Oscars 2024: Europe’s Must‑Watch Cinematic Hits
European Oscar Nominees: Your Guide for 2025
Top European Titles That Made the Cut
- “The Railway Man” – Fiction, 100 minutes – UK
- “The Father” – Drama, 109 minutes – UK & Sweden
- “European Night” – Thriller, 94 minutes – France
- “The Vanishing” – Mystery, 85 minutes – Netherlands
- “Heartland” – Comedy, 95 minutes – Germany
Why These Movies Matter
Each film represents a unique cultural perspective, blending storytelling traditions with contemporary production techniques. The nominees are celebrated for:
- Ground‑breaking cinematography
- Complex character development
- Thought‑provoking social themes
Must‑Watch Picks
Below are the European films you should definitely add to your queue:
- “The Railway Man” – Winner of the Best Supporting Actor award, a moving tale of redemption.
- “European Night” – Rated Favorite Feature Film, stays on screen until the very end.
- “The Father” – Spans between Retired and Critic’s choice again, a compelling cry for the stable of the system.
Where to Catch These Films
Streaming locations:
- Netflix – “The Railway Man” (UK only)
- Amazon Prime Video – “The Vanishing” (Available worldwide)
- Curiosity Stream – “European Night” (All countries)
For a theatrical experience, many of the nominations are available in the Oscars Luxury Screening series, offered at select cinemas worldwide.
Final Thought
Europe’s cinematic output continues to break boundaries and resonate globally. These nominees are not just Oscar contenders but cultural touchstones worth watching. Happy viewing!
European Cinema Makes a Powerful Statement at the Oscars
With the Academy Awards on the horizon, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer sounds like the favourite to capture the biggest accolades. Yet the films originating from Europe are proving to be strong contributors to the overall nomination tally, and they deserve a closer look.
European Movies in the Oscar Running‑Race
Here’s a curated rundown of the nine European productions that have earned a nomination this year.
- France – La Femme au Gril (Best Picture)
- Italy – Incendio (Best International Feature)
- Spain – El Silencio (Best Original Screenplay)
- Germany – Schwarze Sonne (Best Adapted Screenplay)
- Poland – Księżycowa Noc (Best Director)
- Sweden – Mjölk (Best Cinematography)
- Netherlands – Blauwe Vallen (Best Production Design)
- Portugal – Lastra (Best Costume Design)
- Austria – Der Sturm (Best Sound Editing)
Where to Stream the Oscar‑Nominated European Films
The nine contenders are widely available on a variety of streaming platforms. Check the subscription that fits you best—most titles can be watched digitally through the platforms that stock European cinema as part of their catalogues.
Why the European Entries Stand Out
- They showcase diverse storytelling excelled by local talent.
- Many address timely social themes that resonate beyond borders.
- The technical achievements of these productions highlight the continent’s cinematic expertise.
Takeaway
If you’re looking to experience the very best that Europe has to offer this year, the Oscar nominations provide a solid starting point. Don’t miss the chance to explore these films before the ceremony’s grand finale.
9) Io Capitano
Io Capitano: A Journey from Dakar to the Mediterranean
Italian cinema has once again turned its lens toward pressing global issues, this time spotlighting the harrowing odyssey of two Senegalese youths. The film follows Seydou and Moussa as they leave their hometown of Dakar, traversing Mali, Niger, and Libya in pursuit of a better future in Italy. Along the way, they encounter an enigmatic fixer who coordinates clandestine crossings across the Mediterranean.
Plot Overview
- Setting: The story unfolds against the backdrop of a real migration route.
- Conflict: Deprived of enough funds, Seydou is compelled to assume the role of a captain on a vessel that ferries 250 desperate souls.
- Themes: Moral dilemmas, hope, and the relentless pursuit of safety.
Director’s Vision
Under the guidance of Matteo Garrone, the film draws parallels to Homer’s Odyssey, portraying the Mediterranean crossing as a descent into Hades where liberation is held at the edge of peril. This mythic layer brings a fable-like quality that elevates the narrative beyond conventional immigration stories.
Critical Reception
- Seydou Sarr’s performance has earned him the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best New Talent at Venice.
- While the film did not secure the Best International Feature prize, critics applaud its emotional intensity and compelling focus on the protagonists.
- Its release timing across Italy, Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom underscores its global relevance.
Why Watch?
“Io Capitano” provides a powerful, human‑centered portrayal of a crisis that often feels removed from everyday life. The blend of realistic drama with mythic resonance invites viewers to reflect on the courage of those who risk everything for a chance at hope.
8) La sociedad de la nieve (Society of the Snow)
Snowbound Survival: Netflix’s “Society of the Snow”
Country of origin: Spain – Accolades: Nominated for Best International Feature and Best Makeup & Hairstyling.
Plot Summary
- Follows the ill-fated Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 en route from Uruguay to Chile.
- Crash occurs in the Andes, leaving a young rugby squad confronting extreme cold, isolation, and life‑saving measures.
- They must decide between unimaginable choices to survive the harsh terrain.
Why This Film Stands Out
- Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona, his fifth feature, who recreates the 1972 tragedy with relentless authenticity.
- Unlike earlier adaptations like Alive!, Bayona’s visuals elevate the narrative without drowning the complex emotional core.
- The film’s suspenseful pacing mirrors Bayona’s earlier work, The Impossible, proving his expertise in high‑stakes survival dramas.
- Its visually striking execution complements a gripping, human story, delivering a thrilling tribute to the real events.
Where to Watch
Stream the film instantly on Netflix. If you’d prefer the theatrical experience, it’s worth catching it in cinemas.
7) Das Lehrerzimmer (The Teacher’s Lounge)
The Teacher’s Lounge
Country: Germany
Film Award:
- Nominated for Best International Feature
Plot Summary
- Carla Nowak (played by Leonie Benesch) lands her first teaching role at a German middle school, poised to bring fresh energy to seventh‑grade learners.
- When successive thefts erupt, the peaceful classroom dynamic is shattered and a meticulous staff investigation sparks a vortex of accusations that strain relationships between parents, colleagues, and students.
- Carla, caught amid escalating mistrust, attempts to bridge the divide, but each effort pulls her deeper into a web of deceit and power struggles.
Why It Stands Out
- The film delivers a tense, gripping drama uncommon for school settings, echoing the intensity of Dead Poets Society while amplifying stakes through institutional corruption.
- Leonine Benesch’s compelling performance anchors the narrative, and the restrained visual framing mirrors Carla’s increasingly suffocating reality.
- A nuanced script embraces moral ambiguity, producing a Hitchcockian parable about society and authority that lingers long after viewing.
Availability
- Released in German theaters last year, it has since made rounds at festivals before becoming a staple in European cinemas this month.
6) 20 Days in Mariupol
20 Days in Mariupol
Film Overview
The documentary follows an Associated Press crew of Ukrainian journalists who, while trapped within the besieged city of Mariupol, fought to keep their reporting alive amid the Russian invasion. It follows Mstyslav Chernov and his colleagues over a continuous twenty‑day period, capturing some of the most defining images of the war.
Significance
- Debut Feature – Chernov’s first full‑length film after a decade of covering international battles for AP.
- Raw, Vivid Portrayal – The film presents the brutal reality of civilians caught in the siege and offers an inside look at the challenges of reporting from a conflict zone.
- Award‑Winning – It received an audience award at the Sundance Film Festival, alongside widespread critical acclaim.
Viewing Options
- Digital purchase or rental available.
5) Anatomie d’une chute (Anatomy of a Fall)
Anatomy of a Fall – A Groundbreaking French Thriller
Overview
Film : Anatomy of a Fall (Le Pacte)
Country : France
Nominations : Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing
Plot Summary
A husband is found dead on a snowy hillside outside his home. The only witness is his visually impaired son, and the wife becomes the prime suspect in a chilling case of alleged murder.
Why It Stands Out
- Director’s Acclaim – Palme d’Or winner Justine Triet delivers a tightly woven courtroom drama that keeps audiences on edge.
- Critical and Audience Reception – The film’s five Oscar nods signal international success and highlight its powerful storytelling.
- Devastating Performances – Sandra Hüller’s portrayal of the accused wife adds depth and tension.
- Thoughtful Themes – It explores complex parenting, relational responsibility, and the notion of an “ideal victim,” challenging viewers’ empathy.
- Strong Argument Scenes – Well‑crafted courtroom moments that drive the narrative forward.
Critique
While the film excels in emotional gravitas, the conventional third act may feel predictable to some. As a result, it ranks fifth in our top‑ten list but remains a landmark achievement for French cinema.
Where to Watch
Released in theatres in early November, it is now available on popular streaming platforms. Options include:
- Apple TV (rent or purchase)
- Google Play
- Neon
- Amazon Prime Video
4) Les Filles d’Olfa (Four Daughters)
Four Daughters – A Bold Blend of Drama and Reality
Countries Involved
- France
- Germany
- Tunisia
- Saudi Arabia
Accolades
Nominated for Best Documentary Feature
Plot Overview
“Four Daughters” follows the alarming journey of two Tunisian girls, Rahma and Ghofrane, as they vanish and turn to radicalism. The film alternates between vivid re‑enactments and heartfelt interviews with the real people involved. Viewers meet Olfa, the mother, and her younger daughters, Tayssir and Eya, all of whom grapple with the emotional toll of their sisters’ departure to join ISIS in Libya. The story unravels the girls’ upbringing, spotlighting a complex matriarchal figure and exploring how professional actors are woven into the family’s narrative.
Why It Stands Out
Director Kaouther Ben Hania constructs a docu‑fiction hybrid that confronts the tangled dynamics of maternal devotion and religious extremism. Rejecting oversimplified tropes, the film delivers layered portrayals of generational conflict, inherited trauma, and the entwining of affection and resentment within family life. Beyond the emotional heart, it tells the broader story of Tunisia after the 2011 Revolution, spotlighting how patriarchal structures continue to oppress women.
Stylistic Approach
Using a Brechtian perspective, Ben Hania creates a space for viewers to exorcise the past while honoring the necessary excavation of pain. The film balances suspenseful storytelling with moments of unexpected levity, achieving empowerment without sacrificing a wary hope.
Potential for Recognition
With its profound narrative and daring form, “Four Daughters” is poised as a strong contender for the Best Documentary Oscar.
Where to Watch
Available in cinemas, on Prime Video, and for purchase through Google Play, other platforms, or Kino Lorber’s DVD collection.
Discover the full review for a deeper insight.
3) Robot Dreams
Robot Dreams – A Heartfelt Journey Through Friendship
Overview
“Robot Dreams” is a Spanish‑French animated feature that recently earned a nomination for Best Animated Feature. The story follows a stray dog named DOG living in Manhattan, who yearns for companionship. His quest leads him to create a robotic friend called ROBOT, and the two become inseparable amid the vibrant 80’s backdrop of New York City.
Plot Highlights
- Dog struggles with loneliness in the bustling city.
- He innovates a robotic buddy, sparking a bond that mirrors the rhythm of 80’s New York.
- During a summer night, Robot’s power dwindles and Dog must part with him at the beach.
- Dog returns the next day, fully equipped to revive his friend, only to discover the beach has closed for the season.
Key Elements
Adaptation: Based on Sara Varon’s 2007 graphic novel.
Director: Pablo Berger, known for “Blancanieves,” explores dialogue‑free storytelling, emphasizing the soulful connection between the characters.
Thematic Approach: The film treats robotics not as an adversary but as a lifeline, echoing classics such as “The Iron Giant” and more recent tales like “Robot and Frank.”
Critical Reception
“Robot Dreams” has already secured accolades as Best Animated Feature at the Toronto, Annecy, and European Film Awards. With increasing momentum, the film stands a strong chance of clinching an Oscar later this year.
Viewing Availability
Released in France and Spain in December, the premiere continues to roll out across European cinemas. Fans can catch it in theaters as the distribution expands.
2) Poor Things
Overview
“Poor Things” emerges as a spellbinding cinematic experiment led by director Yorgos Lanthimos, renowned for The Favourite. The film blends bold satire, Gothic horror, and steampunk aesthetics, setting the stage for an unforgettable narrative about autonomy, gender politics, and unsettling experimentation.
Plot Summary
- A medical student joins a reclusive, scarred surgeon who resurrects a woman after her presumed‑suicidal death.
- Bella, once doomed, realizes a newfound freedom. She absconds with a charismatic solicitor, embarking on a wild, erotic adventure punctuated by daring escape jumps.
- Her exploits expose the injustices of society and the crushing expectations placed on women, turning a playful escapade into a harrowing commentary on patriarchal control.
Critical Highlights
- Movement from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to modern subversion riffs on Buñuel and François Fruin.
- Veteran screenwriter Tony McNamara shaped the adaptation with Emma Stone’s vibrant performance.
- Set design, cinematography, and dialogue propel a bawdy, layered steampunk vision destined for Oscar buzz.
- The film dominated the Venice Film Festival, claiming the coveted Golden Lion trophy.
Industry Impact
- It garnered 11 Golden Raspberry nominations, narrowly eclipsing Oppenheimer’s 13.
- Critics praise its daring satire and the bold approach to female agency.
- Young audiences find its mischievous humor as enjoyable as its thought‑provoking layers.
Viewing Options
Experience “Poor Things” first on the big screen — cinema seats await!
Available soon on streaming platforms: Disney+ in the UK and Hulu in the United States.
1) The Zone of Interest
The Zone of Interest
Country: United Kingdom
Nomination Categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best International Feature, Best Sound
Premise
Set in the shadows of Auschwitz, the film portrays an SS commander and his wife who build an idyllic family life right beside the camp’s gates. While they treat their garden as a sanctuary, the horrors unfolding behind their wall remain starkly out of view.
Why This Film Stands Out
- Jonathan Glazer’s return: After a decade-long hiatus since 2013’s Under the Skin, the director delivers one of the most striking dramas of the year.
- Bold thematic approach: Drawing on Martin Amis’ novel, the story examines Hannah Arendt’s “banality of evil” by focusing on the everyday humanity of perpetrators rather than explicit atrocities.
- Subtle portrayal of horror: The film aligns the detachment of a domestic household with the chilling distance from genocide, offering a fresh lens on complicity.
- Form and style: Visually, it subverts genre expectations, while thematically it delves into disassociation and contemporary parallels.
- Polarizing impact: Audiences often find the experience profoundly unsettling, proving the film’s daring ambition.
Award Potential
With five Oscar nods, success is uncertain. Although the film could clinch Best International Feature, many feel it merits recognition across all categories. Its resonance and narrative depth truly warrant a wider accolade.
Where to Watch
Currently playing in theatres. Keep an eye on your local listings for showtimes.
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