The 2025 awards season is underway, and with so many films to consider, it can be quite a challenge to know where to find them. Some films are available for streaming, while others might be showing exclusively in theaters, particularly in major cities like Los Angeles and New York. The recent Golden Globe winner, “The Brutalist,” has been a hot topic since its debut at the Venice Film Festival in September. Although this 215-minute drama by Brady Corbet has had limited availability recently, it has just expanded to 60 theaters this weekend, giving more audiences a chance to see it.
Here’s a breakdown of some prominent films this awards season along with where to catch them.
“All We Imagine as Light” is currently showing in limited theaters. This film by Payal Kapdia is a striking exploration of three women’s lives in Mumbai, earning it the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. Interestingly, it was not chosen as India’s official entry for the Oscars, although it remains eligible for individual nominations.
“Anora,” directed by Sean Baker, can be rented or purchased via video-on-demand, while also being screened in select cinemas. This film, which tells the story of a New York stripper and her tumultuous romance with a Russian oligarch’s son, has received praise and nominations from the Director and Screen Actors guilds, despite not winning at the Golden Globes.
The film “The Apprentice” is available on VOD and features Jeremy Strong in a role as lawyer Roy Cohn, focusing on his ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Nicole Kidman stars in “Babygirl,” which sees her portray a high-powered CEO involved in a risky relationship with an intern, now showing in theaters. This role has garnered her significant acclaim, including a top honor at the Venice Film Festival, even if she missed out on SAG nominations.
“Better Man,” also in wide release, offers a unique take on the biography of British pop icon Robbie Williams, featuring a CGI monkey portraying the artist as part of its unconventional storytelling.
Steve McQueen’s “Blitz” can be streamed on Apple TV+, though it seems to be fading from award discussions. Still, there’s potential for it to regain traction among the nominees.
In theaters starting January 15 and widely released on January 24, “The Brutalist” features Adrien Brody as a renowned architect reinventing his life in America after surviving the Holocaust, earning multiple Golden Globe awards including best director and best drama.
“Challengers” is available on Prime Video and may not be at the forefront of predictions, yet it’s been recognized for its appealing score, winning a Golden Globe for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
James Mangold’s biopic “A Complete Unknown,” showcasing Bob Dylan’s life, is gathering steam with nominations from the Directors Guild of America and SAG for Timothée Chalamet, Monica Barbaro, and Edward Norton.
On Peacock, “Conclave,” a captivating thriller centered around the election of a new pope, has received nominations for its screenplay and Ralph Fiennes’ performance.
“A Different Man,” launching on Max this Friday, features Sebastian Stan in a Golden Globe-winning role as an actor undergoing drastic changes for a psychological thriller.
“Dune: Part Two” is available for streaming on Max. While “Dune” secured a best picture nomination, director Denis Villeneuve missed out on recognition this season, a trend that might continue for its sequel.
Coming to Netflix is “Emilia Pérez,” a bold musical crime thriller that has garnered SAG nominations and accolades this awards season, including a Golden Globe for best musical/comedy.
The captivating animated film “Flow,” depicting a cat’s escape from a flood, is garnering attention in limited theaters and has captured a Golden Globe for animation.
“Gladiator II” may have more nomination potential than initially thought, while Mike Leigh is reunited with Marianne Jean-Baptiste in the limited release “Hard Truths,” reflecting on the life of Pansy, a fiercely outspoken London woman.
Walter Salles’ “I’m Still Here,” which features a performance winning a Golden Globe from Fernanda Torres, tells the story of a Brazilian woman whose husband was lost during the military dictatorship.
Disney’s sequel “Inside Out 2” has become the highest-grossing animated film ever and is streaming on Disney+.
Pamela Anderson is receiving acclaim for her role in “The Last Showgirl,” while Angelina Jolie portrays the legendary Maria Callas in “Maria,” currently streaming on Netflix.
In very limited theaters, “Nickel Boys,” an adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winning literature, explores a historical reform school in the South, and has secured a notable nomination from the DGA.
Streaming on Netflix, “The Piano Lesson features Danielle Deadwyler, who has earned a SAG nomination for her role in this adaptation of August Wilson’s work.
In “Queer,” Daniel Craig has received SAG recognition for his portrayal in a Burroughs adaptation, while “A Real Pain” highlights Kieran Culkin’s rising status in the awards race.
Pedro Almodóvar directs “The Room Next Door,” in limited release, with a focus on assisted suicide and starring Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore.
One of the year’s standout films, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” is another limited release generating buzz as a political thriller from Iran.
Opening wide on Friday, “September 5” recounts the gripping sports reporter coverage of the Munich Olympics hostage situation in 1972.
Finally, “Sing Sing” is getting a theatrical re-release, highlighting Colman Domingo’s impactful performance related to theater in prison, while “The Substance” features Demi Moore’s transformative role in a horror drama.
“Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl,” returning to Netflix, adds to the animated film category, bringing back familiar characters.
Lastly, Jon M. Chu’s film “Wicked” is simultaneously available on VOD and in theaters, showcasing its vibrant adaptation of the beloved musical, which has earned SAG nominations despite mixed responses from Golden Globe voters.
Chris Sanders’ adaptation “The Wild Robot,” aims for recognition among animated features while being accessible on VOD and in select theaters while streaming on Peacock on January 24.