Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or winner about a New York stripper’s (Mikey Madison) rollercoaster romance with a Russian oligarch’s son may not have won big (or at all) at the Golden Globes, but the shine is still there — especially after Director and Screen Actor guilds nominations for Madison and Yura Borisov.
Jeremy Strong got a SAG nomination for his portrayal of Donald Trump lawyer Roy Cohn in this film about the future U.S. President.
‘Babygirl’
In theaters, wide release
Nicole Kidman has been widely praised for her portrayal of a married, high powered CEO who begins a dangerous affair with a young intern played by Harris Dickinson. It won her a top prize at the Venice Film Festival, but she was curiously left out when SAG’s nominations were announced.
‘Better Man’
In theaters, wide release
This unconventional biopic about the British pop star Robbie Williams has a CGI monkey playing him.
‘Blitz’
Streaming on Apple TV+
Steve McQueen’s smartly crafted World War II film about London during the German bombing raid has dropped out of most awards conversations, but there’s always a chance.
‘The Brutalist’
In Bay Area theaters and IMAX
A major player (despite the lack of a SAG ensemble nomination), this film stars Adrien Brody as a noted architect and Holocaust survivor who attempts to start life anew in America and gets a life-changing commission from Guy Pearce’s wealthy industrialist. It won the Golden Globe for best director, best drama and best actor.
‘Challengers’
Streaming on Prime Video
Another one that isn’t at the top of any prediction lists, except perhaps for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ synthy score (which won a Golden Globe), but this tennis menage a trois with Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor is great fun anyway.
James Mangold’s acclaimed Bob Dylan biopic is rising with nominations from the DGA and SAG, including for Timothée Chalamet, Monica Barbaro, who plays Joan Baez, and Edward Norton as Pete Seeger.
‘Conclave’
Streaming on Peacock
This pulpy, smart thriller about the selection of a new pope got a DGA nom for director Edward Berger and a SAG nod for Ralph Fiennes’ lead performance. It also won the best screenplay Golden Globe.
‘A Different Man’
Streaming on Max, starting Jan. 17
Sebastian Stan won a Golden Globe for his performance as an aspiring actor who drastically changes his face in this psychological thriller.
Dune got a best picture nomination but Denis Villeneuve was snubbed for a directing nod, which may unfortunately repeat itself for Part Two after he was left off the Directors Guild of America list.
Jacques Audiard’s audacious musical crime thriller about a Mexican drug lord who undergoes gender affirming surgery is steamrolling through awards season with SAG noms for Karla Sofía Gascón and Zoë Saldaña, who also won at the Globes, and a DGA nom. It also won the best musical/comedy Golden Globe, best original song (“El Mal”) and best picture not in the English language.
‘Flow’
VOD, also in Bay Area theaters
This wordless Latvian film about a cat escaping a great flood has become a favorite in the animation category. It won the animation Golden Globe.
‘Gladiator II’
VOD, also in Cinemark Century, Daly City
It’s probably most likely a crafts-only contender, but you never know: Denzel Washington might sneak in with a nomination.
‘Hard Truths’
In Bay Area theaters
Filmmaker Mike Leigh reunites with his Secrets & Lies star Marianne Jean-Baptiste to dive into the life of the perpetually angry and sharp tongued London woman Pansy. It is widely considered one of the best performances of the year.
