Here are the must-watch movies that took home the gold!

Phew, what a night at the Oscars! While we were busy swooning over the red carpet looks, the real nail-biter was waiting for those golden envelopes to open. With Emilia Pérez, the genre-blending musical crime drama, leading the pack with 13 nominations, and Anora—the buzz-worthy love story between a fearless Uzbek-American stripper and the son of a Russian oligarch—stealing hearts, the competition was fierce. The stakes were high, the speeches were emotional, and let’s be honest, our palms were just as sweaty as the nominees’.

Now that the dust has settled, we finally have our answers—the films that claimed Oscar gold! From jaw-dropping performances to groundbreaking storytelling, these winners didn’t just shine; they cemented their place in cinematic history. And for us? It means our next must-watch lineup is officially set. Here are the eight Oscar champions that deserve a spot on your screen.

1. Oscars Best Picture: Anora

Anora is the electrifying love story that stole hearts at the Oscars. Directed by Sean Baker, the film follows a fearless Uzbek-American stripper who unexpectedly finds herself entangled with Ivan “Vanya” Zakharov, the privileged son of a Russian oligarch. What starts as a whirlwind romance quickly spirals into a gripping tale of love, wealth, and the clash of two vastly different worlds. Packed with raw emotion, razor-sharp storytelling, and a standout performance from its lead, Anora is a must-watch for anyone craving a bold, unconventional love story with a bite.

2. Oscars Best international feature film: I’m Still Here

Walter Salles delivers a deeply moving, introspective masterpiece with I’m Still Here, a film that explores the resilience of the human spirit. Set against a backdrop of political turmoil, this powerful international feature tells the story of survival, memory, and the unbreakable ties that bind us to our past. With its haunting cinematography and emotionally charged performances, I’m Still Here leaves an unforgettable mark on the soul.

3. Oscars Best Documentary Feature: No Other Land

No Other Land is a gut-punch of a documentary that refuses to be ignored. This gripping feature captures the stark realities of displacement, resistance, and the fight for identity in a land where conflict is a daily reality. Through raw footage and firsthand accounts, the film brings to life the resilience of those caught in the crossfire, making it an unmissable watch for anyone who believes in the power of truth.

4. Oscars Best Animated Feature: Flow

A breathtaking visual spectacle, Flow redefines what animated storytelling can be. Following the journey of a lone animal navigating a post-human world, this dialogue-free marvel speaks volumes through its stunning animation and evocative score. A meditation on nature, survival, and connection, Flow is a mesmerizing experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

5. Oscars Best Live Action Short Film: I’m Not a Robot

Witty, thought-provoking, and packed with heart, I’m Not a Robot is a short film with a big impact. Blurring the lines between humanity and artificial intelligence, this clever story takes a fresh look at identity, emotions, and what it truly means to be “real.” With sharp writing and a standout lead performance, this short is as charming as it is mind-bending.

6. Oscars Best Adapted Screenplay: Conclave

Peter Straughan’s Conclave is a gripping adaptation that turns the quiet corridors of Vatican City into a battlefield of power and faith. As cardinals gather to elect a new pope, alliances form, secrets unravel, and the future of the Church hangs in the balance. Taut, intelligent, and filled with razor-sharp dialogue, this screenplay is a masterclass in tension and intrigue.

7. Oscars Best Cinematography: The Brutalist

A visual tour de force, The Brutalist stuns with its stark, architectural beauty and meticulously crafted frames. Every shot feels like a painting, capturing the raw emotions of its characters with an almost hypnotic intensity. Cinematography isn’t just a part of this film—it’s the very heartbeat that brings its hauntingly beautiful story to life.

8. Best Animated Short Film: In the Shadow of the Cypress

A delicate yet profound animated short, In the Shadow of the Cypress is a poetic meditation on memory, loss, and the passage of time. Its hand-drawn artistry and atmospheric storytelling create a dreamlike experience, pulling viewers into a world where nature and nostalgia intertwine. This is animation at its most intimate and breathtaking.

9. Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two

If Dune: Part One set the bar for sci-fi spectacle, Part Two obliterated it. With jaw-dropping sandworm sequences, mind-bending landscapes, and seamlessly integrated effects, this film proves that CGI can be as immersive as practical filmmaking. Every frame feels epic, transporting audiences straight to Arrakis with visuals that are as stunning as they are groundbreaking.

10. Best Costume Design: Wicked

Wicked doesn’t just bring Oz to life—it makes it runway-worthy. With dazzling gowns, intricate details, and costumes that tell their own stories, this film’s wardrobe is pure magic. Whether it’s Glinda’s ethereal sparkle or Elphaba’s signature emerald chic, Wicked sets a new standard for fantasy fashion.

As the curtains close on another unforgettable Oscars night, these winning films, documentaries, and shorts remind us why cinema continues to captivate, challenge, and inspire. From sweeping love stories to groundbreaking visuals, each project left an undeniable mark on the industry and audiences worldwide. Whether you’re catching up on Oscars winners or rewatching your favorites, one thing is certain—these films are destined to be talked about for years to come.