7 Oscar-Worthy Films Released On Christmas Day

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Although many films come out on Christmas Day, most aren’t actually about Christmas. Studios often release big movies or films meant to offer something different during the holidays, hoping to attract families with time off from work and school. While the quality of these Christmas Day releases varies, it’s surprising how many go on to receive Oscar nominations – and here are some of the best.

7) Nosferatu

Several versions of Nosferatu have been made, and most have been critically acclaimed. The newest remake, released in 2024 and directed by Robert Eggers, follows this trend. This loose adaptation of Dracula reimagines the classic 1922 German horror film, and stars Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, and Bill Skarsgård.

While the 2024 film Nosferatu wasn’t an Oscar winner, it did receive several nominations. These included recognition for its Cinematography, Costume Design, Production Design, and Makeup and Hairstyling.

6) The Wolf of Wall Street

Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed 2013 film, The Wolf of Wall Street, surprisingly premiered on Christmas Day. It’s the story of Jordan Belfort and the dishonest practices and illegal activities that took place at his financial firm, Stratton Oakmont. The movie boasts a stellar cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, and many other talented actors.

While opinions on The Wolf of Wall Street are mixed, it’s still considered one of Martin Scorsese’s best films. It received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and nominations for both lead and supporting actors.

5) Little Women

Many adaptations of the beloved novel Little Women exist, but Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film is considered the best recent version. It features Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen playing the four March sisters.

The 2019 film Little Women won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design. It was also nominated for several other Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score.

4) Dreamgirls

The 2006 film Dreamgirls, directed by Bill Condon, is a Christmas release that follows the journey of a singing group called the Dreamettes. The movie shows how they navigate the challenges and triumphs of becoming famous after being discovered by a manager.

The movie Dreamgirls won two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress and Best Sound Mixing. It received several other nominations, including Best Supporting Actor, Best Art Direction, and Best Costume Design. Additionally, three of its songs – “Listen,” “Love You I Do,” and “Patience” – were nominated for Best Original Song.

3) Django Unchained

Quentin Tarantino is known for many highly praised films, but Django Unchained, released in 2012, stands out as a Christmas movie. The film follows Django, played by Jamie Foxx, a former slave who teams up with a German bounty hunter to rescue his wife from slavery.

Even though it sparked some debate, Django Unchained did very well at the Academy Awards. It took home Oscars for Best Supporting Actor and Best Original Screenplay, and was also up for awards including Best Picture, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound Editing.

2) To Kill a Mockingbird

Both Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird and the 1962 movie version are considered classics. The story is told from the perspective of Scout and Jem Finch, who observe their father, Atticus, a lawyer, as he defends a black man wrongly accused of rape.

The movie version of To Kill a Mockingbird is nearly as beloved as the original book and is considered a classic film. It was a big hit at the Academy Awards, winning awards for Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Art Direction. It also received nominations for several other prestigious awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score.

1) The Sting

Released in 1973, The Sting is a highly acclaimed and impactful crime film directed by George Roy Hill. It stars Robert Redford and Paul Newman as a pair of skilled con artists who work together to swindle a dangerous gangster who was responsible for the death of a mutual friend. The movie, which came out on December 25th, 1973, was a huge financial success, earning $275 million on a budget of just $5.5 million.

The Sting was a big success at the Academy Awards, earning nominations and wins in many categories. It won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Art Direction, Costume Design, Film Editing, and Best Original Song Score or Adaptation. The film also received nominations for Best Actor, Cinematography, and Sound.

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2025-12-24 19:11