The Academy disregarded Chris Pratt and Keanu Reeves’ tremendous box office hits, and they are doing the same with these ten flicks.
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The Oscars are often viewed as the pinnacle of recognition, honoring the greatest films and performances each year. Yet, despite the Academy’s diligence in choosing nominees, there are always a few hidden gems that somehow escape their radar. For example, it would not hurt to include two megastars, Keanu Reeves and Chris Pratt, who won over audiences with their groundbreaking films. But, sadly, they failed to achieve success at the Oscars.
Not surprisingly, this year also, a few of the best films have been left out of the Oscar nominations. In this blog post, we will highlight ten exceptional movies that deserved Oscar nominations in 2024 but were shockingly overlooked.
Keanu Reeves in John Wick 4
The Academy Ignored Keanu Reeves & Chris Pratt’s Monumental Box Office Hits?
With his versatility and commanding screen presence, Keanu Reeves has unquestionably established himself as an industry icon. From the thrilling John Wick series to The Matrix films, he has shown he can carry a movie by himself and draw in a sizable audience. Even though he routinely dazzles crowds and brings in a sizable sum of money at the box office, the Academy has mostly ignored his performances.
Chris Pratt’s ascent to fame has been nothing short of extraordinary. Bursting into the spotlight as the lovable Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation, he quickly established himself as a fan favorite. Whether he is fighting dinosaurs in Jurassic World or joining the MCU as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy, his good looks and sense of humor have earned him a devoted fan base.
Chris Pratt as Star-Lord in the MCU
From Avengers: Endgame to the John Wick franchise, Pratt and Reeves have played pivotal roles in blockbuster films, earning billions of dollars. But given their box office success, the Academy’s disregard for these actors is especially perplexing, making it a constant topic of discussion among fans and moviegoers alike.
Also, not much to the surprise of many, the following ten films did not receive a single Oscar nomination in 2024.
1. Origin
Origin
Origin, a biographical drama film helmed by visionary director Alex Garland, takes audiences on a mind-bending journey. The film, starring Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, has breathtaking visuals and philosophical undertones that seamlessly combine vulnerability and strength. Based on Isabel Wilkerson’s book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, the film’s compelling story questions social mores and delves into the fundamentals of life. This is an achievement deserving of an Oscar.
You can currently stream Origin in theaters.
Ferrari, a riveting biographical drama narrating the life of the legendary Enzo Ferrari, was directed by Michael Mann. Drawn from the 1991 autobiography Enzo Ferrari: The Man, the Cars, the Races, the Machine, this film burst into theaters with a story of ambition and tenacity as well as heart-stopping action.
The passion and hardships of the automotive pioneer were brilliantly captured in this biographical account of Enzo Ferrari’s life. Because of its exquisite attention to detail and compelling narrative, this 130-minute film is therefore a legitimate Oscar contender.
Still from Ferrari
Ferrari is available for rent on Vudu.
3. Priscilla
The heartfelt biographical drama film Priscilla explores the subtleties of identity and love. The Sofia Coppola film, which was based on Priscilla Presley’s 1985 memoir Elvis and Me, was a notable Oscar snub because of its well-crafted narrative and strong performances that intrigued audiences.
With an average rating of 7.3/10, 84% of the 275 critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes were positive for this $27.9 million film. This emotionally charged film not only pulls at the heartstrings but also explores important themes with depth and nuance, making it a standout contender for the Oscars.
Cailee Spaeny in Priscilla
Priscilla is available to buy on Apple TV.
4. Saltburn
Directed by the talented Emerald Fennell, this psychological thriller, Saltburn, enthralls viewers with its gripping plot and dramatic atmosphere. The film, which stars Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi, is highly deserving of an Oscar nomination because it masterfully blends mystery, suspense, and superb performances.
Saltburn was met with mostly favorable reviews from critics and numerous honors, such as nominations for five BAFTA Film Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. Thus, this hidden gem merited Oscar recognition for its enthralling visuals and poignant storytelling.
Saltburn (2023)
Saltburn can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
5. The Killer
David Fincher’s The Killer is an intense action thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Starring Michael Fassbender as the assassin, The Killer is a thought-provoking crime drama. He puts in a tour de force performance, emphasizing his ability to depict complicated characters convincingly.
Also, this has a compelling story that comes from Andrew Kevin Walker’s screenplay and striking cinematography by Erik Messerschmidt, making it a serious contender for multiple Oscar nominations.
Still from The Killer
The Killer is available on Netflix.
6. John Wick: Chapter 4
While action-packed blockbusters are often overlooked by the Oscars, John Wick: Chapter 4 was an exception. With flawless performances, breathtaking stunts, and a riveting narrative, this film took the franchise to new heights, demonstrating the brilliance of its filmmaking.
The John Wick franchise has dominated the action genre, thanks in large part to Keanu Reeves’ magnetic performance. And the fourth installment delivered the same high-octane thrills and jaw-dropping stunts that have made the series a fan favorite. Reeves’ dedication to his physically demanding role, as well as the film’s outstanding stunt work and choreography, deserve to be recognized.
Keanu Reeves in a still from John Wick: Chapter 4
John Wick: Chapter 4 is available to rent on Apple TV.
7. Asteroid City
Asteroid City, a visually spectacular comedy-drama film spectacle from visionary director Wes Anderson, transports viewers to a futuristic yet retro 1950s. The film, which stars Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Jason Schwartzman, and other ensemble members, shines as a cunning survivor navigating the chaos. Its stunning visuals and creative storytelling make it a clear Oscar contender.
Surpassing a $25 million budget, the film brought in $54 million worldwide and garnered favorable reviews, commending its themes, production design, and performances. It is therefore an indisputable Oscar snub.
Scarlett Johansson in Asteroid City
Watch Asteroid City on Amazon Prime Video.
8. The Iron Claw
Another biographical sports drama film on the list, Sean Durkin’s The Iron Claw, is an intriguing journey based on the accounts of professional wrestler Kevin Von Erich. The National Board of Review listed the $32 million-grossing film, which received positive reviews from critics, among the top 10 films of 2023.
Still from The Iron Claw
It brings a remarkable combination of historical context and stunning action sequences to the table. This piece deserved to be praised for its meticulous attention to detail, exceptional performances, and ability to transport viewers to a bygone era.
The Iron Claw is currently in theaters.
9. All of Us Strangers
This romantic fantasy drama, directed by Andrew Haigh, explores the intertwining lives of a variety of strangers. Based on Taichi Yamada’s 1987 novel Strangers, the film provides an intimate look into the complexities of human connection. With Jamie Bell, Paul Mescal, and Andrew Scott in leading roles, it was hailed by critics and recognized by the National Board of Review as one of the top ten independent films of 2023, worthy of an Academy Award nomination.
Still from All of Us Strangers
The film was nominated for six BAFTA Awards thanks to its brilliant storyline and superb acting. The psychological drama caused viewers to think about the complexity of human connections, resulting in its unexpected removal from the Academy’s radar.
You can see All of Us Strangers in theaters.
10. The Super Mario Bros Movie
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
While video game adaptations are often dismissed, The Super Mario Bros Movie defies expectations with a delightful mix of adventure, humor, and nostalgia. This charming animated adventure comedy film, which is based on Nintendo’s Mario video game series, is commendable for its ability to capture the spirit of a popular gaming franchise.
The film broke multiple box office records and made $1.36 billion worldwide, with an ensemble voice cast that included Charlie Day, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Chris Pratt. In addition, it became the third-highest animated film and the second-highest-grossing movie of 2023.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie can be streamed on Netflix.