7 Women-Led Oscar-Nominated Films You Should Add To Your Watch Lists
The cast of Oscar-nominated American Fiction features prominent women actresses as well as Tony-winning actor Jeffrey Wright.
As the 2024 Oscars draw near, the stage is set for a celebration of cinematic excellence, marked by historic milestones and significant strides for women in film. This year’s nominations showcase a diverse pool of women-led projects that captivate audiences with their compelling narratives, exceptional performances, and visionary storytelling.
From heartwarming comedy dramas to riveting true stories and enchanting fantasies, these films stand as testaments to the talent, creativity, and resilience of women in the industry. Join us as we dive into the lineup of women-led Oscar films, set to dazzle and inspire at the 96th Academy Awards.
American Fiction
Hailed as one of the best pictures of the year, “American Fiction” follows a novelist rebelling against the establishment’s exploitation of Black culture. With a stellar cast including Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, and John Ortiz, the film earned five Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Leading Actor (Jeffrey Wright), Best Supporting Actor (Sterling K. Brown), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score.
The Color Purple
The cast of “The Color Purple” gathers on the red carpet in 2023.
Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, and Taraji P. Henson headline this remake of the timeless saga, where a woman confronts numerous challenges but discovers profound strength and hope in the enduring bonds of sisterhood. Despite only one nomination for Best Supporting Actress (Danielle Brooks), the remake remains cherished by fans.
Barbie
Despite being overlooked in the Best Actress category, “Barbie” sparked a cultural frenzy as fans worldwide dressed in Barbie-inspired outfits to witness Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling’s delightful portrayal of Barbie and Ken in the vibrant world of Barbie Land. The empowering film garnered an impressive eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Ryan Gosling received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, while America Ferrera was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Additionally, Barbie earned nods for Best Adapted Screenplay, Costume Design, and Production Design.
Killers Of The Flower Moon
This Martin Scorsese-helmed film, initially released straight to streaming platforms, delves into the gripping story of oil discovery in 1920s Oklahoma on Osage Nation land and the tale of a series of murders. With stellar performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone, the historical drama earned a remarkable 10 nominations.
Categories include Original Score, Film Editing, Costume Design, and Best Achievement in Production Design, among others. Additionally, in a historic Oscars moment, Lily Gladstone and Scott George became the first Native Americans nominated for Best Actress and Best Original Song.
Nyad
Featuring Hollywood heavyweights like Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, and Anne Marie Kempf, among others, “Nyad” recounts the incredible true story of athlete Diana Nyad. At 60, with her best friend and coach by her side, the protagonist embarks on her lifelong dream: a 110-mile open-ocean swim from Cuba to Florida.
The film garnered two Oscar nominations, with Annette nominated for Best Leading Actress and Jodie Foster earning a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Poor Things
Cast members and filmmakers gather at a red carpet event for the “Poor Things.”
Emma Stone garnered a Best Actress nomination for her role as Bella Baxter in “Poor Things.” The film, which received 11 nominations, follows Bella’s extraordinary journey, as she is resurrected by the brilliant yet unconventional scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter in a world teeming with mutants and male chauvinist pigs.
May December
In this 2023 blockbuster, a married couple, 20 years after news of their scandalous and illegal age-gap romance captivated the nation, face turmoil when an actress arrives to research a film about their lives. Starring Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, Charles Melton, and Chris Tenzis, the film earned a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
Will you be watching the annual ceremony celebrating the film industry’s artistic and technical achievements? It all goes down on Sunday, March 10, at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST. In the meantime, drop your favorite women-led Oscar films in the comments below!
