Read Our Reviews for This Year’s Best Picture Nominees

After being delayed for two months on account of the ongoing pandemic, the 93rd Academy Awards is almost here. On Sunday 25 April, we'll finally learn which films will take home the biggest prizes in Hollywood, from Best Actor to Best Animated Feature. Still yet to catch this year's potential Best Picture, or seeking some worthwhile reading on each of the 8 nominees? Look no further: we've rounded up our reviews for your perusal ahead of Sunday's ceremony…

The Father

Florian Zeller's ingenious screen translation of his own stage play offers a terrifying insight into the realities of living with dementia.

What we said: “This is an object lesson in how to bring a small-scale play to the screen, bolstered by a mesmerising performance from one of our greatest living actors (read Jack Blackwell's full review).”

Judas and the Black Messiah

Three magnetic lead performances anchor a psychologically and politically bold drama that uses tonal whiplash as a weapon.

What we said: “Refusing to bow to biopic conventions, Judas and the Black Messiah turns its unevenness into a strength, a gripping and unpredictable picture that’s just as comfortable in a discussion of Maoist political theory as it is a gunfight (read Jack Blackwell's full review).”

Mank

David Fincher’s portrait of disputed Citizen Kane screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz is a probing look beyond all that glitters.

What we said: “Mank feels the same way about Hollywood as David Robert Mitchell's Under the Silver Lake, admiring its glamorous legacy while acknowledging that something poisonous lies beneath. Greed and laziness are paramount. A man’s ego and ambition are his sharpest weapons and most lethal flaws (read Ella Kemp's full review).

Minari

Lee Isaac Chung’s semi-autobiographical drama is a beautiful, tender, and honest portrait of a Korean American family in Arkansas.

What we said: “A film where Asian American identity, and more specifically Korean American identity, isn't the driving aspect of the story shouldn’t feel so revolutionary – but then again, Minari is a quiet force of nature (read Iana Murray's full review).”

Nomadland

Frances McDormand gives a spectacularly natural performance in this beautiful ode to life on the American road.

What we said: “Where Nomadland especially thrives is in the moments that celebrate community, friendship and generosity. There are hardships to endure, but these are superseded by the film’s infectious joy and natural warmth (read Iana Murray's full review).

Promising Young Woman

Carey Mulligan is devastating in Emerald Fennell’s disorienting story of love, violence, and pain that refuses to give easy answers.

What we said: “Delivered with such violent conviction, Promising Young Woman has the air of a lifeline. A movie in which to see yourself, and to finally give your loved ones a reason to wake up (read Ella Kemp's full review).

Sound of Metal

Riz Ahmed gives arguably his greatest performance yet as a musician struck down by a sudden condition, anchoring a fascinating and moving drama.

What we said: “As an insight into a community rarely portrayed with nuance on screen, Sound of Metal is a major work, its deaf cast given complex roles and chances to articulate their complex relationship with the hearing world (read Jack Blackwell's full review).

The Trial of the Chicago 7

Entertaining, righteous, and packed with superb performances, Aaron Sorkin's second directorial effort has real fire in its belly.

What we said: “Academy-friendly without being cynical Oscar-bait, and as entertaining as it is righteous, The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a rousing, crowd-pleasing triumph with real fire in its belly (read Jack Blackwell's full review).”

The 93rd Academy Awards coverage will stream live on Sky Cinema in the UK from 10:00pm on 25 April.