A LOW key Oscars this year struck a tasteful tone given the year we’ve had, and the 2021 awards were spread throughout a group of deserving and interesting films.
Given cinemas are still closed, and you may not have seen a lot of the winners, here are the key films from the 2021 Oscars and where to see them.
Nomadland: Won best picture, director, and actress. A simply stunning film and my favourite film of the year. Incredible that Chloe Zhao won best director in just her third feature. Frances McDormand might be my favourite actor of all time and this is her best performance since Fargo in 1996. Available on Disney plus from May 21.
Promising Young Woman: Won Best Original Screenplay. At one point Carey Mulligan was tipped for Best Actress. This is a fine film and well worth seeking out. Available now on Sky/Now TV.
Judas and the Black Messiah: A hugely deserved and predicted win for Daniel Kaluuya as black panther chairman Fred Hampton. A terrific film that’s more of a thriller than historical biopic. Available to purchase on YouTube and Google video.
Soul: Soul won best animated feature which in my opinion should have gone to the Irish film Wolfwalkers. Soul is available now on Disney+ and Wolfwakers on Apple TV+.
The Father: Shocked everyone with Anthony Hopkins winning Best Actor. It is absolutely deserved and his first win in a quarter century. Due to be released in cinemas June 21 but expect to see that release date moved up.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom: The makers will be disappointed not to take Best Actor but I think the right decision was made. Chadwick Boseman was excellent but the film was only good, not great. Won Best Hair and Make Up and Costume Design. Ann Roth, who collected the award for Make Up and Hair, is now the oldest woman to win the award at 89. Available on Netflix.
Sound of Metal: Won for Sound and Film editing. This is a brilliant film about a drummer in a band losing hearing. Riz Ahmed is the lead and in another year may well have won for Best Actor. Available now on Amazon Prime Video
Minari: Won Best Supporting Actress for Youn Yuh-jung. Available to rent and buy on Amazon streaming service (not free to stream yet ).
Another Round: A brilliant Danish film about three teachers who decide that having a few pints at lunch just makes life easier. Released here on July 2.
