The 2021 Academy Awards wrapped up yesterday. While I wasn't able to tune into the show I did see enough from the highlights to determine that it wasn't the typical Academy Awards show due to the pandemic. An Academy Award is the most prestigious award in motion pictures so its fun to see - broadly speaking - what the industry thinks are the best films of the past year. Most of the time I disagree with the Academy's Best Picture selection but this year I think they got it right by awarding Nomadland the prestigious Best Picture award. I featured Nomadland in a previous issue of this newsletter. It really is a brilliant film with authentic performances, incredibly scenic cinematography, and a story that beautifully gives insight into the lives of America's modern day nomads. Other notable winners in other categories are Judas and the Black Messiah, Sound of Metal, Mank, Promising Young Woman, and Soul. These are all excellent films that I fortunately had the opportunity to watch this past year and hopefully I'll catch up with other winners like Minari and The Father soon.
Perhaps the biggest winner of the night was Netflix. Netflix took home more Oscars (7) than any other studio, solidifying their dominance in the industry. This is further proof that we're in a new era where the best films are made for and available via streaming.
Congrats to all the winners!
Here are the best new movies available this week on streaming video
Things Heard & Seen (2021)
Available Thursday, April 29 on Netflix
An artist relocates to the Hudson Valley and begins to suspect that her marriage has a sinister darkness, one that rivals her new home's history.
Without Remorse (2021)
Available Friday, April 30 on Amazon Prime Video
John Clark, a Navy SEAL, goes on a path to avenge his wife's murder only to find himself inside of a larger conspiracy.
Wild Mountain Thyme (2020)
Available Sunday, April 25 on Hulu
A pair of star-crossed lovers in Ireland get caught up in their family's land dispute.
Other movies available this week
Netflix
Battle of Los Angeles (2011)
August: Osage County (2013)
Hulu
Disney+
Amazon Prime Video
The Artist (2011)
Arrival (2016)
Barry Munday (2010)
Harlem Aria (1999)
Kiltro (2006)
The Commune (2016)
The Warlords (2007)
HBO Max
The Artist (2011)
If you’ve made it this far, share this newsletter with a friend. It’s how I evaluate if this newsletter is valuable and something I should continue.
Smash this subscribe button to get his list in your inbox every week.
Be sure to share with a movie lover you know!
Want to have a great experience watching movies at home? Watch this!