Oscars Buzz: Everything you need to know about the 8 films nominated for best picture

Just when we thought movie nominations for the 2021 Oscars would be slim, the Academy released a binge-worthy lineup of nominees. Despite the various production delays and filming halts, the entertainment industry pulled off the impossible and released these eight movies.

If you're not caught up or are looking for something good to watch before the big night, here's everything you need to know about this year's Oscars nominations for best picture.

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Judas and the Black Messiah

The film stars LaKeith Stanfield as Bill O'Neal, who, after accepting a plea deal from the FBI, infiltrates the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party to gather intelligence on Chairman Fred Hampton (played by Daniel Kaluuya). The film was nominated for best picture, as well as best supporting actor (twice), best original screenplay, and best cinematography.

Minari

Go back to 1980s America and watch as a Korean American family moves to Arkansas in search of the American dream. As they attempt to start a farm, you'll be reminded of the strength of family no matter what conflicts arise. In addition to its best picture nomination, it has also been nominated for best supporting actress, best actor, best original score, best director, and best original screenplay.

Nomadland 

After losing everything in the Great Recession, a woman (played by Frances McDormand) takes her own journey through the American West, living as a modern-day nomad. This self-discovery film earned nominations for best picture, best actress, best director, best-adapted screenplay, best cinematography, and best film editing.

Promising Young Woman

If you're in the mood for a revenge-fueled movie, this comedy-thriller is for you. Carey Mulligan stars as Cassie, a young woman who secretly lives a double life after experiencing a traumatic event. After watching this film, you won't be surprised that it was nominated for best picture, best actress, best director, best original screenplay, and best film editing.

Sound of Metal

You'll definitely need a box of tissues when you watch this one. Riz Ahmed steals hearts in his role as Ruben Stone, a heavy metal drummer whose life begins to crumble as he starts to lose his hearing. Along with being nominated for best picture, the film also scored nominations for best actor, best original screenplay, best supporting actor, best film editing, and best sound.

The Father

An 80-year-old man (played by Anthony Hopkins) continues to reject the cares of his daughter, Anne (played by Olivia Coleman), and instead lives alone. But, as his mind begins to unravel, reality and distortion combine. When Anne can no longer make her daily visits, we watch as she grieves for her father, who tries clinging to what memories he has. Nominated for best picture, this film has also scored nominations for best actor, best supporting actress, best-adapted screenplay, best production design, and best film editing.

Mank

Revisit the glam of 1930s Hollywood and experience the race to finish filming Citizen Kane through "scathing wit" and alcoholic eyes of screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz (played by Gary Oldman). This black and white film scored 10 nominations, including best picture, best actor, best supporting actress, best director, best original score, best cinematography, best production design, best costume design, best makeup and hairstyling, and best sound.

The Trial of the Chicago 7

Based on the infamous 1969 trial of seven anti-Vietnam War protestors who were charged with conspiracy and crossing state lines with the intention of inciting riots. The movie also features an all-star cast, including past Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Michael Keaton. Nominations for the movie also include best picture, best supporting actor, best original screenplay, best film editing, and best cinematography.