Best Oscar Movies 2021: Winners & Nominees

Hey movie buffs! Let's dive into the glitz and glamour of the 2021 Oscars, shall we? This year was packed with some seriously amazing films, and the Academy definitely had a tough job picking the winners. We're going to break down the biggest hits, the standout performances, and of course, those coveted golden statues. Get ready to add some must-watch movies to your list, because the 2021 Oscars delivered a fantastic lineup of cinematic triumphs. Whether you're a fan of sweeping dramas, hilarious comedies, or thought-provoking documentaries, there was something for everyone.

The Big Winners: Who Took Home the Gold?

Alright guys, let's talk about the movies that truly shone at the 93rd Academy Awards. The 2021 Oscars saw some incredible films vying for the top honors, and it's always exciting to see which ones captured the Academy's attention. The Best Picture category is always the one everyone's buzzing about, and in 2021, the win went to Nomadland. This film, directed by Chloé Zhao, was a true masterpiece, offering a poignant and intimate look at life on the fringes of American society. Frances McDormand's performance was nothing short of breathtaking, cementing her status as one of the greatest actresses of our time. The movie's realistic portrayal and stunning cinematography really resonated with audiences and critics alike, making its Best Picture win well-deserved. It's the kind of film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on themes of community, loss, and resilience.

Beyond the top prize, other films also celebrated significant victories. Sound of Metal, starring Riz Ahmed as a heavy metal drummer losing his hearing, was a powerful and immersive experience. It snagged Oscars for Best Sound and Best Film Editing, showcasing its technical brilliance and emotional depth. Ahmed's performance was widely praised for its raw vulnerability, and the film's innovative sound design truly put the audience in the character's shoes. It’s a testament to how cinema can use its unique tools to tell deeply human stories. Judas and the Black Messiah, a gripping historical drama about Fred Hampton and the Black Panther Party, earned Daniel Kaluuya the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Kaluuya's electrifying portrayal of Hampton was a force of nature, and his win was a highlight of the night. The film itself was a powerful reminder of a crucial period in American history, bringing important stories to the forefront.

We also saw Minari, a beautiful and heartfelt story about a Korean-American family starting a new life in the US, receive critical acclaim and an Oscar for Youn Yuh-jung for Best Supporting Actress. Her performance was graceful, witty, and deeply moving, making her a fan favorite and a deserving winner. The film's gentle approach to themes of family, immigration, and the pursuit of the American Dream struck a chord with many. Other notable wins included Mank, David Fincher's ode to Old Hollywood, which took home Oscars for Best Cinematography and Best Production Design, celebrating its stunning visual artistry. And of course, we can't forget Soul, Pixar's animated gem, which rightfully won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score. Soul was a philosophical journey that explored life's purpose and the beauty of everyday moments, resonating with both kids and adults.

Standout Performances: The Actors Who Dazzled

Let's give a huge round of applause to the incredible actors who truly owned the screen in 2021! The Oscar-nominated performances were a masterclass in acting, showcasing a diverse range of talent and emotional depth. We already mentioned the phenomenal wins for Daniel Kaluuya in Judas and the Black Messiah and Youn Yuh-jung in Minari, but the competition was fierce, and so many others deserved recognition. The nominees for Best Actor included Riz Ahmed for Sound of Metal, Chadwick Boseman for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (in a posthumous nomination that had everyone in tears), Gary Oldman for Mank, Steven Yeun for Minari, and the eventual winner, Anthony Hopkins for his chilling performance in The Father. Hopkins' portrayal of a man grappling with dementia was a haunting and deeply affecting performance that showcased his legendary skill. It’s a role that demands immense subtlety and power, and he delivered in spades.

In the Best Actress category, we saw Viola Davis nominated for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Andra Day for The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Vanessa Kirby for Pieces of a Woman, and Carey Mulligan for Promising Young Woman. The winner, Frances McDormand, took home her third Best Actress Oscar for her transformative role in Nomadland. Her ability to convey so much with so little is truly remarkable, embodying the spirit of her character with every glance and gesture. The film's success is undeniably tied to her powerful and understated performance.

Looking at the Best Supporting Actor race, besides Kaluuya's win, we had Sacha Baron Cohen nominated for The Trial of the Chicago 7, Barack Obama (yes, that Barack Obama, for his documentary American Factory which was a producer, but not acting!) for The Trial of the Chicago 7, Leslie Odom Jr. for One Night in Miami..., and Lakeith Stanfield for Judas and the Black Messiah. It was a stacked field, and Kaluuya's win was a testament to his incredible talent and the impact of his role.

For Best Supporting Actress, the competition was just as intense. Maria Bakalova stunned audiences with her performance in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, earning her a nomination. Glenn Close received a nod for Hillbilly Elegy (though her performance was more divisive), and Amanda Seyfried was recognized for Mank. Alongside Youn Yuh-jung's eventual win, these actresses delivered memorable performances that added so much to their respective films. The sheer range of acting displayed across all categories was a true celebration of the craft.

Beyond the Big Categories: Technical Marvels and Documentaries

It's not just about the acting and the big awards, guys! The 2021 Oscars also celebrated some seriously impressive technical achievements and powerful documentaries. The cinematography in films like Mank was absolutely stunning, really bringing the black-and-white world of classic Hollywood to life. It was a visual feast that deserved its win. Similarly, the production design for Mank was intricate and authentic, immersing viewers in the era. These technical awards, while sometimes overlooked, are crucial in making a film's vision a reality. They are the unsung heroes of filmmaking, working tirelessly behind the scenes.

Tenet, Christopher Nolan's mind-bending thriller, managed to snag the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. This film was a spectacle of groundbreaking effects that pushed the boundaries of what's possible on screen. The intricate action sequences and complex temporal manipulations were a testament to the artists' skill and imagination. It’s the kind of movie that makes you say, “How did they even do that?!”

In the documentary world, My Octopus Teacher took home the award for Best Documentary Feature. This beautiful and moving film explored an unusual friendship between a filmmaker and an octopus, highlighting the wonders of the natural world and the importance of connection. It was a truly unique and heartwarming story that resonated with audiences on a profound level. The film's stunning underwater cinematography and its emotional narrative made it a standout winner.

Other documentaries that garnered attention and nominations included Collective, a gripping investigation into corruption in Romania, and Crip Camp, a powerful film about disability rights. These films showcased the vital role of documentaries in shedding light on important social issues and inspiring change. They are essential viewing for anyone looking to understand the complexities of our world.

Our Top Picks and What to Watch Next

So, after all that Oscar buzz, what are our absolute must-watch movies from the 2021 ceremony? Obviously, Nomadland is at the top of the list. Its quiet power and Frances McDormand's unforgettable performance make it a cinematic experience you won't want to miss. If you're looking for something with incredible sound design and a powerful emotional core, Sound of Metal is a fantastic choice. For a dose of history and electrifying acting, Judas and the Black Messiah is essential viewing.

Don't sleep on Minari either, guys. It's a beautifully told story about family and dreams that will warm your heart. And if you're a fan of animation and deep philosophical questions, Soul is an absolute treat. It's a film that offers wisdom and joy in equal measure. For those who appreciate visual artistry and a deep dive into filmmaking history, Mank is a stylish and captivating watch.

Looking ahead, the success of these films shows the incredible talent and diverse storytelling present in Hollywood. The 2021 Oscars reminded us of the power of cinema to move us, challenge us, and connect us. We can't wait to see what amazing movies the upcoming years will bring. Keep an eye on these directors and actors – they are the future of film! So grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy these Oscar-winning gems. Happy watching!