{"id":248,"date":"2025-03-18T12:01:27","date_gmt":"2025-03-18T12:01:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mccs-journalism.gold.ac.uk\/wp\/pacmag\/?p=248"},"modified":"2025-03-25T15:58:48","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T15:58:48","slug":"a-step-short-10-oscar-worthy-movies-snubbed-by-the-academy-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mccs-journalism.gold.ac.uk\/wp\/pacmag\/a-step-short-10-oscar-worthy-movies-snubbed-by-the-academy-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"A step short: 10 Oscar-worthy movies snubbed by the Academy Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Image credit: Analogicus\/Pixabay<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Every year, the Academy Awards leaves out films with the potential to be award-winners. In the past, similar instances of this have occurred. Movies like \u201cThe Dark Knight,\u201d and \u201cDo the Right Thing\u201d famously being snubbed from their respective ceremonies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This sparked numerous debates about the Academy’s selection process, leading to a new rule implemented in 2009 known formally as \u201cThe Dark Knight rule\u201d. Which, according to The Escapist<\/a>, expanded the best picture category from 5 to 10 nominees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2025 several movies generated a lot of buzz, receiving much critical acclaim and capturing the hearts of many audiences around the globe. Yet they were ultimately ignored by the Academy. This sparked debates amongst both fans and critics alike and, within these debates, 10 movies stood out as most prevalently talked about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Mufasa: The Lion King<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Mufasa: The Lion King | Official Trailer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins, focuses on the future ruler of the Pride Lands\u2019 as he grows from an inquisitive cub into a regal monarch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dwight Brown (\u201cDwightBrownInk.com,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) praises its appeal for younger viewers, highlighting the perilous adventures that shape its charm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Katie Walsh (\u201cTribune News Service,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) commends Jenkins for expanding Disney\u2019s beloved mythology without recycling old material. Overall, this prelude honors the 1994 classic, adding fresh perspectives to an iconic legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Challengers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHALLENGERS | Official Trailer 2<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, portrays a thrilling love triangle amongst a driven tennis coach, her husband, and his former best friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christina Newland (\u201ciNews.co.uk,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) calls it \u201ca brutal, animalistic tussle,\u201d emphasising the fierce passion fueling each confrontation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tim Cogshell (\u201cFilmweek,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) applauds its heightened approach, dubbing it \u201cfilmmaking turned up to 11\u201d in a genre that doesn\u2019t usually get that drama. Guadagnino\u2019s vision captivates audiences, balancing love, loyalty, and ambition in one potent package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Sing Sing<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

SING SING Trailer (2024) Colman Domingo, Drama Movie<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sing Sing, directed by Greg Kwedar, tells of a man wrongfully imprisoned who discovers purpose by staging an original comedy with fellow inmates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lauren Veneziani (\u201cWBAL-TV,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) hails Colman Domingo\u2019s performance, describing the film as \u201cspecial\u201d for illustrating how art can reshape a person\u2019s mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steve Crum (\u201cCrum on showbiz,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) praises its emotional resonance, calling it \u201csensitive without being saccharine, sometimes elating, sometimes tearful.\u201d In blending heartbreak and hope, Kwedar\u2019s portrayal underscores the unifying power of creativity.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Gladiator II<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Gladiator II | Official Trailer (2024 Movie) – Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott, continues the sweeping saga of ancient Rome with fresh battles and political intrigue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kristy Puchko (\u201cMashable,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) lauds it as \u201can extraordinary film,\u201d insisting it\u2019s best seen on the big screen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dwight Brown (\u201cDwightBrownInk,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) praises the cast, highlighting Denzel Washington\u2019s commanding performance as he \u201ctakes the throne.\u201d This sequel retains the original\u2019s epic scale whilst forging a new path in the annals of historical drama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Nosferatu<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

NOSFERATU – Official Trailer [HD] – Only In Theaters December 25<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nosferatu, directed by Robert Eggers, reimagines the classic vampire legend with eerie visuals and deep mythological underpinnings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergio Burstein (\u201cLos Angeles Times,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) commends Bill Skarsg\u00e5rd\u2019s \u201cphenomenal\u201d turn, enhanced by sinister vocal work and top-tier prosthetics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Richard Whittaker (\u201cAustin Chronicle,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) believes Eggers grasps that Nosferatu is rooted in \u201cpure, malevolent, selfish, devastating power,\u201d rather than erotic allure. The film breathes fresh dread into an enduring horror myth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Nightbitch<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

NIGHTBITCH | Official Trailer | Searchlight Pictures<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nightbitch, directed by Marielle Heller, zeroes in on a stay-at-home mother convinced she\u2019s transforming into a dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

John Nugent (\u201cEmpire Magazine,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) finds it \u201csometimes wackier than biting,\u201d yet an authentic portrayal of motherhood\u2019s raw truth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manohla Dargis (\u201cNew York Times,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) highlights Amy Adams\u2019s emotional vulnerability, crediting her for carrying the film\u2019s tender, biting core. This dark comedy prowls the wild edges of parenthood with humour and heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


7. Babygirl<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Babygirl | Official Trailer 2 HD | A24<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn, offers a bold dive into contemporary relationships and identity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jake Wilson (\u201cThe Age,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) acknowledges it demands emotional risk from viewers, leaving them in \u201cthe awkward space between safe distance and all-out commitment.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kristy Puchko (\u201cMashable,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) calls it \u201cone of the sexiest, most thrilling films of the year,\u201d praising its unapologetic provocation. Reijn\u2019s fearless approach balances intimacy and playfulness, crafting an evocative modern fantasy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


7. Babygirl<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Babygirl | Official Trailer 2 HD | A24<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn, offers a bold dive into contemporary relationships and identity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jake Wilson (\u201cThe Age,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) acknowledges it demands emotional risk from viewers, leaving them in \u201cthe awkward space between safe distance and all-out commitment.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kristy Puchko (\u201cMashable,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) calls it \u201cone of the sexiest, most thrilling films of the year,\u201d praising its unapologetic provocation. Reijn\u2019s fearless approach balances intimacy and playfulness, crafting an evocative modern fantasy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


8. The Brutalist<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Brutalist | Official Teaser HD | A24<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, follows a Hungarian architect\u2019s journey to the United States after World War II. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Danny Leigh (\u201cFinancial Times,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) deems it \u201ca movie of towering scale, gravity and technical accomplishment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Max Weiss (\u201cBaltimore Magazine,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) appreciates its deeply personal narrative conveyed on a grand stage. This sweeping historical drama illuminates a life shaped by both conflict and ambition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


9. The Outrun<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

THE OUTRUN | Official Trailer (2024)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Outrun, directed by Nora Fingscheidt, adapts Amy Liptrot\u2019s memoir about returning to the Orkney Islands to confront personal struggles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bill Goodykoontz (\u201cArizona Republic,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) finds it tough viewing, but undeniably compelling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Richard Brody (\u201cThe New Yorker,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) admires its sincerity while noting it takes few creative risks. Balancing stark realism and quiet hope, Fingscheidt\u2019s film examines the power of home and self-discovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


10. Heretic<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Heretic | Official Trailer HD | A24<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heretic, directed by Paul Schrader, delves into faith and doubt in a haunting single-location setting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mark Kermode (\u201cKermode and Mayo\u2019s Take,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) praises it as a \u201creally adventurous roller coaster\u201d built on a simple, yet potent concept. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergio Burstein (\u201cLos Angeles Times,\u201d via Rotten Tomatoes) calls it \u201ca complex debate on the legitimacy of religion,\u201d framed in captivating style. Schrader\u2019s latest is a daring mix of introspection and atmospheric tension.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Every year, the Academy Awards leaves out films with the potential to be award-winners. In the past, similar instances of this have occurred. Movies like \u201cThe Dark Knight,\u201d and \u201cDo the Right Thing\u201d famously being snubbed from their respective ceremonies. This sparked numerous debates about the Academy’s selection process, leading to a new rule implemented […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":251,"featured_media":734,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"page-with-sidebar","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art","category-film-and-tv"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mccs-journalism.gold.ac.uk\/wp\/pacmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mccs-journalism.gold.ac.uk\/wp\/pacmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mccs-journalism.gold.ac.uk\/wp\/pacmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mccs-journalism.gold.ac.uk\/wp\/pacmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/251"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mccs-journalism.gold.ac.uk\/wp\/pacmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=248"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/mccs-journalism.gold.ac.uk\/wp\/pacmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1029,"href":"https:\/\/mccs-journalism.gold.ac.uk\/wp\/pacmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/248\/revisions\/1029"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mccs-journalism.gold.ac.uk\/wp\/pacmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/734"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mccs-journalism.gold.ac.uk\/wp\/pacmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=248"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mccs-journalism.gold.ac.uk\/wp\/pacmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=248"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mccs-journalism.gold.ac.uk\/wp\/pacmag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=248"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}