As 2024 approaches its end, movie enthusiasts find themselves at the heart of a thrilling season. The festive spirit of Christmas is just around the corner, inviting families to gather and enjoy beloved holiday films together. Adding to this excitement, mid-January will bring the much-anticipated announcement of this year’s Oscar nominees, shining a spotlight on the outstanding achievements within the film industry.
This dual excitement—celebrating the holiday season and awaiting the Oscar nominations—sets the perfect stage for a selection of films that brilliantly marry these sentiments. Throughout the years, several notable Christmas films have garnered recognition at the Academy Awards, with nominations spanning various categories. Some even earned accolades for their memorable holiday soundtracks. While you don’t need a deep understanding of cinema to appreciate these films, their status as Oscar-nominated Christmas classics highlights the magic the holiday season brings to the world of film.
10. The Polar Express (2004)
Nominated for Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Original Song
One of the most cherished animated Christmas films is undoubtedly The Polar Express. Adapted from Chris Van Allsburg’s 1985 children’s book, the film outlines the enchanting journey of a young boy aboard a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. With direction from Robert Zemeckis and the voice of Tom Hanks, this movie quickly earned its place among holiday classics.
At the 2005 Academy Awards, The Polar Express collected three nominations, including Best Sound Editing and Best Original Song for “Believe,” performed by Josh Groban during the credits. Although it didn’t secure any Oscars, “Believe”won a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
9. The Holdovers (2023)
Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and More
The latest holiday film to capture Oscar nominations is The Holdovers, directed by Alexander Payne. This 2023 comedy-drama features Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham, a strict history teacher spending Christmas with a grieving cafeteria manager and a lonely student. The film’s narrative portrays a heartwarming connection that embodies the spirit of the season.
Recognized at this year’s Academy Awards, The Holdovers received five nominations, including prestigious categories like Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, ultimately winning Best Supporting Actress for Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s portrayal of Mary Lamb, a character who finds light amid sorrow during the holidays.
8. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and More
For nearly eighty years, It’s a Wonderful Life has enchanted audiences with its heartfelt narrative and uplifting message. This timeless classic from 1946 follows George Bailey, a benevolent man who, during a dark moment on Christmas Eve, learns the value of life through the intervention of his guardian angel.
Despite not winning any Oscars, It’s a Wonderful Life garnered five nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director for Frank Capra. The film’s innovative special effects also earned it a Technical Achievement Award for its unique portrayal of snowfall on set.
7. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Nominated for Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup
In this fun holiday adventure, Jim Carrey portrays the Grinch, a cantankerous creature who yearns to sabotage the joy of Christmas for the Whos of Whoville. While the film brings comedic charm, it also incorporates tender moments, setting it apart from traditional Christmas tales.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas showcases impressive artistic creativity, securing three Oscar nominations in categories that included Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design. The film successfully brought Dr. Seuss’s whimsical world to life, affirming the merit of its accolades.
6. Klaus (2019)
Nominated for Best Animated Feature
Released in 2019, the animated film Klaus made history as the first Netflix original movie nominated for an Academy Award. Directed by Sergio Pablos, this delightful story reveals the unique origins of Christmas through the friendship between a postman and a reclusive toymaker, Klaus. Featuring a talented voice cast including Jason Schwartzman and J.K. Simmons, the film captivates audiences of all ages.
Although Klaus did not win the Oscar for Best Animated Feature—awarded to Toy Story 4—it did achieve recognition at the BAFTA Awards in that category. Notably, it stands alone as the only Christmas film nominated for Best Animated Feature, marking a significant achievement for both the film and Netflix.
5. Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)
Nominated for Best Screenplay, Best Song, and More
While not exclusively a Christmas film, Meet Me In St. Louis has long been celebrated during the holidays. This 1944 musical stars Judy Garland and follows a family’s experiences in Missouri leading up to the 1904 World’s Fair, featuring themes of love and family unity set to enchanting music.
The film received multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Song for the crowd-pleaser “The Trolley Song.”It also garnered nominations for Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography in Color, showcasing the film’s artistic achievements and enduring popularity.
4. Home Alone (1990)
Nominated for Best Original Score and Best Original Song
In 1990, the collaborative effort of Chris Columbus and John Hughes birthed the comedy classic Home Alone. The film showcases Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, a boy who accidentally finds himself alone at home during Christmas while his family vacations in Paris. He takes it upon himself to defend his home from two bumbling robbers.
Home Alone was both a commercial sensation and a critical hit, receiving two Oscar nominations for Best Original Score by John Williams and the original song “Somewhere in My Memory.”While it didn’t win an Academy Award, this film remains a cherished holiday staple for generations of viewers.
3. The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Sound Recording, and More
The 1940s marked a prolific period for Christmas films, with The Bishop’s Wife emerging as a standout. Directed by Henry Koster and featuring Cary Grant as an angel sent to aid a struggling bishop, the narrative intertwines holiday themes with thought-provoking moments that resonate with the audience.
This film garnered five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Although it took home the award for Best Sound Recording, the film’s recognition highlighted the intersection of faith, family, and holiday spirit.
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Nominated for Best Visual Effects
For those caught between the spirit of Christmas and Halloween, The Nightmare Before Christmas is the perfect solution. This engaging film features stop-motion animation to capture the whimsical journey of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who decides to take over Christmas festivities. The collaboration between Henry Selick and Tim Burton has rendered it a cult favorite.
This groundbreaking film earned an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects, a historic achievement as it was the first animated feature to reach this milestone. Its distinct style and imaginative characters continue to enchant audiences to this day.
1. Miracle On 34th Street (1947)
Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and More
Within nearly a century of Academy Awards history, Miracle on 34th Street stands out with its remarkable achievement in 1947. The film, written and directed by George Seaton, focuses on the narrative of a department store Santa who claims to be the real deal. Its heartwarming storyline and uplifting themes delighted both critics and viewers alike.
When it reached the Academy Awards stage, it celebrated wins for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Writing (Original Story), and Best Writing (Original Screenplay). It also earned a nomination for Best Picture, showcasing its significant impact on the holiday film genre. Currently, it holds the title for the most Oscar wins among Christmas films.
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