A must-watch list of Oscar Award-winning movies for home viewing
Amanda Morgan
November 13, 2024
Welcome to one of our latest blog posts for 2023,A must-watch list of Oscar Award-winning movies for home viewing.
Whether you're a die-hard cinephile or a casual movie-goer, there's no denying the charm and allure of a well-crafted film. The Oscars, as we all know, are the epitome of cinematic recognition, and winning this prestigious award is a testament to a film's excellence in storytelling, performance, and technical prowess.
In this blog, we've curated a list of Oscar-winning masterpieces that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. These films have not only won the golden statuette but also won the hearts of audiences worldwide. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and get ready to embark on a cinematic journey like no other!
What makes a movie an Oscar award-winner?
The Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, are one of the most prestigious awards in the entertainment industry. Every year since 1929, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recognized some outstanding films with an Oscar award. But what transforms a movie into an Oscar-winning masterpiece? Is it solely about raking in millions at the box office or earning rave reviews from critics?
In order to be eligible for any category, a film must have been released within 2 calendar years prior to the ceremony.
From Best Picture to Best Visual Effects, each of the 24 categories are judged by a panel of experts who decide which films truly stand out from the rest. These awards celebrate excellence in filmmaking and honor the hard work put into every individual project.
Winning an Oscar is a multi-faceted process that requires a film to excel in numerous areas and appeal to the diverse tastes of the Academy's voting members.
Here are some key factors:
Eligibility and criteria: Oscar glory isn't just for any film; there are stringent criteria to meet before even being considered by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Films must adhere to specific guidelines related to duration, format, release date among other factors.
Voting process: The Oscars are decided by the 6000 film professionals who make up the Academy. These members are divided into different branches according to their expertise, meaning directors vote for Best Director, actors vote for Best Actor/Actress, and so forth. However, all members can nominate films for the Best Picture category.
Artistic and technical merit: The Academy Awards recognize both artistic and technical merit in the film industry. This includes aspects like acting, directing, writing, editing, sound design, and visual effects among others.
Distinguishing factors: Apart from meeting eligibility standards, nominated films often have distinguishing elements setting them apart. Take performances for instance – stellar acting can lead to actor nominated accolades while unique storytelling might result in original screenplay recognition.
Timeliness and impact: Often, films that address timely and important societal issues or present a unique, innovative approach to storytelling are favored. The subject matter of the film plays a significant role in its chances of winning.
Remember, these are just criteria and patterns observed over the years. The beauty of cinema is its unpredictability and diversity, and any film that resonates with the Academy members has the potential to win.
So what kind of movies can you find among this selection? Read on for our list of Oscar award winning films that can be enjoyed at home!
5 Unmissable Oscar Award-winning movies
Without further ado, let's dive into our list of must-watch Oscar award winners!
1. Titanic (1997)
Titanic is a romantic drama directed by James Cameron. The film follows the story of two star-crossed lovers, Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) and Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio), aboard the RMS Titanic as it sails to its fateful end on April 15th, 1912. Titanic received widespread acclaim for its epic scale, impressive special effects, memorable score, and the performances of its lead actors.
At the 70th Academy Awards in 1998, Titanic made history by tying with All About Eve (1950) for the most Oscar nominations, with a total of 14. The film then went on to win 11 Oscar awards, some of which includes Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Song for Celine Dion's, My Heart Will Go On.
Titanic is a timeless classic that continues to capture audiences all around the world – even more than 20 years later!
2. All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
All Quiet on the Western Front, directed by Edward Berger, is a German-language adaptation of the classic novel by Erich Maria Remarque.
This anti-war epic took home the prestigious award for Best International Feature, marking a significant achievement for German cinema at the Oscars. The film explores the harrowing experiences of young German soldiers during World War I and challenges the romanticized vision of war, making it a significant entry in the canon of anti-war cinema.
It stars Louis Wolheim, Lew Ayres,John Wray, Arnold Lucy, and Ben Alexander.
The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for 9 awards and won4 Academy Awards in 2023, according to reports from Netflix, Town and Country Magazine, and The Hollywood Reporter. It also became a cultural phenomenon, with the film influencing many future war films. All Quiet on the Western Front serves as an important reminder of the horrors of war and is considered to be one of the greatest war movies ever made. If you’re looking for a powerful and affecting war drama to watch, this is the perfect choice.
3. Dune (2021)
Dune, the cinematic adaptation of Frank Herbert's seminal science fiction novel, has been a resounding success, both commercially and critically. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the film is a magnificent spectacle that sweeps viewers into a breathtaking world of interstellar politics, warfare, and destiny. The film garnered 10nominations at the 94th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won6 prestigious awards, including Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Film Editing, and Best Visual Effects.
The film's star-studded cast includes Timothée Chalamet in the lead role as Paul Atreides, a nobleman's son who is haunted by visions of a dark future and an enigmatic Fremen girl named Chani, portrayed by Zendaya.
4. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Everything Everywhere All at Once, a film from the esteemed A24 studio, has emerged as a monumental success in the world of cinema. This futuristic film won an impressive 7 awards at the 95th Academy Awards.
Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as Daniels, the film is a manic multiverse fantasy that tells the story of a fractured family caught up in an interdimensional adventure. The film's unique blend of sci-fi, action, and comedy captivated audiences and critics alike, leading to its remarkable sweep at the Oscars.
Winning Best Picture, Everything Everywhere All at Once capped off a ground-breaking awards season and became the most-awarded best picture winner since 2008’s SlumdogMillionaire.
5. Saving Private Ryan
Saving Private Ryan, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a cinematic masterpiece that revolutionized the portrayal of war on film. The movie, released in 1998, quickly became one of the highest-grossing films of the year, earning $481.8 million worldwide
This epic drama is set during the brutal intensity of World War II. Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) takes his men behind enemy lines to find Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed in combat. The film is renowned for its realistic depiction of war, particularly the harrowing D-Day sequence, which is noted for its visceral and unflinching portrayal of the battlefield.
The movie won 5 Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Cinematography. Saving Private Ryan has left a lasting legacy and is widely considered to be of the greatest war films ever made. Its influence can still be felt in contemporary war films, and its unflinching depiction of battle has earned it a place in cinematic history. Saving Private Ryan is an intense yet powerful experience that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
Accessing Oscar-winning movies at home
The digital age has revolutionized our film-viewing experience, allowing us to savor acclaimed films and stellar performances from the solace of our own homes. We're blessed with an abundance of platforms to stream movies from – including those that have clinched the prestigious Oscar award. From nerve-jangling blockbusters to supremely tense dramas and everything in between.
Here's how you can dive into a world of cinematic experience without stepping foot outside:
Finding films on streaming platforms
A wealth of Oscar-nominated movies are available across various streaming platforms. HBO Max is known for its diverse library that includes everything from the latest to the greatest actor-nominated dramas, while Amazon Prime Video also hosts Oscar-winning films that you can stream from the comfort of your home. Netflix and Hulu also have a great selection with plenty of diverse titles to choose from.
Renting or purchasing digitally
Digital stores such as Apple TV+ offer another great avenue if you're keen on owning your favorite flicks rather than just streaming them. They provide users with options to rent or buy films directly – be it picture nominee titles like Black Panther or Colin Farrell's latest thriller, The Killing of a Sacred Deer.
This way, not only do you get access to high-quality versions but also have the freedom to watch them anytime.
Browsing cable on-demand services
Cable providers often feature "on-demand" sections where subscribers can browse through Oscar-nominations among other genres featuring Glass Onion-like twists within their narratives. So whether Steven Spielberg is your go-to director or Jamie Lee Curtis' supporting actress roles keep pulling you back – they've got something for everyone. Spectrum TV, Xfinity TV, DIRECTV, and more, all have their own on-demand services with a range of Oscar-winning films available to stream.
Are Oscar-winning movies always critically acclaimed?
The world of cinema is a fascinating one, filled with heartwarming romances, drama, adrenaline-pumping action blockbusters, and oddball comedies alike.
However, when it comes to the Oscars – arguably the pinnacle of film recognition – there's an interesting paradox that often emerges between those films awarded by the Academy and how they're received critically.
To illustrate this point, consider Joker. This picture nominee earned Joaquin Phoenix his first Best Actor nomination and win but was met with divided opinions from critics due to its dark narrative tone.
Although many Oscar-winning movies are considered to be critically acclaimed films, there have been cases where the Academy has awarded a movie that didn't have the same reception from critics. For example, some films have been awarded for their technical achievements but not necessarily for their story or overall quality.
Also, it's important to note that the Academy Awards are determined by a voting process and can sometimes be subject to biases. That being said, all of the movies on this list are still worth watching and have left a lasting impression in the world of cinema. We hope you enjoy watching them at home!
Genres of Oscar-winning films
The genres of Oscar-winning films are diverse, but some genres tend to be more represented than others.
Dramas have been the most awarded genre in the history of the Oscars, followed by genres like adventure, thriller, crime, and musicals. Comedies and animated films are less commonly awarded. However, it's important to note that the Oscars reward excellence in filmmaking, regardless of genre.
Therefore, any film, regardless of its genre, has the potential to win if it exemplifies superior craftsmanship and storytelling.
Conclusion
Oscar award-winning movies provide us with a unique and powerful experience that is sure to stay with us long after the credits have rolled. Whether you’re in the mood for an intense war drama or a thrilling sci-fi adventure, there’s an Oscar-winning movie out there for everyone.
To enhance your at-home entertainment experience even further, consider exploring Homelinkd. As experts in comparing internet, fiber, satellite broadband, and TV plans we're here to help you make informed decisions based on your needs and location. After all, nothing beats watching an Oscar-Award winning movie with top-notch connectivity!
Now, grab your popcorn and get ready for some truly unforgettable cinematic experiences
Written by:
Amanda Morgan
Hey, I’m Amanda! A big fan of sunny days, good coffee, and making life easier for you. When I’m not exploring how technology can improve our everyday lives, I’m all about finding simple ways to explain those benefits to you. I love chatting about how a smart home setup can make your mornings smoother or how the right internet plan can change your streaming experience. Life’s complicated enough—your tech shouldn’t be!
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