Monica Burton is the deputy editor at Eater.com, focusing on restaurants, food policy, and the relationship between food and culture since 2017.
The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 2, celebrating this year’s top films. While these movies might be favorites among the industry elite, we have our own opinions at Eater. None of the films nominated made our list of the best food movies ever, but they did have some memorable food moments that stood out.
The Academy often overlooks the significance of food in film. So, we’re stepping in to honor the films that made a tasty contribution to this year’s cinematic landscape. We may not have Oscars to give, but we still want to recognize some standout moments involving food. Spoilers ahead for this year’s films!
Best Performance of Eating by an Actor
Dennis Quaid, The Substance
Dennis Quaid’s performance as Harvey in The Substance turned a familiar face into a symbol of greed. In a tense scene during a power lunch, he devours head-on shrimp, showcasing a disturbing intensity. The exaggerated sound of him eating drives home his character’s horrific traits, making it a standout moment in the film.
Best Kitchen Appliance Cameo
The Espresso Machine, Conclave
Conclave brilliantly captures the awkwardness of its characters through mundane settings, like a fluorescent cafeteria. A coffee from an instant machine interrupts a serious discussion, highlighting the cheapness and material nature of the election process in a way that’s both humorous and insightful.
Best Performance by a Sweet Snack (Comedy)
The Churro, Challengers
In Challengers, director Luca Guadagnino uses a churro to symbolize intense competition and desire between two tennis players. This unexpected focus on a pastry has led to a wave of discussions online, adding a humorous yet charged layer to the film’s exploration of relationships.
Best Performance by a Sweet Snack (Drama)
The Candy, Hard Truths (2024)
In Mike Leigh’s drama set in London, a sweet moment arises when Moses shares strawberry lace candy with a stranger. This simple act provides a glimmer of hope amidst the film’s darker themes, emphasizing the potential for connection even in tough times.
Best Cafeteria Choreography
“What Is This Feeling,” Wicked
The transition from stage to screen in the film adaptation of Wicked showcases incredible choreography. During a competitive number performed in a cafeteria, the characters use trays as props in a lively dance, enhancing the theatrical experience and capturing the rivalry between the leads.
Best Food or Drink Erotica
The Milk, Babygirl
In Babygirl, the use of cow’s milk evolves into a provocative element. Nicole Kidman’s character’s connection to the drink adds a playful twist to classic themes of eroticism while steering away from the more mundane discourses surrounding dairy.
Best Animated Meal
The Fish-Catching Scene, Flow
In the beautifully animated Flow, one of the highlights features the titular cat catching fish. This scene combines suspense and artistry, culminating in a heartwarming moment where the animals enjoy their catch together, showcasing the joy of sharing a meal.
Best Ensemble Performance at a Group Dinner
A Real Pain
This film captures the awkwardness of traveling with strangers. During a group dinner, underlying tensions flare as the characters navigate their emotions. The cringeworthy moments leave the audience feeling the weight of each interaction, highlighting the challenges of group dynamics.
Best Performance by a Beverage
The Water of Life, Dune 2
The Water of Life in Dune 2 serves as a powerful plot device. Its effects are transformative, propelling characters into profound experiences. The implications of this drink remind us that even in a fictional realm, the exploration of what sustains us can lead to dramatic revelations.
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