2024 may be coming to an end, but that means movie lovers are entering one of the most exciting times of the year. On the one hand, Christmas and the holidays are just around the corner, which means now is the ideal time to get out of the cold and watch some of your favorite holiday movies with your loved ones. The other reason moviegoers are excited comes just after Christmas. In mid-January, this year's Oscar nominees will finally be announced, celebrating all of the film world's greatest achievements this year.
Needless to say, many people are very excited, both about the upcoming holiday and the imminent announcement of the nominations. Fortunately, there are several films that perfectly combine these two sources of emotion. Over the years, some of the best Christmas films have been recognized by the coveted Oscars, receiving nominations in a wide variety of categories, with some even being nominated for their pitch-perfect carols and music. While you certainly don't have to be a movie expert to love them, these Oscar-nominated Christmas movies prove that the holiday season can be an incredible time for movies.
10
The Polar Express (2004)
Nominated for Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing and Best Original Song
When it comes to animated Christmas movies, one of the most popular options is easily the 2004 film, The Polar Express. Based on Jumanji 1985 children's story by author Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express follows the journey of a boy who meets several new friends while traveling on a magical train to the North Pole one Christmas Eve. Supported by the direction of Robert Zemeckis and the vocal talent of Tom Hanks, the film became a huge success, soon gaining true “Christmas classic” status.
The success of The Polar Express It also extended into awards season, with the film securing three nominations at the 2005 Oscars. The Polar Express was nominated for Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Original Song, specifically for “Believe”, which was performed by Josh Groban during the film's closing credits. Although it didn't win any Oscars, “Believe” managed to take home the Grammy for Best Song Written for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.
9
The Remnants (2023)
Nominated for best film, best actor, best supporting actress and more
The most recent Oscar-nominated Christmas film is The remnantsa 2023 comedy-drama directed by Alexander Payne. This moving film stars Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham, a no-nonsense history teacher who spends the holidays alongside the grieving school cafeteria manager and a lonely student with nowhere to go. Through the unlikely bond that forms between the trio, audiences see a touching story of unity that seems perfect for the holidays.
The remnants is not only the latest Christmas film to be honored at the Oscars, but also one of the most successful Christmas films in the ceremony's history. The film scored an impressive five nominations, including major awards like Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. The remnants would ultimately take home the award for Best Supporting Actress thanks to Da'Vine Joy Randolph's moving portrayal of Mary Lamb, a character who bravely managed to find joy in the holidays even after the death of her son.
8
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Nominated for best film, best director, best actor and more
For almost eighty years, It's a wonderful life has captivated viewers with its moving story and moving message. This 1946 Frank Capra classic tells the life story of George Bailey, a generous man who finds himself struggling to live on one fateful Christmas Eve. Fortunately, George's guardian angel arrives to show him what the world would be like if he had never existed, giving George a rejuvenated perspective and new gratitude for his life.
It's a wonderful life proved to be a huge success when the annual Oscar celebration arrived. While it didn't take home any of the standard awards, it did receive five nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director (Capra), and Best Actor (James Stewart). However, this does not mean that the team behind It's a wonderful life went home empty-handed. The film was honored with a Special Technical Achievement Award for its innovative method of simulating snowfall on a film set.
7
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Nominated for Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design and Best Makeup
Ron Howard's 2000 adaptation of the classic Dr. Seuss story, How the Grinch Stole ChristmasIt may not seem like the kind of film that normally does well at awards shows, but that didn't stop it from defying expectations and receiving several nominations. This humorous holiday film stars Jim Carrey as the titular Grinch, a grumpy creature who despises the residents of Whoville and their love of Christmas, ultimately plotting to ruin the holiday for them once and for all. While the film contains many heartwarming moments, it certainly leans more towards the comedic side than most Christmas films.
While the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas had been around for years, many of the artistic elements used to bring the film to life were quite new and exciting for the time the film was released. These elements helped propel the film to three Oscar nominations, distributed in the categories of Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design and Best Makeup. The nominations were certainly well deserved, as bringing Dr. Seuss' wacky world to life is no easy task.
6
Klaus (2019)
Nominated for Best Animated Film
Shortly after its release in 2019, the animated holiday film Klausbecame the first Netflix original animated film to be nominated for an Oscar. Directed by Sergio Pablos, this charming film offers a unique origin story for Christmas's most iconic figure, following a privileged mailman as he forms an unlikely friendship with an isolated toymaker named Klaus. With a stellar voice cast including Jason Schwartzman, JK Simmons and Norm Macdonald (in one of his final roles), Klaus offers a smart and moving story that the whole family can enjoy.
Klaus may not have won, but it secured a historic Oscar nomination for Netflix in the Best Animated Feature category (which was won by Toy Story 4 that year). However, it took home the BAFTA award in the same category. Klaus Not only is Netflix's first animated film to be nominated for an Oscar, it's also the only Christmas film to be nominated for Best Animated Feature.
5
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Nominated for best screenplay, best song and more
Meet me in St. It may not be strictly a Christmas movie, but it has certainly spent many years as a holiday staple for various audiences. Starring The Wizard of OzFrom Judy Garland, this 1944 film presents a collection of vignettes that follow the lives of a Missouri family during the year leading up to the 1904 World's Fair. The film is filled with stories about love and togetherness, all set to beautiful music, made even more enchanting by Garland's incredible vocals.
Meet me in St. He was nominated for several Academy Awards, being recognized in several categories. Although many of the film's musical numbers dazzled audiences, “The Trolley Song” proved to be a favorite among critics, earning a nomination for Best Song. The film also received nominations in the categories Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography (Color) and Best Soundtrack for a Musical Film. Additionally, Margaret O'Brien, who played Tootie, the youngest member of the family, won a Special Award naming her the “best child actress of 1944” (
4
Home Alone (1990)
Nominated for Best Original Score and Best Original Song
In 1990, Chris Columbus and John Hughes teamed up to make Alone at homea comedic Christmas film that would soon become an all-time classic. The film served as a highlight for Macaulay Culkin, who starred as Kevin McCallister, a boy who is accidentally left home alone when his family leaves to celebrate Christmas in Paris. Kevin ends up having to take matters into his own hands when a pair of thugs (played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) begin plotting to rob his family's home.
In addition to being a huge commercial success, Alone at home It was very well received by critics, even earning two Oscar nominations. The film's soundtrack, created by legendary composer John Williams, as well as the original song, “Somewhere in My Memory,” were individually nominated. Although it didn't win Best Original Score or Best Original Song, Alone at home remains a beloved Christmas film by audiences new and old.
3
The Bishop's Wife (1947)
Nominated for best film, best director, best sound recording and more
The 1940s proved to be an exciting time for Christmas movies. After the success of It's a wonderful life and Meet me in St.The next big holiday came in the form of The bishop's wifedirected by Henry Koster. The unique film stars Cary Grant as Dudley, an angel who arrives to help answer the prayers of a struggling bishop, but soon finds himself involved in the lives of the man's family as well. While not the first Christmas film to feature an angel, The bishop's wife definitely takes the idea in a new direction.
The bishop's wife It was highly praised by critics, receiving five Oscar nominations, including a win for Best Sound Recording. The other nominations were in the categories of Best Film, Best Director, Best Editing and Best Soundtrack for a Dramatic or Comedy Film. The bishop's wife is one of the few Christmas films to be considered for Best Picture, although none have managed to take home the prestigious award (unless you count The apartmentwhich partially occurs at Christmas).
2
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Nominated for Best Visual Effects
For those who love Christmas but aren't quite ready to put an end to Halloween, there's no better option than The Nightmare Before Christmas. This spooky holiday film uses stop-motion animation to tell the story of Jack Skellington, the leader of Halloween Town, who decides he wants to rule Christmas for a change. Thanks to the creative collaboration between Henry Selick and Tim Burton, The Nightmare Before Christmas has become a fan-favorite film, with many admiring it for its unique visual style and inventive story.
The Nightmare Before Christmas may have only managed one Oscar nomination, but it was actually quite historic. Released in 1993, the film became the first animated film to be nominated for Best Visual Effects. No other animated film has achieved this feat until Kubo and the Two Strings did more than two decades later. The bizarre characters and settings of The Nightmare Before Christmas really make it a sight to behold.
1
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Nominated for best film, best supporting actor and more
By now, the Oscars have recognized excellence in filmmaking for nearly a century. During this period, only one film managed to win three of the coveted awards in the same year. This impressive achievement was accomplished by Miracle on 34th Street in 1947. Written and directed by George Seaton, the film focuses on the events surrounding a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa Claus himself. The film was received very positively, with praise for its charming story and moving message.
Miracle on 34th Street had a triumphant Oscar night, taking home the awards for Best Supporting Actor, Best Screenplay (Original Story) and Best Screenplay (Original Screenplay). Additionally, the film was also nominated for Best Picture, although Gentleman's Agreement emerged victorious in this category. While it's unknown what kind of success future Christmas movies will have, Miracle on 34th Street it currently has more Oscar wins than any other holiday film in history.