7 Best Picture Nominees That Tackle Religion and Spirituality in Modern Society

The Oscars Best Picture nominees this year provide an interesting window into the impact of religion and spirituality on contemporary society. From the overt to the subtle, religious themes can be found in many of these films, offering insights into how people view faith and spirituality in the modern world.

  1. “Everything, Everywhere All At Once” – A film that explores existential themes associated with spirituality, taking viewers on a journey through different dimensions of reality.
  2. “All Quiet on the Western Front” – Featuring a Catholic main character who prays and quotes Christian scripture, this film shows soldiers praying together and singing hymns before going into battle.
  3. “Avatar: The Way of Water” – Set on a fictional planet with its own religious system that leans towards pantheism, this movie explores the connection between humans and nature, using religion to communicate its message about environmentalism.
  4. “The Banshees of Inisherin” – Set in deeply Catholic Ireland, this film depicts scenes of mass and confession, exploring themes of guilt and redemption that are often associated with Catholicism.
  5. “Elvis” – This film offers a glimpse into the real-life fascination of Elvis Presley with gospel music and the role of religion in his life, including a tent revival conducted by Black Christians.
  6. “The Fabelmans” – Based on Steven Spielberg’s Orthodox Jewish upbringing, this film depicts Hanukkah, anti-Semitic bullying, and attempts at interfaith dating, highlighting the importance of tradition and family in Jewish culture.
  7. “Women Talking” – Telling the story of women who are victims of horrific abuse in a separatist Mennonite community, this film explores deep religious themes, including the role of faith, hope, and forgiveness in dealing with trauma and injustice.

“Top Gun: Maverick”, and “Triangle of Sadness” are the only Best Picture nominees this year without deep religious content. While there may be some subtle references to faith and spirituality in these films, they do not explore these themes in depth.

This year’s Best Picture nominees offer a diverse range of perspectives on religion and spirituality. From exploring deep religious themes to subtle references to faith and spirituality, these films provide a glimpse into how people view and engage with religion in the modern world.

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