The end of summer marks the official start of awards season. Box office results will take a backseat to critical recognition in the coming months. The debate around potential Oscar nominations will dominate discussions for the majority of movies released from now through the end of the year. Many award-season movies have recently premiered at prestigious festivals in Venice, Telluride, and Toronto.
If drama is your preferred genre, this fall season is tailor-made for you. Most films competing for awards will be dramas, covering a wide range from period pieces and psychological thrillers to character studies and love stories. Here are our top five most anticipated dramas of fall 2024, which could potentially include Oscar winners.
5. The Room Next Door (2024)
Pedro Almodóvar, a renowned Spanish filmmaker with a rich history of impactful films like “All About My Mother” and “Pain and Glory,” ventures into English-language cinema for the first time with “The Room Next Door.” Starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, the film explores the story of two estranged friends who reunite when one falls ill, based on the novel “What Are You Going Through” by Sigrid Nunez.
The film received rave reviews at the Venice Film Festival, culminating in a Golden Lion award. Almodóvar’s emotionally resonant dramas combined with the allure of his first English feature make this movie a must-watch.
“The Room Next Door” will open in New York City and Los Angeles on December 20, 2024, with a limited release on Christmas Day and a wider release in January 2025.
4. A Complete Unknown (2024)
Building on his success with “Walk the Line,” James Mangold delves into the life of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” starring Timothée Chalamet as the iconic folk singer. The film chronicles Dylan’s journey from his early days as a folk singer in New York City to his controversial transition to performing with electric instruments in the 1960s.
The supporting cast includes Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, and Edward Norton, promising a compelling narrative around a music legend. With production just completed, the film is gearing up for a December 2024 release, positioning Chalamet for a potential Best Actor nomination.
“A Complete Unknown” is set to hit theaters on December 25, 2024.
3. Queer (2024)
Luca Guadagnino explores addiction in love with “Queer,” based on William S. Burroughs’ novel. Starring Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, the film delves into a drug-fueled romance between an American refugee and a former Navy serviceman in Mexico City during the 1940s. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, “Queer” has sparked conversations and polarizing opinions.
The performances of Craig and Starkey are expected to be in contention for major awards, with A24 backing them for recognition in the Best Actor category.
“Queer” is awaiting a release date.
2. Conclave (2024)
Transitioning from World War I horrors to psychological intrigue, Edward Berger directs “Conclave,” a film centered on the selection of a new Pope and the uncovering of a secret that could shake the foundations of the Church. The stellar cast, including Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, delivers a compelling narrative that has garnered early acclaim at the Toronto Film Festival.
With a history of critical success, Berger’s “Conclave” is poised for awards season recognition, with Fiennes a likely contender for Best Actor.
“Conclave” is scheduled for release on November 1, 2024.
1. The Brutalist (2024)
Amidst the buzz surrounding “The Brutalist,” the film is hailed as an American epic of the highest caliber in the past three decades. Directed by Brady Corbet, the movie portrays the life of László Tóth, a Holocaust survivor and architect, played by Adrien Brody. With an ensemble cast including Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce, “The Brutalist” promises to be a significant entry in the Best Picture race.
As audiences await its release, critical acclaim will likely propel “The Brutalist” into the ranks of top contenders for prestigious awards, potentially becoming A24’s flagship Best Picture nominee.
“The Brutalist” is eagerly anticipated but currently does not have a set release date.
