The Race to the Oscars Just Got a Whole Lot Bigger (and Wider)! Get ready, cinephiles, because some of this year's most talked-about Oscar contenders are making a triumphant return to the grandest screens imaginable – IMAX 70mm – before Hollywood's biggest night. And yes, you read that right, IMAX 70mm is back in a big way!
While we're still eagerly awaiting the exact dates, here's the scoop: "Sinners" is set to grace select IMAX 70mm screens again, not just during its awards season push but potentially even longer. This is particularly exciting because "Sinners" holds a unique distinction: it's the only film between Christopher Nolan's epic "Oppenheimer" and the upcoming "Odyssey" to have been shot using IMAX film cameras. Director Ryan Coogler himself took the time to educate audiences about the magic of different aspect ratios and the unparalleled immersion of IMAX screens before the film's initial release. And the accolades? "Sinners" has shattered records, snagging a staggering 16 Oscar nominations, a new all-time high, surpassing previous record-holders like "All About Eve," "Titanic," and "La La Land," which each had 14 nods. Coogler is in the running for Best Director, and Michael B. Jordan is nominated for Best Actor for his incredible dual performance as twins Smoke and Stack.
But the IMAX 70mm revival doesn't stop there! Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" will also be returning to select IMAX 70mm locations in the coming weeks. This critically acclaimed film has earned 13 Oscar nominations, including for its powerhouse cast members Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn. It's worth noting that Warner Bros. is the studio behind both "One Battle After Another" and "Sinners," so they're clearly investing in the premium theatrical experience.
And for those who can't get enough of the Safdie brothers' unique style, A24 announced on Thursday that its nine-time Oscar nominee "Marty Supreme" will be getting a nationwide IMAX run starting January 30th. This film, which is A24's highest-grossing domestic release to date, features Timothée Chalamet as a ping pong prodigy alongside Odessa A’zion, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin O’Leary, and Tyler, the Creator.
Even Netflix's best picture contender, "Frankenstein," had a brief but welcome return to cinemas for a single week just before the nominations, including a showing at the iconic TLC Chinese IMAX in Los Angeles. And while nothing is set in stone yet, we're hearing whispers that Apple's high-octane racing blockbuster, "F1," which garnered four Oscar nods including for best picture, is also exploring a potential comeback to IMAX 70mm screens.
This is truly a monumental year for IMAX, with both massive blockbusters and visionary auteur films finding a significant audience on their expansive screens. In fact, for "Sinners," "One Battle After Another," and "F1," at least 20% of their domestic opening box office revenue came directly from IMAX tickets! That's a significant number, proving that audiences are craving that larger-than-life, immersive cinematic experience.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is this resurgence of IMAX 70mm simply a nostalgic nod to the past, or is it a genuine indicator that studios are finally recognizing the unparalleled artistic and commercial value of film itself in an increasingly digital world? And this is the part most people miss... While the technical specifications of IMAX 70mm are impressive, does the experience of watching a film in this format truly elevate the storytelling to a degree that justifies the extra cost and limited availability for the average moviegoer? What do you think? Are you excited about these IMAX 70mm re-releases, or do you believe the focus should be on making great films accessible to everyone, everywhere? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
