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Lights, camera, action! As award season reaches its peak, movie lovers everywhere turn their attention to the Academy Awards, where the best films of the year are featured. The Oscars celebrate the power of storytelling and the artistry of filmmaking. This year’s ceremony is on Sunday, March 2, honoring movies released in 2024. Here are some of the standout movies that earned nominations and are currently available to check out on DVD from the library.

 

Wicked

Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroads as their lives begin to take very different paths. Wicked is nominated for ten Oscars, including Cynthia Erivo for Actress in a Leading Role and Ariana Grande for Actress in a Supporting Role.

 

Conclave

Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with leading one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events, participating in the selection of a new pope. Surrounded by powerful religious leaders in the halls of the Vatican, he soon uncovers a trail of deep secrets that could shake the very foundation of the Roman Catholic Church. Conclave is nominated for eight Oscars, including Ralph Fiennes for Actor in a Leading Role and Isabella Rossellini for Actress in a Supporting Role.

 

The Substance

Fading actress Elisabeth Sparkle becomes distressed when her chauvinistic boss fires her from her aerobics show. She soon injects herself with a mysterious serum that promises a younger, better version of herself, but things go horribly wrong. Substance is nominated for five Oscars, including Demi Moore for Actress in a Leading Role.

 

Dune: Part Two

Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee. Dune: Part Two is nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture.

 

Nosferatu

In the 1830s, estate agent Thomas Hutter travels to Transylvania for a fateful meeting with Count Orlok, a prospective client. In his absence, Hutter’s new bride, Ellen, is left under the care of their friends, Friedrich and Anna Harding. Plagued by horrific visions and an increasing sense of dread, Ellen soon encounters an evil force that’s far beyond her control. Nosferatu is nominated for four Oscars.

 

The Wild Robot

After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh surroundings, she bonds with the native animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose. The Wild Robot has been nominated for three Oscars, including Best Animated Feature Film.

 

The Apprentice

A young Donald Trump, eager to make his name as the hungry second son of a wealthy family in 1970s New York, comes under the spell of cutthroat lawyer Roy Cohn. Cohn sees in Trump the perfect protege: someone with raw ambition, a hunger for success, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win. The Apprentice is nominated for two Oscars, Sebastian Stan for Actor in a Leading Role and Jeremy Strong for Actor in a Supporting Role.

 

Jen Pace Dickenson is the Youth Services Librarian for Polk County Public Libraries. For information about the library’s resources, programs, and other services, visit polklibrary.org or call (828) 894-8721.