Movies that move you: 11 Oscar-nominated films that explore death, grief and loss

Cinema has always been a powerful means for exploring the depths of human emotions, and few emotions are as universal and impactful than death and grief. Throughout Academy Award history there have been numerous films that have explored these themes with the utmost sensitivity and artistry. From heartbreaking tales of personal loss to philosophical reflections, these Oscar-nominated films were successful because they resonated so deeply with the shared human experiences of loss. How many of these have you watched?

Ordinary People (1980)

• Oscar nominations: 6
• Oscar Wins: 4, including Best Picture and Best Director 

Directed by Robert Redford, Ordinary People delves into the complex dynamics of a family coping with the loss of their eldest son in a sailing accident. The film portrays the intricate web of grief, guilt and denial that entangles each family member as they grapple with their individual responses to the tragedy. Ordinary People 7.7/10 IMDB

Ghost (1990)

• Oscar nominations: 5
• Oscar Wins: 2, for Best Writing, Screenplay (Bruce Joel Rubin) and Best Actress (Whoopi Goldberg)

Combining elements of romance, fantasy and drama, Ghost directed by Jerry Zucker tells the story of a murdered man (Patrick Swayze) who remains on Earth as a ghost to protect his girlfriend (Demi Moore) from danger. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the afterlife while blending genres seamlessly. Whoopi Goldberg won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role. Ghost 7.1/10 IMDB 

In the Bedroom (2001)

• Oscar nominations: 5

This emotionally charged drama, directed by Todd Field, dissects the aftermath of a tragic loss in a small coastal town. Starring Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson, In the Bedroom explores the corrosive effects of grief and the psychological toll it exacts on a couple attempting to come to terms with their son's death. Nominated for Best Picture, the film captivated audiences with its unflinching portrayal of mourning. In the Bedroom 7.4/10 IMDB

The Hours (2002)

• Oscar nominations: 9
• Oscar Wins: 1, Best Actress (Nicole Kidman)

Based on Michael Cunningham's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Hours interweaves the stories of three women from different eras, all connected by Virginia Woolf's novel "Mrs. Dalloway." The film, directed by Stephen Daldry, examines the ripple effects of depression and the contemplation of suicide as a response to life's challenges. The Hours 7.5/10 IMDB

The Sea Inside (2004)

• Oscar nominations: 1
• Oscar Wins: 1, Best Foreign Language Film

Directed by Alejandro Amenábar, this Spanish film tells the true story of Ramón Sampedro (Javier Bardem), a quadriplegic who fought for his right to die with dignity. The film raises profound ethical questions about autonomy, quality of life and the boundaries of human suffering. The Sea Inside 8/10 IMDB

The Lovely Bones (2009)

• Oscar nominations: 1

Directed by Peter Jackson and adapted from Alice Sebold's novel, this film weaves a unique narrative, as a young girl who has been murdered watches over her family from the afterlife. Through her perspective, the film delves into themes of grief, acceptance and the search for closure. The Lovely Bones 6.6 IMDB

A Single Man (2009)

• Oscar nominations: 1

Based on Christopher Isherwood's novel, this film directed by Tom Ford follows a day in the life of a grieving English professor (Colin Firth) who has recently lost his longtime partner. Set in the 1960s, the movie portrays the isolation and longing that accompany profound loss. Colin Firth was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. A Single Man 7.5/10 IMDB

Rabbit Hole (2010)

• Oscar nominations: 1

Starring Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart, Rabbit Hole examines a couple's struggle to come to terms with the accidental death of their young son. The film navigates the fragile balance between grief and hope, showcasing the different ways individuals cope with overwhelming loss. Kidman received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her powerful performance in this moving film. Rabbit Hole 7/10 IMDB

The Tree of Life (2011)

• Oscar nominations: 3

Terrence Malick's visually stunning film starring Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Jessica Chastain, takes a philosophical approach to the themes of life, death and the universe. Through the lens of a 1950s Texas family, the film contemplates the grand tapestry of existence and the profound questions surrounding mortality.  The Tree Of Life 6.8/10 IMDB

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)

• Oscar nominations: 2

Adapted from Jonathan Safran Foer's novel, this film follows a young boy (Thomas Horn) on a journey to find the lock that matches a key left behind by his father, who died in the September 11 attacks. As he navigates New York City, the film examines the impact of loss on a family and the quest for connection. It received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Max von Sydow whose performance is as moving as it gets. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 6.9/10 IMDB

Manchester by the Sea (2016)

• Oscar nominations: 6
• Oscar Wins: 2, for Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor (Casey Affleck)

Kenneth Lonergan's poignant film stars Casey Affleck as a man who becomes the legal guardian of his teenage nephew after the sudden death of his brother. Set against the backdrop of a Massachusetts fishing town, the movie unravels the layers of pain, guilt and responsibility that accompany such a tragedy. Manchester by the Sea 7.8/10 IMDB

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

• Oscar nominations: 7
• Oscar Wins: 2, Best Actress (Frances McDormand) and Best Actor in Supporting Role (Sam Rockwell)

Directed by Martin McDonagh, this film follows a mother's quest for justice after her daughter's murder goes unsolved. The movie touches on themes of grief, anger and the lengths to which a person will go to find closure. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri 8.1/10 IMDB

These films, through their powerful storytelling and moving performances, remind us of the intricate tapestry of emotions that come hand in hand with death and grief. They also invite conversations about the fragility and resilience of the human spirit in the face of life's most challenging moments, teaching us that themes like these are not only universal but also deeply impact who we are as individuals.

By Kirsten Jakubenko

Sources:

• https://www.imdb.com