Inside the Creative Marketing for All 10 Best Picture Oscar Nominees

After a strange pandemic year, the Oscars are hoping to return to a state of normalcy with their 94th show on Sunday. There are 10 incredible films in the running to take home the Best Picture prize, and we are thrilled to highlight the marketing campaigns that introduced these films to the world. Congratulations to all the nominees! 

Belfast

A coming-of-age tale of a young boy’s experience growing up in the social unrest of the late ’60s Northern Ireland, Belfast has captured audiences’ hearts with its striking black-and-white cinematography, a noteworthy debut performance by young actor Jude Hill, and its lively retro soundtrack. The trailer wonderfully reflects these strong suits by providing an impressive cut that highlights the ups and downs of Buddy’s journey. The poster demonstrates Buddy’s unique spirit with an exuberant still shot. 

Coda 

Coda is the inspiring story of a talented young singer whose deaf family struggles to understand her choice to pursue a career in music as she is challenged with finding her authentic voice. The trailer is beautifully crafted to entrench the viewer in the struggles and emotional complexities of the story. The poster focuses on the core of the story—family.

Don’t Look Up

Don’t Look Up, Adam McKay’s latest social satire, follows a comet headed straight for Earth and a group of scientists begging government officials to pay attention. The trailer’s editing, music and bold graphics capture the film’s sarcasm. And the poster showcases the star-studded cast of oblivious characters.

Drive My Car

Drive My Car is a Japanese film adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s short story that follows a stage director as he produces a performance of Uncle Vanya and the relationship that develops with a driver he is assigned at the theater festival. The poignant trailer takes us on the road and previews the engrossing story while also highlighting some of the stunning camera work and positive critical reception the film received. The distinctive red car is on full display in the eye-catching poster.

Dune

With an all-star cast and epic set pieces, the latest adaptation of the beloved sci-fi novel Dune was a cinematic feat. The grand trailer built the suspense with expert sound design and slick cuts to give both fans and non-fans a suspenseful peek into the intriguing tale. Likewise, the moody poster spotlights the stacked ensemble.

King Richard

Based on the life of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams, King Richard tells the story of their father’s perseverance, which paved the road to their success. The heartfelt trailer shows the essence of Richard Williams and the roots of his determination. In addition, the poster uses its negative space to highlight the father/daughter relationship, their shared dedication, and the joy of pursuing their passion.

Licorice Pizza

Licorice Pizza is Paul Thomas Anderson’s take on coming of age in 1970s San Fernando Valley. The trailer illustrates the poetic nature of first love and features masterful editing and memorable use of David Bowie’s “Life on Mars.” The poster’s photography and title treatment expose the story’s era and guarantee a good time.

Nightmare Alley

Bradley Cooper stars in Nightmare Alley, Guillermo del Toro’s latest, which follows a carnival worker on his path to become a famed mentalist. With a dramatic music cue to lead the way, the enticing trailer expertly sets up this intriguing tale with great rhythmic cutting. The poster features Cooper with his three female co-stars in a striking vintage one-sheet. 

The Power of the Dog

Jane Campion takes on the Wild West in The Power of The Dog, a tale of two brothers and their challenging family dynamic. The trailer reveals the layered complexities of the characters as well as the film’s remarkable cinematography, while the poster zooms in on the ruff and rigid edges of the main character. 

West Side Story 

Steven Spielberg’s reimagining of West Side Story brings new energy to this classic love story. The trailer, set to the ever-iconic “Tonight,” re-introduces the tale with a well-paced glance at the romance and music to come. The poster plays with shadows to highlight the iconic New York setting.