Few occasions in Hollywood can compare to the glamour and reverence of the Academy Awards. Securing an Oscar is a career-defining milestone for anyone involved in the film industry, bestowing upon the winner the esteemed title of “Academy Award–winning” for life. In addition to the prestige, it frequently leads to considerable advancement in one’s career.
With the **96th Academy Awards** now concluded, it’s an ideal moment to reflect on some memorable Oscar-winning films—particularly those that are currently streaming on Netflix. Here’s a curated selection of the finest Academy Award-winning movies you can enjoy at this moment.
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### 1. *My Octopus Teacher*
**Award: Best Documentary Feature**
This touching documentary showcases free diver Craig Foster as he develops a remarkable relationship with a young octopus in the waters surrounding Cape Town, South Africa. The film delves into themes of connection, nature, and the invaluable lessons we can glean from the animal world.
**How to watch:** *My Octopus Teacher* is available for streaming on Netflix.
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### 2. *The Hateful Eight*
**Award: Best Original Score (Ennio Morricone)**
Quentin Tarantino’s Western chamber drama ensnares eight outlaws with differing agendas in a snowbound lodge. Featuring exceptional performances by Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Kurt Russell, this film is a dark, captivating tour de force.
**How to watch:** *The Hateful Eight* is available for streaming on Netflix.
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### 3. *Selma*
**Award: Best Original Song, “Glory” (John Legend and Common)**
Ava DuVernay’s poignant retelling of Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1964 march for voting rights is both uplifting and profoundly human. David Oyelowo’s portrayal of King is nuanced and compelling, featuring a stellar supporting cast.
**How to watch:** *Selma* is available for streaming on Netflix.
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### 4. *Godzilla Minus One*
**Award: Best Visual Effects**
Set in post-WWII Japan, this visually spectacular film reinterprets Godzilla’s origins while conveying an emotionally impactful human narrative. The stunning effects were created on a surprisingly limited budget.
**How to watch:** *Godzilla Minus One* is available for streaming on Netflix.
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### 5. *Roma*
**Awards: Best Director, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Cinematography**
Alfonso Cuarón’s semi-autobiographical masterpiece chronicles the life of Cleo, a housekeeper for an affluent family in 1970s Mexico City. With its breathtaking visuals and deeply personal narrative, *Roma* is a triumph of cinema.
**How to watch:** *Roma* is available for streaming on Netflix.
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### 6. *American Factory*
**Award: Best Documentary Feature**
This enlightening documentary explores the cultural and economic tensions that arise when a Chinese billionaire reopens a closed factory in Ohio. It’s a thought-provoking examination of globalization and worker exploitation.
**How to watch:** *American Factory* is available for streaming on Netflix.
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### 7. *8 Mile*
**Award: Best Original Song, “Lose Yourself” (Eminem)**
Eminem stars in this semi-autobiographical drama about a young rapper navigating the competitive battle rap scene in Detroit. Directed by Curtis Hanson, the film showcases an outstanding performance by the late Brittany Murphy.
**How to watch:** *8 Mile* is available for streaming on Netflix.
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### 8. *Marriage Story*
**Award: Best Supporting Actress (Laura Dern)**
Noah Baumbach’s honest and emotional depiction of a couple’s divorce is both heart-wrenching and deeply relatable. Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver deliver career-defining performances in this moving drama.
**How to watch:** *Marriage Story* is available for streaming on Netflix.
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### 9. *Man on Wire*
**Award: Best Documentary**
This gripping documentary details Philippe Petit’s audacious high-wire walk between the Twin Towers in 1974. Combining heist-film suspense with awe-inspiring visuals, it’s an essential watch.
**How to watch:** *Man on Wire* is available for streaming on Netflix.
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### 10. *Darkest Hour*
**Awards: Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Actor (Gary Oldman)**
Gary Oldman gives an extraordinary performance as Winston Churchill during the early days of WWII. The film captures the tension and significance of history with captivating intensity.
**How to watch:** *Darkest Hour* is available for streaming on Netflix.
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### 11. *The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar*
**Award: Best Live Action Short Film**
Wes Anderson’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s tale is a whimsical exploration of a gambler’s quest for self-discovery. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, this 39-minute treasure is a visual delight.
**How to watch:** *The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar* is available for streaming on Netflix.