The 2016 Oscars are just around the corner so now is the perfect time to get yourself acquainted with the full list of nominees and get your movie binge on. Of course, not all of us have a spare 18 hours or so to watch the big hitters, so we have devised a very handy cheat sheet!
From true life tales to fictional thrills take a look at this years 8 nominations for Best Motion Picture:
THE BIG SHORT
Starring: Steve Carrell, Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale.
The Big Short follows a group of macho traders who predicted the 2007 financial crash before it happened. It has has recieved mixed reviews since it’s release, with many praising the performances of Ryan Gosling and Christian Bale, but assuring that Bale will not be taking home a gong for Best Supporting Actor.
BRIDGE OF SPIES
Starring: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan and Alan Alda.
Steven Spielberg is at his best for this classic Cold War spy thriller. Tom Hanks plays the real-life insurance lawyer who brokered a deal to exchange a downed US pilot for a KGB agent. Relative-newbie, Mark Rylance, is up for Best Supporting Actor for his commendable performance as a Soviet intelligence officer. Worth a watch if you are into war thrillers.
BROOKLYN
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Dombnall Gleeson, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters.
A rich piece of romantic storytelling following a bright young woman (Saoirse Ronan) who leaves her small town in 1950s Ireland for a new life in Brooklyn. She quickly becomes overwhelmed with homesickness, nostalgia and displaced loyalty. Brooklyn boasts notable performances from many of its ensemble cast, most particularly Saoirse Ronan who puts up stiff competition for the Best Actress award.
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD
Starring: Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy, Hugh Keays-Byrne and Nicholas Hoult.
A feminist action film, we kid you not. All hail Charlize Theron a.k.a badass babe Furiosa who joins forces with Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) to flee from from cult leader Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) and his army. We predict it will win many of it’s 10 Oscar nominations, most of which are for it’s ridiculously good visual effects and utterly bonkers style.
THE MARTIAN
Starring: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig and Jeff Daniels.
Matt Damon plays Mark Watney – a botanist who’s left for dead on Mars. By now, we are assuming this is one film you have already seen, and if not, why not! It’s not your typical space film, it’s packed with humour, emotion and has a Castaway vibe going on. Damon will be battling it out with Leo for the Best Actor gong, but please Matt, just let him have it.
THE REVENANT
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson and Will Poulter.
The true tale of 19th-century fur trapper Hugh Glass, who was left for dead by his expedition team following a brutal bear attack. It might FINALLY be Leo’s year as he will almost definitely be taking home the award for Best Actor. The film has also racked up 11 other nominations, with Alejandro G. Iñárritu in the running for Best Director and Tom Hardy for Best Supporting Actor.
ROOM
Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay.
Based on the best-selling novel by Emma Donoghue, Room tells the extraordinary story of a young boy and a woman who have been held captive for 5 years and their plan to escape. Initially, we were worried how this truly delicate and incredibly harrowing story would translate onto the big screen. But the outstanding performances by Brie Larson (who will 100% take the Best Actress award home) and her adorable co-star Jacob Tremblay, cemented the film with widespread critical acclaim.
SPOTLIGHT
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams and Stanley Tucci.
Last but certainly not least, one of our personal favourites. The film follows the incredible true story of The Boston Globe’s ‘Spotlight’ team and their investigation into widespread child sex abuse cases in the Boston area. Currently also tipped as the bookie’s favourite to win Best Film, this two hour feat of cinematic excellence deserves all the awards.
Read the full list of Oscar nominations here.