The Lost Daughter
An Oscar-nominated actress known for her work in The Dark Knight, Crazy Heart, The Deuce, and other films and TV series, Maggie Gyllenhaal ’99CC took on a major role behind the camera as the writer, director, and producer of The Lost Daughter. Based on the 2006 novel by Elena Ferrante, the psychological drama is up for the coveted best adapted screenplay award. Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, who play the older and younger versions of the protagonist, are nominated for best actress and best supporting actress, respectively. Stream on Netflix.
West Side Story
Playwright Tony Kushner ’78CC, ’10HON, famous for his 1990s tour de force Angels in America, took on the daunting task of writing the screenplay for Steven Spielberg’s 21st-century adaptation of West Side Story. A moving homage to the original film, which won the 1962 Oscar for best picture, the new version also offers a contemporary eye and more nuanced characters. The musical is nominated for seven Academy Awards, including best picture, best director, and best supporting actress for Ariana DeBose. Stream on Disney+.
Ascension
Chinese-American filmmaker Jessica Kingdon ’09CC produced and directed Ascension, a documentary that looks at industrial productivity in contemporary China through observations of workers in everyday settings, from a training program for bodyguards to a factory for erotic dolls. Nominated for best documentary feature, the film has received international acclaim for its cinematography as well as its exploration of modern capitalism and the “Chinese Dream.” Stream on Paramount Plus.
Encanto and Raya and the Last Dragon
As the chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, Jennifer Lee ’05SOA, who won a 2014 Oscar as the writer and co-director of Frozen, oversees the production of all Disney animated films. She recently executive-produced Encanto, a musical fantasy about a Colombian family with magical powers, and Raya and the Last Dragon, an adventure movie about a warrior princess pursuing a dragon. Both films are nominated for best animated feature, with Encanto also competing in the best original score category. Stream on Disney+.
House of Gucci
Though it’s nominated solely for best makeup and hairstyling at the Oscars, House of Gucci has also been recognized for its production design, costumes, and acting performances — especially from powerhouse Lady Gaga — at numerous other award shows this season. Co-written by British-Italian screenwriter Roberto Bentivegna ’10SOA, the crime drama tells the story of the glamorous (and notorious) family dynasty behind the iconic Italian fashion label. Rent on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Vudu.
