5 Hulu Movies that made it to Oscars

While Hulu is primarily recognized as a streaming service offering an array of TV shows and movies, it has also ventured into producing original content, some of which have achieved critical acclaim and recognition in the film industry’s most prestigious event—the Oscars. The Academy Awards celebrate excellence in cinema, and for Hulu, several standout shows have earned nominations and awards, showcasing the platform’s prowess in content creation and storytelling. However, if you want to watch these movies outside USA you will need a VPN because Hulu is geo-restricted in Czech Republic, UK, Spain and all the other European countries. Here, we delve into five Hulu shows that made their mark by earning nominations or wins at the Oscars.

1. “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” (2021):

Nominated for Best Actress, Andra Day’s riveting performance as legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday in this Hulu original film garnered widespread acclaim. The movie delves into Holiday’s life, focusing on the challenges she faced due to her activism against racial injustice. Andra Day’s remarkable portrayal earned her an Oscar nomination, highlighting the depth and intensity of her performance. Although it didn’t secure a win, the nomination itself solidified the impact of both the performance and the film.

2. “Nomadland” (2020):

While not originally a Hulu show, “Nomadland” found a streaming home on Hulu after its successful festival run. Directed by Chloé Zhao, this poignant film bagged several Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, making history by earning Zhao the award as the first woman of color and the second woman ever to win the Best Director Oscar. This contemplative drama follows a woman, played by Frances McDormand, who embarks on a journey through the American West, exploring life as a modern-day nomad. The film’s raw storytelling, stunning cinematography, and emotionally resonant narrative captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike.

3. “The Mole Agent” (2020):

Nominated for Best Documentary Feature, “The Mole Agent” was a captivating and heartwarming documentary available on Hulu. Directed by Maite Alberdi, the film explores the story of an elderly man hired to act as a spy in a retirement home to investigate suspected abuse. The documentary’s unique and touching approach to storytelling garnered critical acclaim, earning it a nomination at the Oscars. Its ability to blend humor and poignancy while shedding light on the lives of the elderly made it a standout documentary.

4. “Minding the Gap” (2018):

This exceptional documentary, directed by Bing Liu, explored the lives of three young men bonded by their love for skateboarding. “Minding the Gap” showcased their friendship, individual struggles, and the challenges they faced while growing up. The film earned an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature, lauded for its intimate portrayal of its subjects and the director’s personal and profound storytelling approach. The raw and emotionally impactful narrative resonated with both critics and audiences.

5. “If Beale Street Could Talk” (2018):

Based on James Baldwin’s novel, this powerful drama directed by Barry Jenkins received three Oscar nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Regina King, who won the award for her remarkable performance. The film beautifully depicted the story of a young African American woman seeking to prove her fiancé’s innocence while carrying their child. The heartfelt and visually stunning portrayal of love, family, and injustice made a significant impact, resulting in critical acclaim and an Oscar win for King.

In conclusion, these five Hulu-associated shows—“The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” “Nomadland,” “The Mole Agent,” “Minding the Gap,” and “If Beale Street Could Talk”—stand as testaments to Hulu’s foray into the world of Oscar-nominated and award-winning content. The platform has showcased a diverse range of stories, from riveting dramas to thought-provoking documentaries, capturing the hearts of audiences and earning recognition at the highest level in the film industry. As Hulu continues to invest in original content and curate exceptional shows, it solidifies its position as a platform for compelling storytelling and cinematic excellence.