The time has come to celebrate the best films of 2021, with award season already kicking off. The most prestigious of them is the Academy Awards, set to air on March 27. The race this year is sure to be heated, with Netflix serving a great selection of 2021 films.
With the nominations announcement scheduled for Feb. 8, there are high expectations that Netflix will reign with numerous nods for the most esteemed awards. Netflix has been one of the most competitive streaming services, producing an incredible and wide variety of Oscar-worthy films in 2021, with Tick, Tick...Boom! and Power of the Dog at the forefront.
The Mitchells Vs. The Machines
The Mitchells vs. the Machines follows a family who ventures on one last road trip before Katie Mitchell heads to college. Little did they anticipate becoming the world's last hope after a robot apocalypse ensues.
This animated film received near-universal acclaim for its energetic, family-friendly story and became one of the highest-rated Netflix movies in 2021. Even with Netflix's enormous collection of animations in 2021, The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a clear choice for the Best Animated Feature category. However, Netflix faces immense competition as they are up against Disney contenders like Encanto and Luca.
Passing
In Passing, a Black woman reunites with an old childhood friend who "passes" as white. Their reignited friendship causes both to express their insecurities and question their identity.
Rebecca Hall's Passing is one of Netflix's most underrated 2021 movies going into the award season. It is one of the highest-rated black and white films in 2021 that focuses on themes of race and identity, with style and delicacy. The film's greatest Oscar potential will be in the acting category, given the outstanding performances from the cast. In particular, Ruth Negga received incredible reception for her impeccable performance as Claire, which may be enough to grab a Best Supporting Actress nomination. However, she faces West Side Story's Ariana DeBose, the favorite to win the award.
Procession
Netflix's Procession follows a group of six men who survived sexual abuse by Catholic priests. In this documentary, they share their stories in hopes of seeking justice.
Netflix is renowned for powerful and emotional documentaries, so Procession is no exception. In particular, this documentary delves into an emotional topic, with victims recounting their trauma in search of peace. According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Procession is shortlisted as one of the nominees for Best Documentary Feature, so its Oscar potential is high.
The Hand Of God
Paolo Sorrentino is back again with his latest movie, The Hand of God. The Italian film follows a peculiar young boy obsessive about soccer and his favorite player Diego Maradona. However, a tragedy in his family changes the outlook of his life.
Italy chose The Hand of God as the country's submission for Best International Feature Film. Of course, the Netflix film has strong potential for a nomination after being shortlisted for the category. While the chances are high with the film's nomination, it is also facing Japan's Drive My Car, which has received universal acclaim and is the popular choice as the front runner for the award.
Audible
Netflix's Audible follows a football player, Amaree McKenstry-Hall, who attends Maryland School for the Deaf. The young player hopes to defend his winning streak while also dealing with the loss of a friend.
Audible and Camp Confidential: America's Secret Nazis are Netflix's two films shortlisted for Best Short Subject Film. Of the two, it appears that Audible will likely gain the nomination due to its emotional and complex story that delicately delves into topics like suicide and bullying.
Robin Robin
Robin Robin follows Robin, a bird adopted by a family of mice. Given her visible differences from her family, she ventures to prove that she is a good mouse.
This stop-motion film is another Netflix film shortlisted for Best Animated Short Film. Although the movie's premise is a familiar tale, it is a heartwarming and fun film that showcases the importance of family.
The Lost Daughter
In The Lost Daughter, a college professor goes on a vacation in Italy. However, her encounter with a young mother and her daughter makes her reflect on her unsettling past.
Maggie Gyllenhaal is another exceptional actress whose directorial debut film is likely up for an Oscar nomination. However, like Hall's Passing, Gyllenhaal's character-driven drama will mostly see Oscar potential in the acting category. The driving force of The Lost Daughter is the spectacular and powerful performance of Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman. Although Colman will likely grab a spot for Best Actress, it is one of the toughest categories since she faces House of Gucci's Lady Gaga and Being the Ricardo's Nicole Kidman.
Don't Look Up
Don't Look Up follows a professor and a Ph.D. candidate who discover that a comet will hit Earth in six months. When the government fails to take action, they take matters into their own hands to warn the public.
Although Adam McKay's comedy doomsday received mixed reviews, the reception did not stop the film from serious Oscar consideration. In particular, the film has performed well with the general audience who find the premise relevant to today's time. Even the cast performances were hilarious. Don't Look Up has potential in some of the most prestigious categories, such as Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Original Song. The next question would be whether they can garner any wins on Oscar night.
Tick, Tick...Boom!
In Tick, Tick...Boom!, Jonathan Larson contemplates his life choices as he soon turns 30. Unfortunately, the pressure starts to impact his relationship with people close to him.
Lin Manuel Miranda's biographical musical took everyone's heart with an emotional and exceptional tribute to Jonathan Larson. Andrew Garfield exudes the spirits and energy of Larson, which is not only his career-best, but it puts him as one of the strongest front runners for the Best Actor category. Furthermore, the dynamic and incredible storytelling and musical may be enough to squeeze a Best Picture nomination. If so, Netflix could have as many as three movies nominated for the Best Picture category in a single year.
The Power Of The Dog
Jane Campion's The Power of the Dog follows a cruel rancher, Phil Burbank, who brutally mocks his brother's new wife and her son. Despite his initial mistreatment, he soon takes the young boy under his wings to learn about the rancher life, especially given Phil's secret.
Champion's Western drama is not only Netflix's strongest award contender, but it is a front runner as one of the best movies for the upcoming Oscars. The Power of the Dog is one of the most intriguing dramas, with powerhouse performances from the cast and exceptional filmmaking. This Western may come out with one of the highest Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film is also a shoo-in for several awards, including Kodi Smit-McPhee for Best Supporting Actor and Champion for Best Director. Also, Benedict Cumberbatch will compete in the tough Best Actor category. Therefore, it is apparent that The Power of the Dog is one of Netflix's best films with incredible Oscar potential, and a possible Best Picture win would be the streaming services first.