As the much-anticipated Oscars draw near, movie buffs across India are enthusiastically seizing the opportunity to view the nominated films ahead of the grand event. This year’s nominees feature a rich variety of narratives spanning from the edge-of-the-seat dramas to melodious musicals, and nail-biting psychological thrillers. While movie-goers can enjoy some of these cinematic masterpieces in theaters, multiple streaming platforms are also offering audiences the chance to delve into these international offerings. Here is a handy guide to where these Oscar nominees can be screened in India.
The first noteworthy film is ‘Emilia Perez’. This unique tale combines the worlds of law and crime in a musical backdrop, exploring the story of an attorney coerced into an unconventional task—aiding a prominent cartel boss in transitioning her gender. This groundbreaking movie weaves together elements of crime, music, and identity throughout its narrative. It garnered significant acclaim at Cannes 2024, taking home the Jury Prize and Best Actress award.
Up next is ‘Wicked’. The Broadway favorite has been reimagined into a dual-part film adaptation. Serving as a prelude to the substantially lauded ‘The Wizard of Oz’, it recounts the backstory of Elphaba (destined to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the celebrated Good Witch). The plot primarily involves their deep-rooted friendship which eventually evolves into a bitter rivalry.
‘The Substance’ is another gem in the lineup. This picture narrates the struggles of Elisabeth Sparkle as she grapples with her diminishing fame. She is left in utter despair when her chauvinistic boss makes the abrupt decision to replace her in her long-standing role in an aerobics show. In a desperate effort to reclaim her stardom, she resorts to a trailblazing serum that assures her of eternal youth and flawless beauty. As she finds her hope renewed, the initial miraculous results gradually twist into a horrifying nightmare.
The film ‘Anora’ chronicles the tale of a young lady from Brooklyn experiencing the quintessential Cinderella story. When Anora ties the knot with an oligarch’s son, she finds herself plunged headlong into an enchanting fairytale. However, her happily-ever-after is put into jeopardy when the news reaches his parents in Russia. Determined to nullify the marriage, they embark on a journey to New York, turning Anora’s fairytale into a suspenseful drama.
Lastly, the sequel of the epic saga ‘Dune 2’ continues to captivate viewers with the riveting journey of Paul Atreides. Allying with Chani and the Fremen, a burning desire for vengeance fuels him after the fall of his family. As he grapples with his inevitable destiny, he finds himself torn between his profound love for Chani and the overpowering burden of determining the destiny of the universe. Haunted by premonitions of an impending disaster, he faces a monumental decision that has the potential to redefine the course of history.