PremiumDive into the magic of cinema! Explore must-watch Oscar-nominated films streaming on Lionsgate Play
Lionsgate Play unveils a tapestry of human stories, journeying through Oscar-nominated gems.
Last Updated: 07.21 PM, Apr 24, 2024
Discover a captivating array of Oscar-nominated films that will transport you to a world of human triumph, sorrow, and resilience. Lionsgate Play has got you covered. Blue Valentine delves into the intricate web of relationships and honestly examines the ups and downs of love. Three strong women confront injustice head-on in Bombshell, an enthralling true story of bravery and rebellion. Amidst Dirty Dancing, a timeless classic set amid a summer romance, you can dance your cares away and relive the joy of adolescent passion. In La La Land, love and ambition converge in a musical symphony, transporting you to the beautiful world of Hollywood aspirations. The Pianist and The Reader are two riveting stories about overcoming adversity and finding redemption in the face of tragedy to get insight into the resilience of the human spirit during and after a conflict.
Indulge in the enchantment of cinema's most acclaimed narratives on Lionsgate Play, where each frame embodies the profound impact of storytelling. These films are also available on OTTplay Premium.
Top Oscar-nominated films to watch on Lionsgate Play
Blue Valentine
Cindy and Dean are now married and have a small baby, reflecting on their formerly intense romance. They sneak off to a theme hotel in the hopes of rescuing their marriage, but all they remember is the joyful, hopeful time they first met and fell in love. This romantic drama from 2010 filmmaker Derek Cianfrance follows the story of a married couple (Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams) as they move through the years from their courtship to their divorce.
Bombshell
This film tells the shocking true tale of three powerful women who ran a major American news network and dared to challenge the man who had created them. Directed by Jay Roach and written by Charles Randolph, this 2019 drama film stars Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie and is based on the true story of the women who worked at Fox News and sought to bring sexual harassment allegations against CEO Roger Ailes to light. Allison Janney, Malcolm McDowell, Connie Britton, John Lithgow, and Kate McKinnon all star in supporting roles.
Dirty Dancing
In the summer of 1963, Baby, a gullible 17-year-old played by Jennifer Grey, and her parents go on vacation to a resort in the Catskills. Patrick Swayze plays Danny, the hotel's dance instructor, and one night, entrancing music lures Baby to the staff quarters. Johnny is just as seasoned as Baby, who is innocent. She quickly becomes Johnny's romantic and dancing student.
La La Land
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, respectively, portray Mia and Sebastian. In a lively ode to optimism, aspirations, and love, two performers—a jazz musician and an actor—find one another while chasing their Hollywood goals. Damien Chazelle wrote and directed this 2016 musical romantic drama. It stars John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt, Finn Wittrock, and J. K. Simmons, among others.
Malcolm X
Malcolm X, with his revolutionary view of racial relations in the United States, became one of the most famous and divisive figures in political history. His uplifting and illuminating ideas have and will continue to change millions of people. A historically significant biographical drama film from 1992 chronicles the life of civil rights leader Malcolm X. Denzel Washington plays the lead character in Spike Lee's co-written and directed film, which also features Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Delroy Lindo, Al Freeman Jr., and Lee. With cameos from Reverend Al Sharpton, Bobby Seale—co-founder of the Black Panther Party—and Nelson Mandela—future president of South Africa—Lee plays a supporting role.
Minari
In pursuit of their own American dream, a Korean-American family relocates to a farm in Arkansas. They learn about the unwavering strength of family and the true meaning of home as they face the unknown and harsh Ozarks. In 2020, Lee Isaac Chung wrote and directed the drama film, which featured William Patton, Noel Kate Cho, Alan Kim, Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, and Youn Yuh-jung.
Monster's Ball
An enraged, bigoted, and heavy drinker on executioner's row reflects on his views as he develops feelings for the African-American widow of the previous inmate he put to death. Will Rokos and Milo Addica, who also acted in the film, wrote and directed the romantic drama, which Lee Daniels produced. Marc Forster served as the film's director, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Heath Ledger, Halle Berry, and Peter Boyle, with Coronji Calhoun, Sean Combs, and Mos Def rounding out the supporting cast.
Past Lives
When Nora's family leaves South Korea, the two childhood friends, Hae Sung and Nora, find themselves at odds. After twenty years apart, they meet again in New York for a tragic week that forces them to face their shared questions about love, fate, and the meaning of life. Celine Song made her directorial debut in 2023 with this romantic drama film. Featuring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro, the film chronicles the lives of two childhood friends who reminisce about their friendship as they drift apart and face the challenges of adulthood. True incidents in Song's life served as inspiration for the semi-autobiographical plot.
Silver Linings Playbook
Oscar-nominated Bradley Cooper portrays Pat Solatano, who, after serving an eight-month sentence in a mental institution, returns to a Philadelphia neighbourhood in an attempt to rebuild his life. The film is based on Matthew Quick's novel, and it shocked, moved, and enthralled viewers. Jennifer Lawrence's portrayal of a resilient and motivational young woman overcoming personal tragedy won her the 2012 Oscar for Best Actress. She synchronised her performance with fellow Oscar contenders Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver to create an emotionally charged home in the film, which was based on this father's superstitious betting at Philadelphia Eagles games. Unexpectedly touching, hilarious, and charming, the film tells a story that will surprise you.
The Father
In spite of his daughter Anne's best efforts, 80-year-old Anthony continues to reject the carers she presents and lives a stubborn, independent life. Because Anthony is losing his hold on reality and Anne is unable to make daily visits, assistance is becoming necessary for both of them. How much of Anthony's personal history and identity can he hold on to while we witness his memories ebb and flow? Anne is grieving the loss of her father, yet he is still physically present. How can she manage this? The Father is a film that lays its eggs in the reality of our own lives. It lovingly reflects on the dynamic human condition through real life, making it both tragic and uncompromisingly poignant.
Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller, who made his directing debut, co-wrote the screenplay for the 2020 psychological drama film, which was based on Zeller's 2012 play Le Père. Anthony Hopkins plays a Welsh man in his octogenarian years who is coping with dementia in this French-British co-production. The film also features Rufus Sewell, Olivia Williams, Mark Gatiss, Imogen Poots, and Olivia Colman.
The Pianist
In The Pianist, Adrien Brody stars as Wladyslaw Szpilman, a young pianist and composer who was the most celebrated of his time before World War II halted his promising career. Seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, nominated and won the film. In this stirring and ultimately successful film, we witness Szpilman's incredible ordeal as he fights for his life with the surprising assistance of a compassionate German officer. The Pianist, the most introspective picture of visionary director Roman Polanski, is a miracle story of survival that is both a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a memorable epic that attests to the importance of hope.
The Reader
Germany after World War II: Michael Berg, a law student, runs into his ex-lover again while she is defending herself in a war crime prosecution, almost ten years after their affair ended in mystery. This 2008 German-American romantic drama film, written by David Hare and directed by Stephen Daldry, stars Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross, Bruno Ganz, and Karoline Herfurth as characters from Bernhard Schlink's 1995 German novel of the same name.
The Wolf of Wall Street
This is based on the real-world events surrounding Jordan Belfort, who went from being a successful stockbroker living a high life to his tragic downfall. Shoe designer Steve Madden was one of many victims of the enormous securities fraud that rocked Wall Street and corporate banking in the 1990s. Long Island penny stockbroker Jordan Belfort spent 22 months behind bars for his role in the scheme. Terence Winter wrote the epic biographical black comedy crime film from 2013 based on Jordan Belfort's 2007 memoir, while Martin Scorsese directed it. Widespread Wall Street corruption and fraud embroiled Stratton Oakmont, Belfort's New York City brokerage firm, ultimately leading to his demise. The film has an ensemble cast including Leonardo DiCaprio (Belfort), Jonah Hill (Donnie Azoff), Margot Robbie (Naomi Lapaglia), Matthew McConaughey (Mark Hanna), and Kyle Chandler (FBI agent Patrick Denham).