With the Academy Awards ceremony coming up March 10, committed movie-lovers do their best to catch as many Oscar-nominated films as possible before the red carpet rolls out.
Here in Sudbury, cinephiles are in luck this year again because — unlike much of the country — it is possible to view a dozen contenders at the theatre and fully experience these masterpieces as they were meant to be watched: on the big screen.
Using the Globe and Mail as my reference, the national newspaper has boiled it down to just four top contenders you could see across the country on a large screen.
Yet, here in Sudbury, ahead of the Oscars, 12 nominated movies will be playing at our city’s movie theatres.
Sudbury Indie Cinema is leading the way with a total of 10 Oscar-nominated films on our roster between February and March. As in past years, we certainly have nominees in the International and Documentary category, but this year we have half the top contenders for Best Picture and several top acting nominees.
Cineplex had an exclusive on some nominees. Downtown Movie Lounge seems to be taking a pass on awards contenders during Oscar season, but they have played some movies that ended up with nominations, notably “Barbie”, “Oppenheimer” and “The Color Purple”.
Notice given to thrift stores: Better organize those used tuxes and ball gowns on a party rack. Come red carpet night, The Indie has you covered for a fun dress-up gala at the cinema. The Indie Oscars’ Party features live local commentary from in-house cinephiles, plus special guests from Canadian film and television joining live or via remote. You can find tickets here.
Here’s a guide on where to watch the 2024 Oscar nominated films in Sudbury this year. Enjoy!
Best Picture Nominees (all with multiple nominations)
On the Big Screen In-Theatre
- “Anatomy Of A Fall” is currently playing at Sudbury Indie Cinema
- “American Fiction” was playing at Silver City but has closed. Only available in theatres.
- “Maestro” is currently playing at Sudbury Indie Cinema
- “Oppenheimer” is currently playing at Sudbury Indie Cinema
- “Past Lives” is opening at Sudbury Indie Cinema Feb. 23
- “The Holdovers” is currently playing at Sudbury Indie Cinema
- “The Zone Of Interest” is currently playing at Silver City and opens at the Indie on March 7
On the Small Screen
- “Barbie” is streaming on Crave. Available to rent or buy from Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Prime Video, Microsoft Store.
- “Killers Of The Flower Moon” is available to buy from Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube and Microsoft Stream.
Best Actor in a Leading Role Nominees
- In-Theatre: “Rustin” is streaming on Netflix
Best Actress In a Leading Role Nominees
- On the Small Screen: “Nyad” is streaming on Netflix
Best International Feature
- In-Theatre:
- “Io Capitano” (Italy) opens at Sudbury Indie Cinema March 1
- “Perfect Days”(Japan) opens at Sudbury Indie Cinema Feb. 29
- “Teachers’ Lounge” (Germany)opens at Sudbury Indie Cinema Feb. 16
- On the Small Screen:
- “Society of the Snow” is streaming on Netflix
Best Documentary Feature
- In Theatre:
- “Four Daughters” opens at Sudbury Indie Cinema Feb. 8th
- “The Eternal Memory” is playing at Junction North International Documentary Film Festival Saturday April 20th, hosted by Sudbury Indie Cinema
- On The Small Screen:
- “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” is available on Disney+
- “To Kill A Tiger” is streaming free online from NFB and TVO.
- “20 Days in Mariupol” is available to rent or buy from Google Play or YouTube.
Best Animated Feature
- On the Small Screen
- “Elemental” is available on Disney+
- “Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse” is available on Crave.
Beth Mairs served as the founding executive director and lead programmer at Sudbury Independent Cinema Co-op.
