A24, the acclaimed film production and distribution company, has made a remarkable mark on independent cinema with a total of seven nominations for Best Picture. This list ranks their nominated films from least to most acclaimed. Renowned for its boundary-pushing storytelling and a particular focus on original horror films, A24 has successfully established itself as a frontrunner in modern filmmaking. Iconic horror titles like Ari Aster’s Midsommar (2019), Hereditary (2018), Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse (2019) and The Witch (2016), and Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) truly exemplify this company’s dedication to quality cinema, positioning them among the best of the 21st century.
The film Moonlight (2016) propelled A24 into the spotlight when it won Best Picture at the landmark 89th Academy Awards in 2017. As A24’s first in-house production, Moonlight marked the beginning of a series of instant classics, including Lady Bird (2017) with its five Oscar nominations, Eighth Grade (2018), which achieved a stunning 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Uncut Gems (2019) featuring a defining performance from Adam Sandler, and Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022), which garnered seven Oscars, including Best Picture. Additionally, A24 has an exciting lineup of film releases scheduled for 2024 that spans a diverse range of genres.
The seven Best Picture nominations linked to A24 include Room (2015), Moonlight (2016), Lady Bird (2017), Minari (2020), Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022), The Zone of Interest (2023), and Past Lives (2023). Among these esteemed titles, only Moonlight and Everything Everywhere All At Once have claimed the prestigious Best Picture award thus far. However, this trend is likely to evolve as A24 continues to produce high-caliber and uniquely original films. The studio has two films, Sing Sing and The Brutalist, potentially on track for Best Picture nominations at the 2025 Oscars.
7 Hurts (2020)
Lost to Nomadland
Minari tells the poignant story of a Korean-American family striving to grasp the American dream as they venture into farming in Arkansas during the 1980s. Led by Jacob, played by Steven Yeun, the film explores the harsh realities of their ambitions. Written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, who also helmed the much-anticipated 2024 blockbuster Twisters, Minari not only earned a nomination for Best Picture but also for Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Original Score, and secured the award for Best Supporting Actress (Youn Yuh-jung).
The narrative is a masterclass in family dynamics, highlighting the deep emotional connections that bind its characters. Particularly notable are the heartfelt performances that enrich the film, coupled with its ability to evoke a serene and immersive atmosphere amidst the family’s struggles. While its ending may leave viewers questioning its completeness, Minari skillfully intertwines humor and drama to create a relatable, vibrant depiction of life with a screenplay that serves as one of its standout features.
6 Room (2015)
Lost to Spotlight
Breaking ground as A24’s inaugural Best Picture nominee at the 88th Academy Awards in 2016, Room is a gripping psychological drama featuring the exceptional talents of Brie Larson and young actor Jacob Tremblay. Besides Best Picture, it received nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director, while Larson claimed the Best Actress Oscar.
Deeply impactful yet delicately profound, Room paints a harrowing yet touching portrait of survival and resilience. Emphasizing the bond between Larson’s character and the young Jack, played by Tremblay, the film captures the essence of innocence amid unimaginable circumstances. Although it may falter in some plot logic, the raw emotional power of Room leaves a lasting impression on its audience.
5 Past Lives (2023)
Lost to Oppenheimer
Nominated for Best Picture at the 96th Academy Awards, Past Lives is a romantic drama penned and directed by Celine Song. The story revolves around Nora, a married writer in New York, who reunites with her childhood friend Hae Sung from South Korea. Featuring standout performances by Greta Lee and Teo Yoo, Past Lives was nominated for Best Picture as well as Best Original Screenplay.
This film presents a reflective narrative that explores themes of love and longing through its rich character development and tender moments. Its exploration of lost love and hypothesized realities resonates with viewers, making Past Lives a relatable and reflective watch, marking a significant debut for Song as a director.
4 The Zone of Interest (2023)
Lost to Oppenheimer
Another A24 entry for Best Picture at the 2024 Oscars, The Zone of Interest is directed by Jonathan Glazer who adapted the screenplay from Martin Amis’ novel. Featuring powerful performances from Christian Friedel and Sandra Hüller, the film highlights the banality of evil during one of history’s darkest periods. It garnered nominations for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.
With its unsettling yet essential narrative, The Zone of Interest leaves audiences contemplating profound moral questions. The film’s chilling premise, rooted in true events, redefines our understanding of human capacity for both love and hatred. Ultimately, this compelling film stands out not only for its incredible cinematography but also for its essential messages and commentary.
3 Lady Bird (2017)
Lost to The Shape of Water
With an impressive 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Lady Bird often ranks among the finest coming-of-age films to date. Director Greta Gerwig, who also helmed 2023’s blockbuster Barbie, crafts a narrative starring Saoirse Ronan alongside Lucas Hedges, Beanie Feldstein, and Timothée Chalamet. The film received five Oscar nominations but left empty-handed at the 90th Academy Awards.
As a quintessential representation of teenage angst and family dynamics during the 2010s, Lady Bird interlaces traditional teen comedy with heartfelt drama, making it a unique cinematic voice. Gerwig’s portrayal of the titular character embodies the trials of adolescence, inviting viewers to connect with her journey. This film’s profound character development and emotional depth has solidified its stature as an instant classic.
2 Moonlight (2016)
Won Best Picture
Defining a pivotal moment for A24, Moonlight won Best Picture amid the memorable mishap of the La La Land announcement at the Academy Awards. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the film also took home the Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali), receiving a total of eight nominations including Best Director.
As a resonant tale of identity and emotional complexity, Moonlight artfully examines societal pressures faced by marginalized individuals. Its timeless themes of love, acceptance, and personal struggle strike a chord across audiences. With its breathtaking storytelling and emotional authenticity, Moonlight cements Jenkins’ status as a master filmmaker.
1 Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)
Won Best Picture
A24’s crowning achievement, Everything Everywhere All At Once, not only broke box office records, with nearly $111.5 million in worldwide revenue, but also garnered an impressive 11 Academy Award nominations, winning 7 Oscars. These accolades include Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director, further establishing its status among A24’s notable films.
Celebrated for its inventive narrative and artistic execution, Everything Everywhere All At Once effortlessly marries genres such as comedy and action while addressing profound themes of identity and human connection. The film’s vibrant visuals and exceptional performances contribute to its recognition as A24’s most groundbreaking film, resonating with audiences and critics alike.
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