The awards season is upon us! Every year, the latest and greatest of cinema is celebrated during this time. From the Golden Globes through to the BAFTAs all the way to the culmination of the cycle with the Academy Awards which are being held on April 26 this year. Unfortunately for us here in the UK, we have not had the privilege of attending the cinema for quite some time. Luckily, however, all of our favourite streaming services are premiering all the awards content we could possibly need. So, if you’re wondering what to watch over to tide your way through the next month, here’s all the cinematic hits that you will be able to tune into from the comfort of your couch!
The Mauritanian
The first release in this month’s line up of award nominees is a British endeavour. ‘The Mauritanian’ is a legal drama about Mohamedou Ould Salahi’s fourteen-year imprisonment without charge in the infamous Guantanamo Bay detention camp. The harrowing tale of false imprisonment is based on a true story, which revealed a mass conspiracy about Salahi’s prosecution. The film stars Jodie Foster, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tahar Rahim and Shailene Woodley. It’s certainly hard to argue against the film’s merits with a cast like that and ‘The Mauritanian’ has excelled at the awards, earning five nominations at this year’s BAFTAs. ‘The Mauritanian’ releases on Amazon Prime on April 1.
Palm Springs
If you are looking for some more light-hearted entertainment, ‘Palm Springs’ should definitely be your go-to. ‘Palm Springs’ is a trippy, quasi-science fiction romantic comedy and if that odd combination does not intrigue you, I don’t know what will! Andy Samberg leads the film as Nyles, who falls in love with a bridesmaid at a wedding called Sarah. However, things go wrong when Sarah mystically gets stuck in a time loop with Nyles and the couple must relive the same day over and over. Whilst that plot may sound kitsch, the stylistic imagery of the Calafornian desert and the stellar performances have set this film apart from typical comedies and ‘Palm Springs’ was nominated for two Golden Globes this year. ‘Palm Springs’ comes to Amazon Prime on April 9.
Sound of Metal
‘‘Sound of Metal’ is most notable for Riz Ahmed’s staggering lead performance as a rock and roll drummer who loses his hearing. Ahmed’s role landed him a nomination for Best Actor at this year’s Academy Awards, which makes him the first Muslim actor to ever be nominated in a lead acting category. The film’s honest portrayal of loss, addiction and mental health struggles has garnered it much critical attention, and it is certainly one of the must sees of the season. ‘Sound of Metal’ releases on Amazon Prime on April 12.
Promising Young Woman
Carey Mulligan has long since been a figurehead of the awards season ever since her breakout performance in ‘An Education’ back in 2009. However, her performance in ‘Promising Young Woman’ is perhaps the most difficult one of her career. The film follows the story of a woman who confronts men who attempt to sleep with intoxicated women, exacting her revenge on the male populace after her friend was raped in high school. The film tracks her mental instability and is extremely poignant in the wake of the #MeToo movement. ‘Promising Young Woman’ marks the directorial debut of Emerald Fennell, who is best known for her writing on BBC shows like ‘Killing Eve’ and ‘The Crown’. It’s likely Fennell will win big at the awards this year and snatch up most of the ‘Best Original Screenplay’ prizes. ‘Promising Young Woman’ comes to Sky Cinemas on April 16.
Nomadland
‘Nomadland’ really is the one to watch out for this awards season. The film follows the story of a woman who uproots her life following a redundancy, and travels across America living the “nomad” lifestyle. Along her way, she meets and interacts with a series of weird and wonderful characters, most of whom are not actors, but are actual people who have decided to live their lives like our main character. The Frances McDormand film has snatched up the ‘Best Feature’ prize at several ceremonies now, including the illustrious Golden Globe. Chloe Zhao has broken records by being the only female director of colour to be nominated for Best Director, and if the film’s track record is anything to go, it is more than likely that Zhao will end up going home with the award. ‘Nomadland’ comes to Disney+ Hotstar on April 30.
