The 96th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and movie buffs are eager to catch up on the films that have earned the most nominations this year. “Oppenheimer”, Christopher Nolan’s sweeping biopic of the atomic bomb scientist, leads the pack with 13 nods, followed by “Poor Things”, Yorgos Lanthimos’ twisted Victorian comedy, with 11, and “Killers of the Flower Moon”, Martin Scorsese’s historical thriller, with 10.

These films are among the best of 2023, a year that saw the cinema industry face unprecedented challenges due to strikes and disruptions caused by the pandemic Many films had to delay their production or release dates, while others opted for streaming platforms or hybrid models

Whether you’re a fan of drama, comedy, action, or fantasy, there’s something for everyone in this year’s lineup of nominees.

Here’s how you can watch the top 10 contenders for Best Picture before the Oscars ceremony on March 10, 2024, on ABC

Oppenheimer: Stream it on Peacock or rent it digitally. Cillian Murphy stars as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the brilliant and conflicted physicist who led the Manhattan Project, the secret program that developed the first atomic bombs during World War II. The film spans three hours and covers Oppenheimer’s personal and professional life, as well as the ethical and political implications of his work.

Poor Things: Watch it in theaters or stream it on Hulu starting March 7th. Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, and Mark Ruffalo lead the cast of this dark comedy, based on the novel by Alasdair Gray. The film is set in Victorian England and follows the adventures of Bella Baxter, a young woman who is brought back to life with the brain of a dog after drowning herself. The film mixes satire, romance, and fantasy, with a touch of horror.

Killers of the Flower Moon: Buy it digitally or stream it on Apple TV+. Lily Gladstone, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Robert De Niro star in this epic drama, based on the book by David Grann. The film tells the true story of the Osage murders, a series of crimes that targeted the members of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma in the 1920s after they became wealthy from oil deposits on their land. The film explores the themes of greed, racism, and justice, with Scorsese’s signature style and flair.

Barbie: Rent it digitally or stream it on Max. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling star in this live-action musical comedy, directed by Greta Gerwig. The film follows Barbie, the iconic doll, as she is expelled from Barbieland for not being perfect enough, and ends up in the real world, where she meets Ken, a cynical journalist. The film is a satire of consumerism, gender norms, and pop culture, with catchy songs and colourful costumes.

Maestro: Stream it on Netflix or rent it digitally. Bradley Cooper directs and stars in this biographical film, portraying Leonard Bernstein, the legendary composer and conductor. Carey Mulligan co-stars as Felicia Montealegre, Bernstein’s wife and muse. The film covers Bernstein’s rise to fame, his musical achievements, his struggles, and his love affair with Felicia, who was also involved with another man. The film features some of Bernstein’s most famous works, such as West Side Story and Candide.

American Fiction: Watch it in theatres or buy it digitally. Jeffrey Wright leads the cast of this satire, written by Cord Jefferson. The film is set in a fictional version of America, where Black literature is banned and burned by the government. Wright is a rebellious writer who tries to preserve and spread the works of his favourite authors while avoiding the authorities and his family problems. The film is a commentary on censorship, racism, and identity.

Anatomy of a Fall: Rent it digitally or watch it in theatres. Sandra Hüller stars in this Cannes-winning film, directed by Justine Triet. The film is a psychological drama, following a woman who suffers a mysterious fall from a balcony and loses her memory. As she tries to recover her past, she discovers secrets and lies that challenge her sense of reality. The film is a gripping and complex exploration of trauma, memory, and truth.

The Holdovers: Rent it digitally or stream it on Peacock. Paul Giamatti stars in this nostalgic comedy, directed by Alexander Payne. The film is set in the 1980s and follows a middle-aged teacher who spends his summer vacation at a boarding school, where he bonds with a lonely student. The film is a heartwarming and humorous tribute to the power of friendship, education, and music.

The Zone of Interest: Buy it digitally or watch it in theatres. Sandra Hüller stars in this Holocaust story, directed by Jonathan Glazer. The film is based on the novel by Martin Amis and is set in Auschwitz, where Hüller plays Hedwig, the wife of the camp’s commandant. The film depicts the horrors of the camp, as well as the love triangle between Hedwig, her husband, and a Jewish prisoner. The film is a daring and disturbing portrayal of one of the darkest chapters of history.

Past Lives: Rent it digitally or stream it on Paramount+. Celine Song makes her feature debut with this understated film, starring Awkwafina and Steven Yeun. The film tells the story of childhood friends who reunite in New York after years of separation, and rekindle their bond. The film is a subtle and poignant exploration of friendship, nostalgia, and identity.

These films offer a diverse and impressive selection of genres and themes, appealing to various preferences in cinema.