The Best Picture Buzz: Front-Runners You Need to Watch

Alright, movie lovers, the Academy Awards are rolling up on March 2nd, and Hollywood’s biggest night is gearing up to crown the king—or queen—of the big screen. If you want to impress your friends with Oscar-level opinions (or just feel smugly superior), these are the must-watch films we think are in the race for Best Picture. (Eventually, there will be 10 nominees but these are our favorites.) We’ve listed them alphabetically. You can decide which order they should be in.

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  A Complete Unknown – Searchlight Pictures

This biopic peeks behind the curtain of one of music’s greatest legends: Bob Dylan. With a focus on Dylan’s mysterious and ever-changing persona, the film dives into his life, fame, and creative genius. Featuring poetic dialogue, moody visuals, and perhaps a few cryptic moments, A Complete Unknown is as enigmatic as its subject. It’s the perfect blend of artsy storytelling and fascinating history, making it a strong contender for those who love musical legends brought to life.

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  Anora – Neon

Neon delivers another indie darling with Anora, a hauntingly beautiful story about self-discovery, resilience, and identity. The film follows the titular character as she grapples with life’s challenges, navigating a journey of personal growth and belonging. With its evocative cinematography and powerful storytelling, Anora captures the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength. It’s an emotional and thought-provoking contender that’s sure to resonate with audiences and Oscar voters alike.

• Conclave – Focus Features

Set within the secretive world of Vatican politics, Conclave follows the tense process of electing a new pope after the sudden death of the previous one. As the cardinals gather, secrets, power struggles, and moral dilemmas rise to the surface. This gripping drama weaves suspense and intrigue, offering a fascinating look at the human side of faith and authority. With its blend of political chess and moral conflict, Conclave is a must-watch for thrill-seekers.

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  Dune: Part Two – Warner Bros.

Denis Villeneuve returns to finish the epic saga of Dune, bringing us back to the harsh, sandy world of Arrakis. With jaw-dropping visuals, an all-star cast, and plenty of sandworms, this sequel dives deeper into Paul Atreides’ rise to power and the battle for control over the universe’s most valuable resource. Packed with betrayal, battles, and breathtaking landscapes, Dune: Part Two is a cinematic feast that’s both epic in scope and emotionally rich.

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  Emilia – Pérez – Netflix

This Netflix gem mixes courtroom drama, comedy, and cartel chaos in one bold, unpredictable story. It follows the journey of a notorious cartel lawyer undergoing a gender transition, shaking up both their personal life and their high-stakes legal career. Emilia – Pérez delivers a heartfelt celebration of identity with a dash of humor and plenty of drama. It’s a quirky yet poignant film that’s bound to stand out among the more traditional nominees.

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  The Brutalist – A24

A24 brings us another visual and emotional masterpiece with The Brutalist, a gripping tale of an immigrant architect striving to leave his mark on the post-war modernist movement. This deeply artistic film captures the struggles of ambition, identity, and cultural displacement, wrapped in stunning cinematography. With its raw emotional depth and beautifully crafted story, The Brutalist feels like the kind of bold, thought-provoking film the Academy loves to celebrate.

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  Wicked – Universal Pictures

Fly over the rainbow and back with this highly anticipated adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. Wicked flips the script on The Wizard of Oz, showing the untold story of Elphaba and Glinda, the witches of Oz. With its spellbinding songs, dazzling visuals, and heartfelt themes of friendship and identity, this magical journey is sure to enchant audiences and secure its place as a Best Picture favorite.