As we eagerly anticipate the release of the biopic on champion swimmer Diana Nyad, succinctly titled Nyad, on Netflix this week, which has already generated significant Oscar buzz, there’s no better time to delve into the world of award-winning cinema available on the platform.
In celebration of the upcoming release, we have compiled a list of five essential Oscar-winning films that you can binge-watch on Netflix this weekend. These cinematic gems, directed by renowned filmmakers and featuring stellar performances, have garnered acclaim for their compelling stories and outstanding craftsmanship.
These five essential Oscar-winning films offer a diverse range of cinematic experiences, from heart-wrenching drama to heartwarming tales of love and friendship.
Whether you’re looking for emotional depth, intriguing storytelling, or simply a moving experience, these films have it all, making them the perfect choice for your weekend movie marathon on Netflix.
Five essential films to binge on Netflix this weekend:
Sound of Metal (2019)
Directed by Darius Marder and starring Riz Ahmed, Sound of Metal takes you on a journey into the life of a heavy metal drummer, Ruben Stone (played by Ahmed), whose world is turned upside down when he begins to lose his hearing.
The film beautifully captures Ruben’s struggle to come to terms with his new reality and explores the challenges he faces in adapting to a life without sound. Sound of Metal won two Oscars for Best Sound and Best Film Editing, and Riz Ahmed was nominated for ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role’.
Girl, Interrupted (1999)
Directed by James Mangold and featuring an exceptional cast led by Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder, Girl, Interrupted offers a gripping portrayal of the lives of young women in a psychiatric hospital during the late 1960s.
The film delves into the complexities of mental illness and friendship amid girlhood interrupted. Jolie’s standout performance as Lisa earned her the Academy Award for ‘Best Supporting Actress.’
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Directed by Ang Lee and starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, Brokeback Mountain tells a poignant love story between two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar (Ledger) and Jack Twist (Gyllenhaal), set against the breathtaking backdrop of Wyoming’s rugged landscapes.
The film won three Oscars, including ‘Best Director’ for Ang Lee, and received critical acclaim for its exploration of love and the challenges of living in a society that is not always accepting.
Roma (2018)
Directed by the visionary Alfonso Cuarón, Roma is a deeply personal and beautifully shot black-and-white film that offers a semi-autobiographical account of Cuarón’s childhood in Mexico City.
The movie follows the life of a domestic worker, Cleo, and the family she serves. Roma won three Oscars, including ‘Best Director’ for Cuarón, and became the first Mexican film to win the ‘Best Foreign Language Film’ award.
Cinema Paradiso (1988)
Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, Cinema Paradiso is a heartwarming Italian film that explores the power of cinema in the life of a young boy named Salvatore, who forms a special bond with the local projectionist.
The film won the Academy Award for ‘Best Foreign Language Film’ and is a celebration of the magic of movies and their ability to transcend time and bring people together.
