Awards season is upon us, and the Arkansas Cinema Society (ACS) is once again bringing the most talked-about Oscar-nominated films of the year to the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) as part of the For Your Consideration film series. Whether you're a die-hard cinephile or love making predictions for your Oscars pool, this is your chance to see some of the films taking center stage at this year’s Oscars on the big screen at AMFA.

This year’s selections are Anora (nominated for six awards including Best Picture), Flow (nominated for two awards including Best Animated Feature), Conclave (nominated for eight awards including Best Picture) and the short film “A Lien,” produced by Arkansas native Tara Sheffer (nominated for Best Live-Action Short). Films in this series will be screening Feb. 20th, 21st and 23rd, leading up to the 97th Academy Awards on March 2nd during which ACS will host a free Oscar Watch Party at Southern Tail Brewing. Doors open 30 minutes before each film. Admission for each event is $15 for adults/$10 for kids and seniors or a ticket package to all of the films for $33. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

“So many of the Oscar nominated films come hot off the awards circuit, but often don’t have the wide theatrical release that they deserve,” said ACS Executive Director Kathryn Tucker. “Giving our audience the chance to see films projected on the big screen and with great sound is at the heart of the ACS mission, so we are always thrilled to bring the magic of awards season to Arkansas with our annual For Your Consideration screening series at AMFA. With 2024’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner and festival darling Anora, Golden Globe winner Flow, highly acclaimed Conclave nominated for 8 Academy Awards and short film Oscar nominee ‘A Lien,’ produced by an Arkansan, this year’s lineup is any film buff’s dream. As we count down to Hollywood’s biggest night, we invite film lovers across the state to join us in celebrating the power of cinema at the AMFA.”

Throughout 2024, ACS screened three other Oscar nominated films. Filmland 2024’s closing night feature was Sing Sing (nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay) with star Colman Domingo (nominated for Best Actor). ACS also featured The Brutalist (nominated for ten Academy Awards including Best Picture) as part of our Sneak Series and Sugarcane (nominated for Best Documentary Feature) in partnership with the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival.

‍This year’s For Your Consideration schedule is:

‍Thursday, Feb. 20th, 6:00 pm – Anora

Synopsis: A young escort from Brooklyn meets and impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairy tale is threatened as his parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled. Starring Mikey Madison, Paul Weissman and Yura Borisov. Written and directed by Sean Barker. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Film Editing. Watch the trailer here. Rated: R.

‍Friday, Feb. 21st, 6:00 pm – “A Lien” + Conclave

“A Lien” Synopsis: On the day of their green card interview, a young couple confronts a dangerous immigration process. Starring Victoria Ratermanis, William Martinez + Koralyn Rivera. Directed by Sam Cutler-Kreutz + David Cutler-Kreutz. Produced by Arkansas native Tara Sheffer along with Rebecca Eskreis, Sam & David Cutler-Kreutz. Nominated for Best Live-Action Short. Not rated.

‍Conclave Synopsis: When Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with leading one of the world's most secretive and ancient events, selecting a new Pope, he finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of the Catholic Church. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow. Directed by Edward Berger. Written by Peter Straughan and Robert Harris. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Production Design, Best Film Editing and Best Costume Design. Watch the trailer here. Rated: PG.

‍Sunday, Feb. 23rd, 2:30 pm – Flow

Synopsis: Cat is a solitary animal, but as its home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species, and will have to team up with them despite their differences. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis. Written by Gints Zilbalodis, Matiss Kaza and Ron Dyens. Not rated. Nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best International Feature Film. Watch the trailer here. Not rated.

‍Sunday, March 2nd, 6:00 pm – Academy Awards Watch Party

Join ACS for their free annual Watch Party of the brightest night in Hollywood at Southern Tail Brewing. The live televised awards ceremony will be screened on outdoor and indoor screens, with drink specials at the bar and outstanding award show snacks. Whether you come dressed in your fanciest tux or holiest PJs, you can snap some pics while walking the rolled-out red carpet. Plus, there is a ballot competition with exclusive prizes and more. This event is free and open to the public. An RSVP is requested and can be done online. Doors open at 5:00pm so people can get a good seat before the ceremony begins.

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