This year marks the 89th Academy Awards ceremony, with a crop of notable nominees that will fight it out to take home the highest honors in the film world. So naturally, in order to handicap your Oscar pool properly, as well as keep current in the conversation with all of your movie-inclined friends, you're going to want to see, at the very least, the entire field of Best Picture candidates. In the past, this used to be a real pain, as most Best Picture nominees would already be out of the theaters and stuck in that limbo between theatrical and home video release.
But in the past decade or so, it's become much easier to stay current thanks to both the ever-shrinking window between both mediums and big theater chains running special events that run the entire line-up. Which is why we're pleased to have compiled a list of all nine Best Picture nominees and whether you can still see them in theaters or when they'll be available on home video. Keep in mind, release dates and theatrical exhibitions are subject to change, so be sure to double check your local theater listings and your streaming/purchasing venue of choice.
AMC/Regal Marathons
Probably the easiest, and most fun, way of catching all nine Best Picture nominated films is through the programming packages that AMC Theaters and Regal Cinemas are both offering in February. In the case of AMC's Best Picture Showcase, the nine films are spread across two weekends (February 18th & 25th), and will cost $65 for a two-day pass, with individual passes running at $32.50 (Feb. 18th only) and $37.50 (Feb. 25th only). Though if you're feeling strong, you can watch all nine films in one day in select locations. For all of the details, including Stubs Rewards perks and discounts on two-day passes at the box office, head to AMC's official site.
Regal Cinemas, on the other hand, is running their Best Picture Film Festival of programming from February 17th straight until Oscar night on the 26th. For $35, you can see all of the films, but there is a catch: all nine films are scattered throughout the length of the festival, so you'll need to do some schedule optimization in order to catch them all. However, if you're looking to catch only a couple stragglers and don't need the entire pack, this is probably the best option. Further details & scheduling can be found at Regal's official site.
But let's say you're not interested in going to a multi-picture marathon, or just want to catch your favorites at home. The following are individual listings for each film and how you can catch them in all of their singular glory.
Hell Or High Water
Synopsis: Two brothers (Chris Pine & Ben Foster) rob a local Texas bank chain blind, all in the name of protecting their family's land. But a wily sheriff (Jeff Bridges) is hot on their tails, and giving them a run for their money.
Is It Still In Theaters: It depends. Some theaters have brought the film back in limited capacity due to its award nomination.
When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: Hell or High Water is currently available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD.
Possible Streaming Options: iTunes, Amazon Video, Google Play, Vudu & FandangoNOW.
Arrival
Synopsis: When several alien crafts arrive on Earth, and are in need of interpreters, linquist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is drafted to make first contact with the species known as the Heptapods. Tensions mount, and the world is on the brink of something risky, with Louise's efforts making the difference between peace and war.
Is It Still In Theaters: Yes. Thanks to Paramount, Arrival celebrated its 8 nominations by bringing the film back to theaters with some extra bonus footage for one day only. But there are some theaters still showing the film in limited showtimes, so look closely at your listings.
When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: Now (Digital HD)/February 14th (Blu-ray/DVD)
Possible Streaming Options: iTunes & Amazon Video.
Fences
Synopsis: Troy Maxon (Denzel Washington) is beloved and feared by his own sons and wife (Viola Davis.) Fences tells the story of the Maxon household, the ups and downs the it suffers as his youngest son grows up and life's pressures push the family into some dark corners.
Is It Still In Theaters: Yes, but it could be winding down soon, so you should probably run out and see this one while you can.
When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: February 25th (Digital HD)/TBD (Blu-ray/DVD)
Possible Streaming Options: Amazon Video & FandangoNOW.
Hidden Figures
Synopsis: Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson,) Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer,) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) are three young African American women that helped NASA change the world during the early age of the space race, while having to simultaneously combat the inequalities of institutional racism. Yet their story hadn't been told until much later, partially thanks to this film.
Is It Still In Theaters: Yes. Hidden Figures is still in the thick of it's wide release window, so you should be able to catch this one before Oscar night.
When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: Hidden Figures is currently listed as having a "Spring 2017" release date for home video/Digital HD.
Possible Streaming Options: No streaming options have been announced for this title at this time.
Hacksaw Ridge
Synopsis: Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) never carried a gun and never fired a shot during his tour of duty during World War II. What he did do was rescue 75 wounded soldiers from the field of battle, and he did it out of pure faith and shining humanity. Based on a true story.
Is It Still In Theaters: You might find some theaters still running Hacksaw Ridge, particularly after its nomination drive. But it's not going to be easy.
When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: February 7th (Digital HD)/February 21st (Blu-ray/DVD)
Possible Streaming Options: FandangoNOW & Vudu.
Lion
Synopsis: Saroo (Sunny Pawar) wandered off from home as a child and managed to go as far as Australia. As an adult (Dev Patel), he becomes curious about his origins after memories of his childhood town start to resurface. With some internet knowhow, he embarks on a journey to uncover his past. Based on a true story.
Is It Still In Theaters: Yes, though you should probably check your indie theaters and/or bigger multiplexes to increase your odds of catching this Lion.
When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: TBD (Digital HD)/March 21st (Blu-ray/DVD)
Possible Streaming Options: No streaming options have been announced for this title.
Manchester By The Sea
Synopsis: Lee (Casey Affleck) returns home after his brother's untimely passing, and is greeted with legal guardianship of his nephew (Lucas Hedges.) Coming home could offer some much needed closure, but also looks to open up old wounds as he is reunited with his ex-wife (Michelle Williams.)
Is It Still In Theaters: Manchester By The Sea looks to be winding down in its theatrical exhibition window.
When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: February 7th (Digital HD)/February 21st (Blu-ray/DVD)
Possible Streaming Options: FandangoNOW & Amazon Video.
Moonlight
Synopsis: Through three narratives in as many different time periods of his life, the story of Chiron (Alex Hibbert/Ashton Sanders/Trevante Rhodes) unfolds. We learn about his hard life at home, his relationships with those around him and ultimately the type of person he will become because of both.
Is It Still In Theaters: Moonlight is heading to home video soon, but there are still some limited locations that might be showing the film.
When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: February 14th (Digital)/February 28th (Blu-ray/DVD)
Possible Streaming Options: Amazon Video, FandangoNOW & Vudu.
La La Land
Synopsis: An aspiring actress (Emma Stone) and a stubborn Jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) meet and fall in love in the city of dreams. But can a person chase their dreams while holding onto the one they love as they do the same?
Is It Still In Theaters:____Yes, very much so. In fact, we wouldn't be surprised if this stayed in theaters up until the actual awards themselves. In fact, the film is heading back to IMAX as of today, so check your local listings.
When Will It Be Available On Digital HD/Home Video: No Digital HD/home video release dates have been set for this title.
Possible Streaming Options: No streaming options have been announced for this title.
