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A surge of Academy Award nominees are making a return to theaters, with several slated for screenings on immersive IMAX 70mm film, offering audiences a unique cinematic experience ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night. This renewed push underscores the enduring appeal of the theatrical experience, particularly for high-profile films vying for industry recognition.
The Rise of IMAX in the Awards Season
Several of this year’s leading contenders are capitalizing on the premium large-format appeal of IMAX. According to a company release, this is proving to be a significant driver of box office revenue, with at least 20% of domestic opening weekend ticket sales for films shot with IMAX cameras originating from IMAX screens.
Leading the charge is “Sinners,” which has garnered a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations – surpassing previous leaders “All About Eve,” “Titanic,” and “La La Land.” Sources indicate the film will return to select IMAX 70mm locations during its Oscar run and potentially beyond. Notably, “Sinners” stands as the sole film shot with IMAX film cameras between Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” and the forthcoming “Odyssey.” Director Ryan Coogler actively educated audiences on the nuances of aspect ratios and the benefits of IMAX presentation prior to the film’s initial release. Coogler is also nominated for Best Director, with Michael B. Jordan vying for Best Actor for his dual portrayal of Smoke and Stack.
Warner Bros. Leads the IMAX Charge
Warner Bros. is heavily invested in the IMAX strategy, with both “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” scheduled for returns to select IMAX 70mm locations in the coming weeks. “One Battle After Another,” the Paul Thomas Anderson film, has also received significant Oscar attention, securing 13 nominations, including recognition for Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn.
A24 announced on Thursday that its nine-time Oscar nominee, “Marty Supreme,” starring Timothée Chalamet, will receive a nationwide IMAX run beginning January 30. The Josh Safdie-directed film is the studio’s highest-grossing domestic release to date, also featuring Odessa A’zion, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin O’Leary, and Tyler, the Creator.
Netflix’s best picture contender, “Frankenstein,” enjoyed a limited one-week return to cinemas, including a screening at the TLC Chinese IMAX in Los Angeles, prior to the Oscar nominations. While no firm plans are in place, reports suggest that Apple’s racing blockbuster, “F1,” starring Brad Pitt, is exploring a potential return to IMAX 70mm screens. The film received four Oscar nominations, including a nod for Best Picture.
This year’s awards season demonstrates a clear trend: studios are recognizing the value of the IMAX experience in amplifying the impact of their Oscar hopefuls, offering audiences a truly immersive and unforgettable cinematic journey.
