Awards Season Highlights

Awards season is in full swing, and cinephiles are eagerly catching up with the latest nominations for the Oscars, Emmys, SAG Awards, and more. The NAACP Image Awards are just on the horizon, and Netflix has made an impressive showing with 53 nominations across various categories including movies, television, performance, and directing.

If you're trying to prioritize your watchlist to support your favorite nominees, we’ve got you covered. Here are six Netflix films that have earned nominations and are definitely worth a watch:

The 53rd NAACP Image Awards, hosted by Anthony Anderson from Black-ish , will air on Saturday, February 22 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on BET.

This gripping drama spotlights Nompumelelo’s turbulent quest for stardom,

weaving a tale of ambition and moral compromise as she flees South Africa for New York.

Nominated for Outstanding International Motion Picture, the film unpacks systemic barriers

faced by immigrants navigating America’s political climate under Trump-era policies.

Mthembu’s raw portrayal anchors a story where desperation fuels risky choices—embezzlement,

abandoned relationships—all in pursuit of a Broadway dream that feels just out of reach.

Though heightened for cinematic effect, its exploration of sacrifice and survival resonates

with anyone who’s wrestled with ethics while chasing an unforgiving ambition.

This revisionist western gallops onto screens with a magnetic blend of style and substance, earning nine NAACP Image Awards nods that cement its cultural impact. Jeymes Samuel’s visionary direction assembles icons like Idris Elba and Jonathan Majors in a fiery showdown between outlaw legends Nat Love and Rufus Buck, redefining the mythology of Black frontiersmen.

Beyond its thunderous shootouts and sweeping vistas, the film’s brilliance lies in its layered storytelling – a cocktail of betrayal, loyalty, and swagger that scored nominations for screenplay, soundtrack, and ensemble chemistry. The soundtrack alone, blending hip-hop swagger with soulful grit, becomes a character in this tale of redemption.

Samuel’s breakthrough vision pairs Leone-esque grandeur with Afrofuturist flair, while supporting turns from Zazie Beetz and LaKeith Stanfield inject humor and heart. For those craving more than cowboy clichés, this genre-bending ride proves historical epics can crackle with modern urgency. Saddle up for cinematography that paints the desert in molten gold and performances sharp enough to split hairs.

Zendaya's Powerhouse Performance

Netflix's "Malcolm & Marie" has earned recognition with an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture, showcasing Zendaya's powerful performance that extends her impressive acting portfolio beyond HBO's hit series "Euphoria."

The film, created by Sam Levinson, presents an intimate, emotionally charged portrait of a relationship under strain. Shot entirely in black and white, this two-character drama unfolds over a single evening as the couple returns home from Malcolm's film premiere.

Zendaya delivers a compelling portrayal of Marie, a woman confronting her filmmaker boyfriend about appropriating her personal struggles with addiction without acknowledgment. Her raw emotional range resonates particularly with viewers who have experienced relationships where their vulnerabilities were exploited.

John David Washington complements Zendaya's performance as Malcolm, creating a dynamic tension that drives the narrative forward through their extended dialogues about art, authenticity, and the ethics of creative inspiration.

The minimalist setting amplifies the intensity of their confrontation, making this film a thought-provoking examination of power dynamics in both personal and professional relationships.

Racial Identity in 1920s NYC

Set against the backdrop of 1920s New York, this compelling adaptation of Nella Larsen's seminal novel explores the complex dynamics of racial identity through the reconnection of former friends Irene (portrayed by Tessa Thompson) and Clare (Ruth Negga).

The film, which garnered nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Breakthrough Creative in the motion picture category, offers a nuanced examination of how these two women navigate society with different approaches to their racial heritage.

Thompson delivers a powerful performance as Irene, a woman who finds strength and community in embracing her Black identity, while Negga's portrayal of Clare, who chooses to "pass" as white and marry into privilege, creates the central tension that drives the narrative forward.

First-time director Rebecca Hall transforms the literary classic into a visually striking black-and-white meditation on privilege, belonging, and the psychological toll of living between worlds. The film skillfully weaves elements of psychological drama with subtle mystery, inviting viewers to contemplate how racial constructs continue to influence personal choices and societal structures today.

Perfect for those who appreciate thoughtful period dramas with contemporary relevance, this critically acclaimed feature challenges audiences to consider the various ways marginalized individuals negotiate their identities within oppressive social frameworks.

Miranda's Directorial Debut

Lin-Manuel Miranda, widely known for his work in musical theater, makes his directorial debut with Tick, Tick... Boom! . This film is a tribute to the early career of Jonathan Larson, the creative genius behind Rent , and it has been nominated for Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture at the NAACP Image Awards.

Miranda draws on his personal experiences from the 1990s, a time when he was deeply influenced by musical theater legends like Stephen Sondheim and Larson. This connection allowed him to create a poignant and authentic portrayal of Larson's journey, played by Andrew Garfield. The movie not only honors Larson's legacy but also delivers an inspiring message about persevering through failures to achieve success.

Themes of Grief and Creativity

Despite being categorized as a children's film, Vivo delves into profound themes. The movie tackles the emotional journey of dealing with grief following the loss of a loved one, and it also explores the struggles of nurturing creativity when faced with parental disapproval.

This animated gem is another standout from Lin-Manuel Miranda, and its excellence has earned it nominations for Outstanding Animated Motion Picture and Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Motion Picture) at the NAACP Image Awards. If you need further convincing, just give a listen to “My Own Drum,” which features the incredible Missy Elliott.

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