The Oscars ceremony, which will feature Conan O’Brien and Kate Hudson portraying the president of a professional basketball team in the upcoming Netflix series “Running Point,” highlights a selection of exciting new content including television shows, films, music, and video games. These recommendations from entertainment experts cover a variety of genres and are poised to catch audiences’ attention.
Starting with films to stream between February 24 and March 2, RaMell Ross has made waves with “Nickel Boys,” set to debut on MGM+ on February 28. This gripping adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has generated considerable acclaim, earning nominations for best picture and best adapted screenplay. The story revolves around two boys facing the harsh realities within a harsh reform school in 1960s Florida, vividly portrayed through Ross’s personal storytelling approach. Critics have hailed “Nickel Boys” as a poignant exploration of the dark history surrounding reform schools in the Jim Crow South.
Another noteworthy release is the indie film “Ghostlight,” which will be available on Hulu on Monday. Directed by Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan, the film features Keith Kupferer as a father grappling with grief who reluctantly joins a community theater’s staging of “Romeo and Juliet.” This film, nominated for both Spirit and Gotham Awards, delivers a gentle narrative showcasing the healing properties of theater in a heartfelt way.
Now, shifting to the music scene, Lalisa Manobal, widely recognized as “Lisa” and the lead rapper of Blackpink, is set to release her solo album “Alter Ego” on February 28. Known for her dynamic energy, Lisa’s debut offers a blend of styles, from the assertive track “Rockstar” to the airy collaboration with Rosalía in “New Woman.” Additionally, her song “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)” creatively incorporates elements from the 1998 hit “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer.
Ella Fitzgerald enthusiasts have something to celebrate as well; a long-lost concert album titled “The Moment of Truth: Ella at the Coliseum” will also drop on Friday. This album features recordings from her performance at the Oakland Coliseum in 1967 and showcases her powerful voice alongside The Duke Ellington Orchestra. LISTENERS are encouraged to dive into this newly released treasure.
As for streaming shows, the highly anticipated 97th Academy Awards will air on Sunday, March 2. Leading the nominations is the Spanish-language musical film “Emilia Pérez,” which has garnered a remarkable 13 nominations, including best picture. Notably, it features Karla Sofía Gascón in the best actress category, making her the first transgender actress to receive such a nomination. However, Gascón’s candidacy has faced scrutiny over past controversial tweets. Other contenders like “Wicked” and “The Brutalist” follow closely, each boasting ten nominations.
Kate Hudson stars in the Netflix series “Running Point,” premiering on February 27. This sports comedy, produced by Mindy Kaling, draws inspiration from the real-life president of the LA Lakers, Jeanie Buss, and features an ensemble cast that includes Drew Tarver, Brenda Song, and Chet Hanks.
In the world of video games, “Monster Hunter Wilds” promises fresh adventures as players engage with formidable creatures in the latest installment of Capcom’s franchise. New monsters such as Nu Udra, Rey Dau, and Uth Duna present unique challenges for players. Fortunately, players will also encounter the friendly Seikret—a mount to navigate the vibrant landscapes of the game. The excitement kicks off on February 28 across platforms including PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, and PC.
