Calling all movie-lovers
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Ten movies are vying for Best Picture at the Academy Awards later this month, but it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of watching that much cinema.
Why it matters: Americans aren't turning out to movie theaters en masse lately, and some of the more niche contenders are difficult to catch on the big screen.
Maybe you are craving popcorn and a communal experience, though.
- AMC is holding marathon movie days for all 10 Best Picture nominees over the next two Saturdays.
- Regal is screening the films individually, starting Friday.
Several local cinemas are also continuing the annual traditions of screening Oscar-nominated short films. The "shorts" fall into three categories — documentary, animated and live action.
- Raleigh: The Rialto begins airing them next week. Alamo Drafthouse hasn't posted times yet, but tells Axios it's planning to screen the shorts.
- Durham and Chapel Hill: Carolina Theatre, Chelsea Theater and Silverspot are all playing them now.
If you've got an Oscar party on your calendar, but not a lot of free time, these are the three movies to prioritize:
- "One Battle After Another" is an action flick, satirical comedy and political statement all at once. Now streaming on HBO Max.
- "Sinners" is the most-nominated movie of all time, and it's bonkers in the best way: part-1930s period piece, part-vampire bloodbath. Now streaming on HBO Max.
- "Sentimental Value" is a more-fun-than-you'd-think Norwegian tale of generational trauma. The Academy is embracing more international cinema, and you should, too! Available on-demand through Amazon Prime, Apple TV and YouTube.
What's next: The Oscars air at 7pm on Sunday, March 15, on ABC and Hulu.