With the Academy Awards just a few weeks away on April 25, now is the perfect time to watch some of the top films of the year in preparation. For the most part, people have been unable to attend movie theaters due to the pandemic. However, there are still many ways to watch. Here are the must-watches for the 2021 Academy Awards, and where to watch them. 

Nomadland 

After losing everything in a recession, Fern packs up her belongings, loads up her van and sets off on a journey across the country. “Nomadland” follows her journey as she adjusts to a new way of life and explores new land. This movie has six total nominations, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Director for Chloe Zhao and Best Actress in a Leading Role for Frances McDormand, and it is a favorite for both critics and fans. It is available to stream now on Hulu. 

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

This movie follows the real life story of blues musician Ma Rainey as she records a new album with her band. It also highlights the struggle that black musicians faced during the 1920s, when the movie took place. It is nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Chadwick Boseman, Best Actress in a Leading Role for Viola Davis, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Production Design. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” can be watched on Netflix. 

Judas and the Black Messiah

This movie chronicles the true events of the FBI’s infiltration of the Black Panther Party in Chicago during the late 1960s. It is nominated for six awards‒Best Picture, twice for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (for Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield), Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Song (for “Fight for You”) and Best Cinematography. Unfortunately, “Judas and the Black Messiah” is not available for free on any platforms, but you can watch in theaters or for $19.99 on YouTube, Apple TV and Amazon Prime. 

The Trial of the Chicago Seven

True stories are clearly a popular theme for this year’s Grammy Awards because “The Trial of the Chicago Seven” is another movie based on real events. It recreates the events and the aftermath of the riots at the 1968 Democratic Convention. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Sacha Baron Cohen), Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Song (“Hear My Voice”), Best Film Editing and Best Cinematography, the film is available to watch on Netflix. 

Minari

Many critics and fans consider “Minari” to be the underdog pick of the year. Following a Korean family that immigrated to the United States in search of the American Dream, the film is nominated for five awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Lee Isaac), Best Actor in a Leading Role (Steven Yeun), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yuh-jung Youn), Best Original Screenplay and and Best Original Score. You can watch it for $19.99 on YouTube, Amazon Prime and Apple TV.