2024 Oscar-Nominated Films: A Critical Review
Posted on Jun 09, 2025
The 2024 Oscars brought forth a diverse and compelling lineup of films, each vying for the coveted golden statuette. From sweeping historical epics to intimate character studies, this year’s nominations reflected both artistic ambition and mainstream appeal. As a critic, I’ve taken a deep dive into the Best Picture nominees and a few standout performances to assess their merits, flaws, and overall impact.
1. Oppenheimer – A Cinematic Triumph
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer was the undeniable frontrunner of the night, and for good reason. This biographical thriller about the father of the atomic bomb is a masterclass in tension, storytelling, and technical brilliance. Cillian Murphy delivers a career-defining performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer, capturing the physicist’s genius, guilt, and moral turmoil with haunting precision.
The film’s non-linear structure, combined with Ludwig Göransson’s pulsating score and Hoyte van Hoytema’s breathtaking cinematography, creates an immersive experience. However, some may argue that the film’s relentless intensity and dense dialogue could alienate casual viewers. Despite this, Oppenheimer stands as one of Nolan’s finest works a thought-provoking epic that lingers long after the credits roll.
2. Poor Things – Bold, Bizarre, and Brilliant
Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things is a surreal, darkly comedic reimagining of Frankenstein, with Emma Stone giving one of her most fearless performances yet. As Bella Baxter, a woman resurrected with an infant’s brain, Stone balances childlike curiosity with raw, unfiltered humanity. The film’s absurdist humor and grotesque beauty make it a polarizing yet unforgettable experience.
Visually, Poor Things is a feast its steampunk aesthetic and exaggerated production design create a world that feels both fantastical and eerily familiar. However, its explicit content and bizarre narrative choices may not resonate with everyone. Still, it’s a daring piece of cinema that pushes boundaries in ways few films dare to.
3. Killers of the Flower Moon – Scorsese’s Haunting Epic
Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon is a grim, sprawling examination of greed and betrayal in 1920s Oklahoma. Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro deliver powerhouse performances, but it’s Lily Gladstone who steals the film as Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman caught in a web of systemic murder.
At three and a half hours, the film is undeniably demanding, and some may argue that its pacing tests patience. Yet, Scorsese’s meticulous direction and Rodrigo Prieto’s cinematography make every frame compelling. It’s a difficult watch, but one that exposes America’s dark history with unflinching honesty.
4. The Zone of Interest – A Chilling Portrait of Evil
Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest is one of the most unsettling films of the year. Set just outside Auschwitz, it follows the mundane lives of a Nazi commandant’s family while horrors unfold next door. The film’s detached, almost clinical approach makes its commentary on complicity all the more chilling.
Sandra Hüller (also brilliant in Anatomy of a Fall) delivers a quietly terrifying performance as Hedwig Höss, a woman who revels in her privileged life while ignoring the genocide nearby. The film’s sound design distant screams, muffled gunshots creates an atmosphere of dread without ever showing violence. It’s a challenging, essential film that forces viewers to confront the banality of evil.
5. Barbie – More Than Just Plastic
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie was the cultural phenomenon of 2023, blending sharp satire with heartfelt emotion. Margot Robbie is perfect as Stereotypical Barbie, while Ryan Gosling’s Ken steals scenes with his hilarious yet poignant arc about toxic masculinity.
The film’s meta-commentary on feminism and consumerism is clever, though some critics argue it pulls its punches in the third act. Still, its vibrant production design, catchy soundtrack, and witty script make it a standout. It’s rare for a blockbuster to be this smart and this fun a testament to Gerwig’s vision.
6. Past Lives – A Quiet Masterpiece
Celine Song’s Past Lives is a tender, melancholic romance about love, destiny, and the roads not taken. Greta Lee and Teo Yoo share a chemistry so natural it feels like eavesdropping on real conversations. The film’s restraint is its greatest strength there are no grand gestures, just quiet moments brimming with emotion. Some may find its pacing too slow, but those who connect with its themes will be deeply moved. It’s a film that lingers, asking viewers to reflect on their own past loves and choices. Final Verdict: A Strong Year for Cinema
The 2024 Oscar nominees showcased a remarkable range of storytelling from explosive historical dramas (Oppenheimer) to intimate character studies (Past Lives). While Oppenheimer emerged as the heavyweight winner, films like Poor Things and The Zone of Interest pushed artistic boundaries in thrilling ways. If there’s one criticism, it’s that the Academy still leans heavily toward auteur-driven dramas, often overlooking genre films and international contenders (where was Anatomy of a Fall in Best Picture?). Nevertheless, this year’s lineup proved that cinema remains a powerful medium for provocation, emotion, and sheer spectacle. Which films stood out to you? Let’s keep the conversation going. Rating the Best Picture Nominees: Oppenheimer – 5/5 Poor Things – 4.5/5 Killers of the Flower Moon – 4.5/5 The Zone of Interest – 4.5/5 Barbie – 4/5 Past Lives – 4/5 American Fiction – 3.5/5 Maestro – 3/5 The Holdovers – 3.5/5 Anatomy of a Fall (should have been nominated!) – 4.5/5 What do you think? Did the Oscars get it right, or were there snubs that deserved recognition? Let me know in the comments!
1. Oppenheimer – A Cinematic TriumphChristopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer was the undeniable frontrunner of the night, and for good reason. This biographical thriller about the father of the atomic bomb is a masterclass in tension, storytelling, and technical brilliance. Cillian Murphy delivers a career-defining performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer, capturing the physicist’s genius, guilt, and moral turmoil with haunting precision.
The film’s non-linear structure, combined with Ludwig Göransson’s pulsating score and Hoyte van Hoytema’s breathtaking cinematography, creates an immersive experience. However, some may argue that the film’s relentless intensity and dense dialogue could alienate casual viewers. Despite this, Oppenheimer stands as one of Nolan’s finest works a thought-provoking epic that lingers long after the credits roll.
2. Poor Things – Bold, Bizarre, and BrilliantYorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things is a surreal, darkly comedic reimagining of Frankenstein, with Emma Stone giving one of her most fearless performances yet. As Bella Baxter, a woman resurrected with an infant’s brain, Stone balances childlike curiosity with raw, unfiltered humanity. The film’s absurdist humor and grotesque beauty make it a polarizing yet unforgettable experience.
Visually, Poor Things is a feast its steampunk aesthetic and exaggerated production design create a world that feels both fantastical and eerily familiar. However, its explicit content and bizarre narrative choices may not resonate with everyone. Still, it’s a daring piece of cinema that pushes boundaries in ways few films dare to.
3. Killers of the Flower Moon – Scorsese’s Haunting EpicMartin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon is a grim, sprawling examination of greed and betrayal in 1920s Oklahoma. Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro deliver powerhouse performances, but it’s Lily Gladstone who steals the film as Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman caught in a web of systemic murder.
At three and a half hours, the film is undeniably demanding, and some may argue that its pacing tests patience. Yet, Scorsese’s meticulous direction and Rodrigo Prieto’s cinematography make every frame compelling. It’s a difficult watch, but one that exposes America’s dark history with unflinching honesty.
4. The Zone of Interest – A Chilling Portrait of EvilJonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest is one of the most unsettling films of the year. Set just outside Auschwitz, it follows the mundane lives of a Nazi commandant’s family while horrors unfold next door. The film’s detached, almost clinical approach makes its commentary on complicity all the more chilling.
Sandra Hüller (also brilliant in Anatomy of a Fall) delivers a quietly terrifying performance as Hedwig Höss, a woman who revels in her privileged life while ignoring the genocide nearby. The film’s sound design distant screams, muffled gunshots creates an atmosphere of dread without ever showing violence. It’s a challenging, essential film that forces viewers to confront the banality of evil.
5. Barbie – More Than Just PlasticGreta Gerwig’s Barbie was the cultural phenomenon of 2023, blending sharp satire with heartfelt emotion. Margot Robbie is perfect as Stereotypical Barbie, while Ryan Gosling’s Ken steals scenes with his hilarious yet poignant arc about toxic masculinity.
The film’s meta-commentary on feminism and consumerism is clever, though some critics argue it pulls its punches in the third act. Still, its vibrant production design, catchy soundtrack, and witty script make it a standout. It’s rare for a blockbuster to be this smart and this fun a testament to Gerwig’s vision.
6. Past Lives – A Quiet MasterpieceCeline Song’s Past Lives is a tender, melancholic romance about love, destiny, and the roads not taken. Greta Lee and Teo Yoo share a chemistry so natural it feels like eavesdropping on real conversations. The film’s restraint is its greatest strength there are no grand gestures, just quiet moments brimming with emotion. Some may find its pacing too slow, but those who connect with its themes will be deeply moved. It’s a film that lingers, asking viewers to reflect on their own past loves and choices. Final Verdict: A Strong Year for Cinema
The 2024 Oscar nominees showcased a remarkable range of storytelling from explosive historical dramas (Oppenheimer) to intimate character studies (Past Lives). While Oppenheimer emerged as the heavyweight winner, films like Poor Things and The Zone of Interest pushed artistic boundaries in thrilling ways. If there’s one criticism, it’s that the Academy still leans heavily toward auteur-driven dramas, often overlooking genre films and international contenders (where was Anatomy of a Fall in Best Picture?). Nevertheless, this year’s lineup proved that cinema remains a powerful medium for provocation, emotion, and sheer spectacle. Which films stood out to you? Let’s keep the conversation going. Rating the Best Picture Nominees: Oppenheimer – 5/5 Poor Things – 4.5/5 Killers of the Flower Moon – 4.5/5 The Zone of Interest – 4.5/5 Barbie – 4/5 Past Lives – 4/5 American Fiction – 3.5/5 Maestro – 3/5 The Holdovers – 3.5/5 Anatomy of a Fall (should have been nominated!) – 4.5/5 What do you think? Did the Oscars get it right, or were there snubs that deserved recognition? Let me know in the comments!
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