As the 2025 Academy Awards approach, Australian audiences find themselves unable to view all the nominated films for Best Picture. The Oscars will air on Monday morning, starting at 11am AEDT, featuring ten contenders. While some films have enjoyed box office success locally, others have yet to screen.
For those curious about how to watch the nominated films, a comedy-drama depicting a New York sex worker’s romance with the son of a Russian billionaire is nearing the end of its run, still available in a few cinemas. Should it win an Oscar, additional screenings may be scheduled. Viewers can also rent this title on platforms like Prime, Apple TV, and Google TV.
Among the frontrunners, The Brutalist, a lengthy tribute to architect Laszlo Toth, is currently exclusive to arthouse theatres and not yet available on streaming services. In contrast, a Bob Dylan biopic remains in select cinemas but has limited daily sessions.
Another nominated thriller centred around the election of a new pope is also in theatres but lacks streaming options. A sci-fi blockbuster, having released earlier last year, is accessible sporadically in cinemas and is available for free to Netflix, Binge, and Foxtel subscribers, as well as for rent.
Emilia Perez, notable for its 13 nominations, is a Netflix original currently unavailable in cinemas or on any streaming service in Australia. Similarly, the Brazilian drama I’m Still Here can be found in cinemas but not online.
The drama The Nickel Boys, celebrated as a masterpiece, is not receiving a cinema release here. It is exclusively available for viewing on Prime. Meanwhile, The Substance, a unique satire cum body horror film, streams for free for Stan subscribers and can also be rented through various platforms.
Lastly, the musical prequel Wicked, which has bagged ten Oscar nominations, is still in theatres and can be rented online.
As the Oscar ceremony draws closer, Australian viewers may need to keep an eye out for new screenings and rental options to catch up on these acclaimed titles.