansman, Marriage Story, and that horse photo. 

Potential Nominations: While there is an outside shot that it could nab a Best Picture or Director nom, it's much more likely to grab a Best Actor nomination for Driver (although he's competing with himself in father, son, and House of Gucci), Best Original Screenplay, or Best Score. Its best bet is for Best Original Song for the jaunty opener "So May We Start."

Where to Stream: Watch it on Amazon Prime Video. 

What It's About: An in-depth look with eyewitness accounts of the Attica Prison Riot, the bloodiest prison riot in US history, and a flashpoint for prisoners' rights.

Why It Has Buzz: The powerful and ever timely subject matter has made this a must-watch documentary this year. The film covers the historic event with an in-depth fairness to all those involved and includes dozens of interviews with the prisoners who lived through the five-day standoff. 

Potential Nominations: Unfortunately because it's a documentary, it is unlikely to break out beyond Best Documentary. Exceptions to this rule are rare. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Showtime. 

What It's About: In a prequel to Avengers: Endgame, Natasha Romanov, aka Black Widow, reunites with her fake Russian family to take down a ring of female assassins being controlled through brain chips. 

Why It Has Buzz: Eleven of the past Marvel Cinematic Universe films have landed Oscar noms totaling up to 19 nominations and three wins (all for Black Panther). There is certainly reason to think it could squeeze out some love from the Academy, especially in this shortened Oscar year. 

Potential Noms: Best Visual Effects is the primary target here, but there's a chance that if voters like the film, they'll throw it a Best Sound nomination as well. Too bad Best Popular Film never got off the ground. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Disney+.

What It’s About: In the sequel to a 1992 film of the same name, a Black artist becomes fascinated with an urban legend about a hook-handed serial killer just as people in his neighborhood start to be murdered.

Why It Has Buzz: While horror doesn’t often land with the Academy, Jordan Peele’s Get Out did extremely well. Peele is a producer here and, like in his breakout film, Candyman is speaking to larger political issues. It’s more than a slasher film and Emmy-winner/rising star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is playing a juicy lead role. 

Potential Noms: Like with Get Out, a screenplay award (adapted in this case) could be its best bet. Abdul-Mateen’s performance is certainly worthy of being in the conversation for Best Actor too, especially as that has been a weaker category in years past. The best chance, however, probably lies in Makeup & Hairstyling, which expertly constructs the Candyman and his levels of bodily decay. 

Where to Stream: Rent it on Amazon Prime Video. 

What It's About: A hearing teenage girl in an all-deaf family is torn between following her passion for music, which her family doesn't understand, and helping them keep their struggling fishing business afloat as their translator and connection to the outside world. 

Why It Has Buzz: After earning rave reviews at the Sundance Film Festival last winter, it was acquired by Apple in a festival record-breaking deal for $25M, and achieved a 96% Rotten Tomatoes score at its release. It's an easy, feel-good film with great performances, an interesting story, and a massive corporation backing it. It's also the frontrunner heading into the fall festivals. 

Potential Noms: If the tiny film continues to build steam, it could snag a Best Picture nomination. Others that look likely are Best Supporting Actress for previous winner Marlee Matlin, Best Supporting Actor for Troy Kotsur, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Sound of Metal, another hearing-focused film, was the late dark horse of last year's Oscars, taking home trophies for Film Editing and Sound, so while CODA is less impressive on those fronts, it could also break through. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Apple TV+.

What It's About: Before Cruella de Vil was skinning puppies to make coats, she was a low-level fashion intern trying to give her boss a mental breakdown by ruining her business and becoming London's premiere designer. 

Why It Has Buzz: Even poorly regarded Disney remakes like Mulan and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil have managed to claw their way into below-the-line Oscar categories. These are big-budget films that everyone watches and have the backing of a powerful studio, so you can never count them out. Cruella itself got respectable reviews on top of that. 

Potential Noms: If it doesn't get a Best Costume Design nomination, I'd be shocked. Both Mulan and Mary Poppins Returns got them, and this is a whole movie ABOUT FASHION. The newly expanded Best Hair & Makeup category also bodes well for Emma Stone's many black and white wigs. There is technically an original song, so it could find a spot in that chaotic category, but beyond that, it's hard to find other entry points. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Disney+. 

What It's About: A VERY OLD Clint Eastwood (he's 91) is hired to drive to Mexico, kidnap a kid, and bring him back to the US in this film he directed. 

Why It Has Buzz: Just look at the numbers: 16 films that Eastwood directed earned a total of 41 nominations and 13 wins, including Best Picture wins for both Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby. His most recent film, Richard Jewell, landed Kathy Bates a surprise nom, and the Academy loves rewarding an industry veteran — even, in some cases, a polarizing one — with a career-topping honor. Who knows how many more chances they'll have to nominate Mr. Eastwood. 

Potential Noms: A Best Actor nom for Eastwood seems like the obvious choice, but if the Academy appreciates the film (and they love a Western) we could see Best Picture, Director, or Adapted Screenplay as well. 

Where to Stream: Rent it on Amazon Prime Video. 

What It’s About: An anxious high schooler with an arm cast causes trouble when he uses a chance encounter with a classmate who committed suicide to befriend his longtime crush.

Why It Has Buzz: Despite a tragic Rotten Tomatoes score of 29% and a wealth of online criticism lambasting the choice to have the 28-year-old Ben Platt play the lead role, you can’t count out an adaption of a Tony-winning musical. The cast including Julianne Moore, Amandla Stenberg, and Amy Adams is also extremely buzzy. 

Potential Noms: Given the reviews, its path to major awards seems thwarted, but with new music created just for the movie, you can’t count out a Best Original Song nomination for sure. 

Where to Stream: Rent it on Amazon Prime Video. 

What It’s About: A noble aristocratic house moves to a desert planet covered with giant worms to help rule. Magical people and an assassination attempt are also in the works. 

Why It Has Buzz: A big budget adaptation of a beloved, best-selling novel starring a who’s who of Hollywood with big names behind the camera as well. Nothing is more buzzy than Dune in this year’s Oscar race (especially since the film has been delayed multiple times and touted often as the film that would signal the true return to theaters.) 

Potential Noms: Nearly endless. Picture, Director, Cinematography, Costumes, Editing, Score, Production Design, Sound, Visual Effect, and Adapted Screenplay are all easily within reach given its glowing reviews. The ensemble cast may make the acting races a bit challenging to break into, but keep an eye out for a supporting nomination for one Rebecca Ferguson if voters really go crazy for Dune.

Where to Stream: Rent it on Amazon Prime Video. 

What It's About: A teenage British boy dreams of being a drag queen and sings his way through a musical toward that end. 

Why It Has Buzz: Never count out a musical, especially one based on a highly popular West End smash. It also stars recent Oscar nominee and social media icon Richard E. Grant as Jamie's drag mentor, a juicy supporting role ripe for awards season. 

Potential Noms: Well, we'd love to see Richard E. Grant on the awards circuit again, so let's get that campaign going. And as with most movie musicals, the team was smart enough to inject an original song to the mix, so watch out for Jamie in that category too. If the film builds steam, it could also make a play for Hair & Makeup or Costume Design. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Amazon Prime Video. 

What It's About: Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker, a pair of Midwestern Evangelicals rise to fame as Christian variety show hosts only to get embroiled in affairs, fraud, and excessive Diet Coke drinking.

Why It Has Buzz: Former Oscar nominees Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield are giving big performances in this biopic about larger-than-life televangelists. The Academy loves a full-body transformation, loves actors playing real people, and loves taking a quick pot shot at Jerry Falwell. 

Potential Nominations: The obvious noms here are Best Actress for Jessica Chastain along with the pair of Costume Design and Makeup and Hairstyling. There's an outside chance this could nab an Adapted Screenplay nomination but Adapted is far more competitive this year than Original. Similarly, Garfield does great work here, but with an even stronger performance in Tick, Tick...Boom!, this is likely to bolster that nomination rather than result in the rare double nom. 

Where to Stream: Rent it on Amazon Prime Video. 

What It's About: Workers at a NYC hospital during the titular first wave of COVID-19 from March to June of 2020.

Why It Has Buzz: In the year following the arrival of the horrific global pandemic, it makes sense that a COVID documentary would be in the Oscar hunt. This one is from famed, prolific, Oscar-winning documentarian Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side) and focuses on the triumph of the first responders rather than the inept government. If people are ready to vote for something COVID-related, this will be the one. 

Potential Nominations: Best Documentary Feature is its one and only shot. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Hulu. 

What It’s About: A non-player character inside a video game becomes sentient at the same time the game creators are trying to delete the game. 

Why It Has Buzz: It did surprisingly well at the box office and with critics becoming a word-of-mouth, original-concept hit during a summer of sequels, spinoffs, and remakes. 

Potential Noms: While I would love the Academy to recognize the brilliance of the concept and writing here and throw it a Screenplay nomination, I think its best chances are in the Visual Effects category which typically goes for action/sci-fi movies more than the other branches. I wish the Jodie Comer cover of “Fantasy” was eligible for a song nomination, but alas it's not. 

Where to Stream: Rent it on Amazon Prime Video. 

What It's About: So there's this giant dragon thing called Godzilla and this giant monkey called King Kong, and they sort of, like, fight a bunch while Millie Bobby Brown runs around and tries to stop them. 

Why It Has Buzz: All in all, there isn't much, but its predecessor Kong: Skull Island, which is arguably a worse movie, earned a Visual Effects nomination — so if the Academy is watching King Kong movies, they could vote to give the sequel some love too. After all, both Kong and Godzilla are visual effects. 

Potential Noms: Best Visual Effects. That's it. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on HBO Max. 

What It's About: One of King Arthur's knights has to endure a bunch of trippy tasks on a journey to get his head chopped off after he's lost a bet. 

Why It Has Buzz: There's a lot of buzz here. First we've got former Oscar nominee and charmer Dev Patel acting his ass off in the leading role. Then we've got the fact that it's a period drama based on an enduring classical epic (something the Academy often gets behind). It's been racking up nice reviews for several months and is backed by A24, the studio behind Lady Bird, Moonlight, and last year's Minari. 

Potential Noms: Costume Design seems like the strongest bet here, with Hair & Makeup close behind. If critics bolster it with their awards and Academy members aren't put off by its weirdness, it could also scoop up Visual Effects, Cinematography, and even top prizes like Picture, Director, and Best Actor. 

Where to Stream: Rent it on Amazon Prime Video. 

What It’s About: A police officer working in a 911 call center tries to save a woman who calls in claiming to have been abducted. 

Why It Has Buzz: Anything that former Oscar-nominee/perennially underappreciated actor Jake Gyllenhaal is in will immediately have buzz. He gives an impressive performance here, being on screen for nearly every second of the film and acting with only a telephone. 

Potential Noms: Best Actor for Gyllenhaal seems like the obvious choice here if Netflix gives this film a campaign, as there are hardly any other actors on screen.  The fact that the entire movie is shot in a couple of rooms, however, makes it a tough sell in the crafts categories, and the fact that the Academy repeatedly has snubbed Gyllenhaal means it could happen here again. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Netflix. 

What It's About: A Western in which a band of outlaws join together to get revenge on an even worse outlaw just released from prison. 

Why It Has Buzz: The Netflix revisionist Western has been steadily building buzz since its release in early November. With an all Black cast and an 87% Rotten Tomatoes score it's also an appealing alternative to the very white set of films in the Oscar hunt this year. The cast is also stacked with awards favorites like Oscar-winner Regina King, Oscar-nominee LaKeith Stanfield, Emmy-nominees Idris Elba, Zazie Beetz and Jonathan Majors, and Tony-winner Delroy Lindo. How this film isn't at the front of the pack is shocking (or perhaps not so shocking given #OscarsSoWhite). 

Potential Nominations: At the moment, it's best shot would appear Best Original Song for "Guns Go Bang" by Kid Cudi and Jay-Z (meaning Jay could be going head-to-head with his wife should her song from King Richard also be nominated). A Best Actor nomination for Jonathan Majors would be well deserved although he faces stiffer competition than Stanfield or Elba would in the incredibly soft Supporting Actor field where no narrative has even started to solidify. If it can gain attention from the critics groups, we could see it nabbing one of the 10 Best Picture slots but it feels unlikely. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Netflix. 

What It's About: Based on a Tony-winning play, a family struggling under the weight of LOTS of emotional baggage get together for Thanksgiving in a tiny New York apartment where everyone will cry at least once. 

Why It Has Buzz: Any adaptation of a Tony-winning, Pulitzer-finalist dramatic play will get attention from Academy voters. Even more the case when the cast is packed with Oscar nominees, Hollywood A-listers, and a Tony-winner from the Broadway cast. 

Potential Nominations: This is a vehicle for ACTING, my darling (please read in a Gloria Swanson voice). For whatever reason the consensus pick seems to be Richard Jenkins (who has been nominated twice before for The Visitor and The Shape of Water), who plays the family's patriarch and is running in Supporting. Jayne Houdyshell as the mother would also be another great nominee (as the Tonys agreed.) My favorite performance here (and a dark horse pick) would be Amy Schumer in Best Supporting Actress. The comedian proves that she is a capable actress outside of her Trainwreck-styled comfort zone as the depressed, lovesick lesbian sister, and steals scene after scene out from under her co-stars. While I'd love to see this land a Best Picture nomination, its chances seem slim as it's a quiet film of limited scope. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Showtime. 

What It’s About: An archeologist in Germany finds herself drawn to a very lifelike robot. 

Why It Has Buzz: It’s the German submission for Best International Film, has been receiving good reviews on the festival circuit, and stars Dan Stevens (something that will help American voters distinguish it from the other international submissions.) 

Potential Noms: Best International Film would obviously be the main play. It is exceptionally hard for a foreign-language film to break into other categories without universal appeal and a groundswell of support. I’m Your Man doesn’t have that yet, but it’s got plenty of time to build momentum in the coming months. Screenplay perhaps? 

Where to Stream: Rent it on Amazon Prime Video. 

What It's About: There's a heatwave and blackout in Washington Heights, New York, and all the inhabitants sing about it while they try to fall in love and figure out who won the lottery. 

Why It Has Buzz: It's a big-budget, high-production-value musical from Lin-Manuel Miranda, the mind behind the awards juggernaut Hamilton. Although it underperformed at the box office, it got amazing reviews from the critics and boasts some of the most impressive set pieces of the year so far. The fall films had better watch their backs because this is breathing down their necks. 

Potential Noms: Truly nearly everything. Picture, Director, Cinematography, Costume Design, Editing, Makeup & Hairstyling, Original Song, Production Design, and Sound could all be up for grabs. In the acting categories, Anthony Ramos in lead seems like a bit of a reach, but Olga Merediz as Abuela Claudia could easily earn a Supporting Actress nomination. It really all depends on how much this film from July is on people's minds in January. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on HBO Max. 

What It's About: Venus and Serena Williams's dad, a nutty eccentric hellbent on his girls becoming tennis stars, challenges the white elitist establishment on his daughters' rise to fame.

Why It Has Buzz: It's got everything the Academy could want in a film. A big buzzy movie star giving a big buzzy performance in a film about big buzzy celebrities overcoming big buzzy odds. Will Smith is returning to the Oscar race after a long hiatus and he's doing so in a big budget studio film that makes you feel good. 

Potential Nominations: Oh baby! This film has its sights set on a whole swath of nominations (and potentially wins). First up we've got the obvious Will Smith for Best Actor (where he seems to be the frontrunner). Then we've got Aunjanue Ellis with a breakout role as the sisters' mom for Best Supporting. Best Picture seems like a safe bet as does Best Original Screenplay as most of the heavy hitters are battling in Adapted. There's an outside chance that it could snag a Best Director nomination for Reinaldo Marcus Green and an Editing nom could also be in the cards. Most notably, though, is the appearance by Beyoncé on the soundtrack. After her chances with The Lion King were dashed on nomination morning, she's back in the hunt with "Be Alive." Could we get the Queen one step closer to her EGOT? 

Where to Stream: Watch it on HBO Max. 

What It's About: A pair of sea monsters who turn into humans on land, run away from home, and live in a tiny town that hates sea monsters. 

Why It Has Buzz: It's Pixar. Of it's 23 eligible films, only 5 have not been nominated for an Oscar, and of those only The Good Dinosaur was an original (and even that was a bit of an anomaly because Inside Out, another Pixar film, won the Best Animated Feature Oscar that year, so there was intense competition in house). Luca is the only Pixar offering this year and should sail to a nomination. 

Potential Noms: Best Animated Feature is a shoo-in. Beyond that a possible score nomination is it's only hope. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Disney+. 

What It’s About: A prequel to The Sopranos about Tony Soprano’s upbringing and the workings of the Newark mob in the ‘60s. 

Why It Has Buzz: The Sopranos is often lauded as the best television show ever created. Anything attached to it is immediately going to be vetted for awards. 

Potential Noms: The film did well, but not exceptionally, so the nominations could be few and far between. Vera Farmiga could land a Best Supporting Actress nom for her turn as Livia Soprano (she was previous nominated for Up in the Air), and the period costumes and sets could yield Costume and Production Design nominations if it’s lucky. 

Where to Stream: Rent it on Amazon Prime Video.

What It’s About: A dysfunctional family full of klutzes somehow must save the world from a deadly robot attack. 

Why It Has Buzz: It’s an animated film with a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score and has the backing of both Netflix and Sony. 

Potential Noms: Best Animated Feature. The Animated Feature race is always light on potential nominees, so if a major non-Disney film gets incredible reviews, it's nearly a lock for a spot. The Mitchells vs. The Machines seem to be the main Disney rival at the moment. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Netflix. 

What It’s About: A documentary about Pauli Murray, a lawyer, activist, reverend, scholar, and LGBTQ+ icon who no one seems to know, despite her paving the way for Rosa Parks, RBG, and others with her legal work. 

Why It Has Buzz: It’s a fascinating documentary focusing on a worthy subject who hasn’t got nearly enough recognition from the history books. Its 95% Rotten Tomatoes score is also helpful. 

Potential Noms: Best Documentary Feature is its only real play which is a shame, but so it goes with documentaries. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Amazon Prime Video. 

What It's About: James Bond is out here trying to save the world from some kind of nanobot attack while looking dapper, drinking martinis, and chatting up the ladies.

Why It Has Buzz: It's the final Daniel Craig Bond film and one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. 

Potential Nominations: There was talk about some kind of Daniel Craig lifetime Bond achievement Best Actor nomination, but I think we've got to narrow our sights on the twin noms for Best Sound and Best Original Song that it very well could land. With Adele and Sam Smith winning Oscars for the last two Bond songs, it seems very likely Grammy darling Billie Eilish will score a nomination at the very least for "No Time to Die" (beating Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Ariana Grande is another story entirely). There is also always the blockbuster-heavy Best Visual Effects nomination in the mix as well. 

Where to Stream: Rent it on Amazon Prime Video.

What It’s About: A pair of mixed-race childhood friends reconnect as adults with one passing as white, while the other lives her life as a Black woman. 

Why It Has Buzz: Top-notch talent including Tessa Thompson, Oscar-nominee Ruth Negga, and Moonlight’s Andre Holland star in a buzzy Sundance film that has continued to build word-of-mouth hype through the fall festivals. 

Potential Noms: I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see Tessa Thompson nab her first Oscar nomination in Best Actress here for her riveting, anxiety-driven, conflicted performance. Perhaps more likely is a Ruth Negga Supporting Actress nomination for her flashier role. Her character is more outgoing and emotional compared to Thompson's more interior, understated role. Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Costume, and Best Score are also possibilities. If the quiet film builds up enough steam, it could also get one of this year’s guaranteed 10 Best Picture nominations. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Netflix. 

What It's About: When a truffle-hunting pig is stolen from Nic Cage, he, a socially awkward recluse, goes on a rampage through Portland, Oregon, trying to find her. 

Why It Has Buzz: Nic Cage is due for a comeback. He hasn't been nominated for an Oscar since 2003, and he's been working hard ever since. The world (and Nic himself) are leaning into his bizarre acting choices, and it's only a matter of time before he lands the right role to catch Oscar's attention. Is this that role? Perhaps. 

Potential Noms: Sadly, I think it starts and ends with Cage. If he's not getting a nom, no one is. (Unless that is, they add an award for sensuous cooking montages.) 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Hulu. 

What It's About: Two brothers (one sweet, the other ridiculously vile) live on a Montana ranch surrounded by cattle, anthrax, and regret. 

Why It Has Buzz: It's a Western directed by a highly acclaimed filmmaker, starring top shelf acting talent, bolstered by strong work in all the craft categories. Jane Campion made history as the first woman to ever win the prestigious Cannes Palme d'Or prize for The Piano (which also won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay). Now she's back with her first film in over a decade, racking up stellar reviews and plenty of awards. 

Potential Nominations: The film is a frontrunner for Best Picture and Director, so nominations there are almost certain. Benedict Cumberbatch is eyeing his second Best Actor nomination while Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee are all trending toward Supporting noms (and possible wins). Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, and Editing all seem likely as well. Score, Costume Design, and Production Design could also factor in if the Academy goes wild for this film (which odds are they will).

Where to Stream: Watch it on Netflix. 

What It's About: A now-fatherless family flee their farm in search of safety from creepy monsters that hunt and kill humans based on hearing alone. 

Why It Has Buzz: Well, the original film snagged a Sound Editing nomination and with sound playing such a massive role in the sequel as well, it wouldn't be shocking to see it show up in that category. We've also got the fact that Emily Blunt, despite being a well-respected six-time Golden Globe nominee, has never been nominated for an Oscar. Perhaps this is her time to shine? 

Potential Noms: Best Sound is the most obvious, but with the monsters playing a larger onscreen role in the sequel, I wouldn't rule out a Visual Effects nomination. And then, of course, there is Best (Supporting) Actress for Blunt. While she is top billed, you could argue that she's really only in one-third of the film's plotlines and run her in a perhaps weaker supporting field. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Paramount+. 

What It's About: A girl named Raya (duh) who is looking for the last dragon (duh) so she can banish some evil spirits from her world. 

Why It Has Buzz: Basically the same as with Pixar. Disney is a behemoth in the animated category, and on the off years when Pixar isn't taking home the top prize, it's going to Disney Animation films like Frozen, Big Hero 6, and Zootopia. While Disney does have Encanto coming out this fall and might have to settle for one or the other, Raya has earned great reviews and is sitting pretty among a weak field at the moment. 

Potential Noms: Well, Best Animated Film for sure is the best bet. Jhené Aiko did record an original song for the film, so there's a possibility there and in score, but it will probably just be Best Animated. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Disney+. 

What It's About: The British divers who rescued the Thai football team from the underwater cave in 2018.

Why It Has Buzz: It's the new documentary from Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, the couple who won the Best Documentary Oscar for their last film Free Solo. They are documentary celebrities and this new project has received strong reviews. 

Potential Nominations: Most likely just Best Documentary but the score has also received some attention. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Disney+. 

What It's About: It's Aretha Franklin's life story. 

Why It Has Buzz: It's a famous Oscar-winning actress in a buzzy biopic about an iconic singer in which the actress does her own singing. Need I say more? 

Potential Noms: Of course, the main play here is a Best Actress nomination for Jennifer Hudson (who won the Supporting Oscar for Dreamgirls). Unfortunately the so-so reviews from critics makes this more of a Judy situation than an A Star Is Born. As every good musical biopic delivers, however, there is one original song (sung by Hudson) on the track list, so keep an eye out for this in Best Original Song, even if Hudson is overshadowed. 

Where to Stream: Rent it on Apple TV. 

What It's About: A documentary about Oscar-winning actress and singer Rita Moreno. 

Why It Has Buzz: In recent years documentaries focused on single iconic subjects (Mr. Rogers, RBG, James Baldwin, O.J. Simpson) have done well at the box office and with the Oscars. This is another in that vein, and the subject matter will be familiar to film buffs. Plus with West Side Story also coming out this year, Moreno will be top of mind all season long. 

Potential Noms: Best Documentary is it, I'm afraid. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Netflix. 

What It's About: A documentary about celebrity chef, author, and host Anthony Bourdain. 

Why It Has Buzz: Anthony Bourdain (RIP) is beloved by foodies everywhere, and this documentary follows his life and career. What better way to honor the legacy of this man than to nominate the documentary for an Oscar? 

Potential Noms: Again, just Best Documentary.

Where to Stream: Rent it on Amazon Prime Video. 

What It's About: A parking valet and his slacker friend are drawn into superhero battles when his father tasks him with finding a mythical village. 

Why It Has Buzz: It's a big budget Marvel movie and currently the highest grossing film of 2021 worldwide. In the post-Black Panther era, you have to take superhero films seriously, especially ones that lean into their more thoughtful, less Hulk smash side.

Potential Nominations: Visual Effects is the main play here. I think it's unlikely to see a Black Panther-style surge, but Best Costumes could certainly be a landing spot should the Academy want to recognize a big box office hit in a year where theaters are still struggling to bounce back completely. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Disney+.

What It's About: A bisexual Jewish girl arrives at a Shiva to find her ex-girlfriend, her parents, her sugar daddy, and his wife all present and ready for awkward encounters. 

Why It Has Buzz: While comedies don't often fare well at the Oscars generally, there is usually a spot or two in the screenplay category for especially well-written, poignant, funny films. Also, this one has the added plus of getting up close and personal with the Jewish community, not often presented on the big screen. 

Potential Noms: Its best bet would be in Best Adapted Screenplay. It seems like it would take a big swing to land any other nominations. Molly Gordon, however, steals scenes in every single movie she's in (even when the movies themselves aren't great). Mark my words: She will be receiving an Oscar nomination before long, and I'd love for her to get one here. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on HBO Max. 

What It's About: Princess Diana has a mental breakdown at the royal family's Christmas party (which may or may not have happened in real life because this is "a fable")

Why It Has Buzz: It's a high profile film from Pablo Larrain, the director of three-time Oscar nominee Jackie. It also earns points for focusing on a well known historical figure, in this case one who was recently at the center of an Emmy/Golden Globers juggernaut, The Crown. 

Potential Nominations: Kristen Stewart is currently leading a crowded Best Actress field for her riveting performance as Princess Di. Its second lock for a nomination would be Costume Design as the entire plot of the movie revolves around Diana getting dressed and undressed as she pisses off the queen by wearing her Boxing Day lunch outfit to the Christmas Day service. Beyond that, Spencer is on the bubble. If the Academy goes for the film (and they should because it is exquisite) we could see a landslide of noms including Picture, Director, Cinematography, Score, Original Screenplay, and Production Design. Also Best Scene Involving Soup if that category gets added this year. 

Where to Stream: Rent it on Amazon Prime Video. 

What It's About: It's basically what would have happened if Amanda Knox had a folksy dad who worked on an oil rig who flew to Europe to try and exonerate her. 

Why It Has Buzz: Well, we've got previous Oscar winner Matt Damon in a big performance (complete with accent) starring opposite Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin in a film directed by Tom McCarthy, who most recently directed Best Picture winner Spotlight. 

Potential Noms: It's tough to say because while the film got generally positive reviews, it didn't find success at the box office, and its early release means it's got a lot of competition following it this fall. Best Actor for Damon seems most obvious (although he potentially shot himself in the foot with comments he made on the press tour) with potential Original Screenplay and Picture nominations on the outside. 

Where to Stream: Rent it on Amazon Prime Video. 

What It's About: A documentary detailing the history of the beloved children's show Sesame Street. 

Why It Has Buzz: We love a nostalgic documentary, and this one seems to be hitting the right spot. Also, if last year's victory by My Octopus Teacher over four more important, well-constructed, deeper films tells us anything, it is that voters may be looking for something that leans harder on accessibility and pathos than anything else. 

Potential Noms: Just Best Documentary Feature. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on HBO Max. 

What It's About: Questlove's documentary detailing the 1696 Harlem Cultural Festival, which despite lasting weeks and drawing massive crowds was overshadowed in history by Woodstock. 

Why It Has Buzz: It's an important documentary unearthing a vital piece of cultural history that got buried. It's got a 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and was championed and directed by Questlove, who certainly has a much higher profile than most documentarians. 

Potential Noms: Again, it's hard to break out of the Documentary Feature category for docs. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Hulu. 

What It’s About: A retired hairdresser travels across town to style a former client’s hair for her own funeral. 

Why It Has Buzz: With a Jennifer Coolidge performance post-The White Lotus, good reviews out of the festivals, and a slowly growing Twitter fan base, this tiny, tiny movie is picking up some momentum.

Potential Noms: This will need a LOT of support from early critics groups to elbow its way in between its behemoth competitors. If it picks up steam, its most likely bet would be Screenplay or a lifetime achievement Best Actor nomination for German actor Udo Kier, who has been consistently doing good work for decades and has never been recognized by the Academy. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Hulu.

What It's About: Jonathan Larson, the creator of Rent, wrote a tiny little semi-autobiographical musical about a man writing a musical, which Lin-Manuel Miranda revamped and turned into a musical movie. (It's slightly complicated).

Why It Has Buzz: The team here has about a thousand Tony awards all things considered and the cast is led by former Oscar nominee Andrew Garfield. The film has been slowly gathering steam as the rave reviews continue to pour in, and just never bet against LMM.

Potential Nominations: Andrew Garfield's performance here (which he learned to sing for and does so wonderfully) is undeniable. If I was the only member of the Academy, he would be winning that Best Actor trophy in a cakewalk. I would also give Robin de Jesus a Best Supporting Actor nomination for playing the emotional center of the film as Jonathan's GBF. Oddly there doesn't appear to be an Original Song in contention despite it being a musical with Miranda involved, but it's deservedly in play for Best Picture, Editing, and Sound. Sadly our girl V. Hudge does not appear to have the power to crack the Best Supporting Actress race. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Netflix. 

What It’s About: A woman is in a car accident, has a titanium plate put into her head, and then...has sex with a car. 

Why It Has Buzz: The winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes (the top prize taken home most recently by Parasite), and French submission for Best International Feature, this is the buzziest entrant from abroad at the moment. It’s bizarre and sometimes off putting plot, however could make it a tough sell for the Academy even if everyone is talking about it. 

Potential Noms: Best International Feature seems as close to a lock as possible, as everyone in the Academy will, at the very least, be watching this lauded film. A Best Director nomination (from an increasingly international branch) for Julia Ducournau seems like a potential second nominee. Beyond that, there would need to be a massive Parasite-esque groundswell for it to land nominations. 

Where to Stream: Rent it on Amazon Prime Video. 

What It's About: A lonely single man bonds with his surrogate as they spend the nine months of pregnancy together. 

Why It Has Buzz: The film made history earlier this year for being one of the first to cast a transgender woman in a leading role as a cisgender character. The comedy is witty, the performances spot on, and its reviews from critics were glowing. 

Potential Noms: The obvious choices here would be Best Original Screenplay or Best Actress for Patti Harrison (who it should be noted would be the first openly transgender person to be nominated in an acting category). If the film does well, Ed Helms could nab a Best Actor slot, and then Best Picture would also be in reach. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Hulu. 

What It’s About: A documentary about the avant-garde, alternative, punk rock band of the same name following their creation, involvement with Andy Warhol, eventual disintegration, and legacy. 

Why It Has Buzz: It was directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Todd Haynes, whose films are always considered Oscar contenders. Its 97% Rotten Tomatoes score and the backing of corporate juggernaut Apple, doesn’t hurt it either. 

Potential Noms: As with all the docs, Best Documentary Feature is the end of the line unless a miracle happens. It should be noted that we haven't had a musical doc take home this prize since 2015 despite often being a favorite genre of the branch, so perhaps it's time for another music-focused winner? 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Apple TV+.

What It's About: A story about "why she and this bitch fell out," while they were in Florida on an ill-fated stripping trip. 

Why It Has Buzz: It's another A24 release with much-hyped performances and an exciting visual style. Also, it's got Cousin Greg in it, and with Succession coming back soon, all projects involving Roy family members get a boost. 

Potential Noms: Riley Keough in Best Supporting Actress for playing a wildly manipulative call girl with an insane accent seems like the obvious choice. Cinematography, Editing, and Adapted Screenplay could also be plays. 

Where to Stream: Watch it on Hulu.