Nickel Boys: The Underdog Story of a Best Picture Nominee
The Oscars, a night where Hollywood’s brightest stars converge, is more than just a glamorous event; it’s a career-defining milestone. For actors, directors, writers, and everyone involved in the filmmaking process, an Academy Award is the ultimate validation, a symbol of excellence recognized by peers and celebrated globally. And among all the categories, the Academy Award for Best Motion Picture holds a special significance, representing the pinnacle of cinematic achievement.
This year, amidst the glittering spectacle of the 2025 Oscars, one film stands out not just for its artistic merit, but for its powerful message and its journey as an underdog contender: Nickel Boys. As the nominations are tallied and predictions are made, it’s crucial to take a closer look at this compelling film that delves into a dark chapter of American history.
Unlike most other categories, the Best Picture race showcases ten nominated films, highlighting the breadth and diversity of cinematic storytelling. Alongside contenders with larger budgets and wider recognition, Nickel Boys earns its place, carrying a heavy weight of historical truth and emotional resonance. It’s one of the "Big Five" awards, alongside Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Best Actress in a Leading Role, marking it as a cornerstone of cinematic excellence.
Nickel Boys transports viewers back to the Jim Crow era, a period of legalized racial segregation and discrimination in the American South. The story centers on Elwood Curtis, a bright and promising young Black teenager with aspirations of attending an HBCU on an accelerated program. His dreams are tragically derailed when a simple act of hitchhiking lands him in the Nickel Academy, a reform school notorious for its brutal and dehumanizing practices.
Within the walls of the Nickel Academy, Elwood encounters another young Black man named Turner, a cynical and world-weary individual who serves as a stark contrast to Elwood’s idealism. Their contrasting perspectives and experiences become intertwined as they navigate the horrors of the institution, struggling to survive the physical and emotional abuse inflicted upon them.
The film, starring Ethan Herisse as Elwood Curtis and Brandon Wilson as Turner, offers a powerful and unflinching portrayal of systemic racism and its devastating impact on young lives. It forces viewers to confront the harsh realities of the Jim Crow era, challenging them to reflect on the legacy of racial injustice that continues to resonate today.
Nickel Boys, released in December 2024, has garnered critical acclaim for its compelling narrative, powerful performances, and its unflinching exploration of a difficult subject matter. Earning over $3 million worldwide, the film has resonated with audiences who appreciate its historical accuracy and its ability to humanize the experiences of those who suffered under the Jim Crow regime.
Despite its compelling narrative and critical praise, Nickel Boys stands as an underdog in the Best Picture race. It’s a two-time Academy Award nominated film, possessing the fewest nominations amongst the ten films nominated for Best Picture, but its significance should not be underestimated.
The film has received nominations in the following categories:
- Best Motion Picture
- Best Adapted Screenplay
While other films may boast more nominations and higher box office numbers, Nickel Boys possesses a unique strength: its ability to connect with viewers on a deep emotional level, to expose the raw truth of historical injustice, and to spark meaningful dialogue about race and equality.
Despite earning seven nominations between the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), the Critics Choice Awards, and the Golden Globes, the film did not take home an award at any of those events. However, Nickel Boys has secured recognition at several local film festivals and smaller ceremonies, a testament to its impact and its ability to resonate with diverse audiences.
The film’s journey to the Oscars is a testament to its resilience and its ability to defy expectations. In a landscape often dominated by big-budget productions and established names, Nickel Boys has carved out its own space, earning the respect of critics and audiences alike.
As the Oscars draw near, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will take home the coveted Best Picture award? While predictions abound, one thing is certain: Nickel Boys has already made its mark. It has brought a vital story to the forefront, reminding us of the importance of confronting our past and working towards a more just and equitable future.
Whether it wins or not, Nickel Boys has already achieved something remarkable. It has sparked conversations, challenged perspectives, and shed light on a dark chapter of American history. It has given voice to the voiceless and reminded us of the power of film to inspire change. In the end, that may be the most important award of all.
You can watch Nickel Boys on Prime Video. The film is available to rent.
