25 Best Movies of 2015: A Definitive List of the Year’s Top Films

2015 was a year of diverse and captivating movies that impressed both critics and audiences. From action-packed blockbusters to heartwarming dramas, there was something for everyone in 2015.

Some of the standout films of the year included “Mad Max: Fury Road,” a post-apocalyptic action movie directed by George Miller, “The Revenant,” a survival drama directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and “Spotlight,” a riveting investigative drama directed by Tom McCarthy.

Other notable films from 2015 included the science fiction thriller “Ex Machina,” the critically acclaimed coming-of-age drama “Room,” and the biographical drama “The Big Short,” which explored the events leading up to the 2008 financial crisis.

Best 2015 Movies

Overall, 2015 was a year of impressive filmmaking, with a range of movies that challenged and entertained audiences. The year’s best films showcased the talents of some of the industry’s most accomplished filmmakers, actors, and writers, and set a high standard for years to come.

1. The Revenant (2015)

“The Revenant” is a western survival drama film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, released in 2015. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, and Domhnall Gleeson in lead roles.

The story of the film follows a frontiersman named Hugh Glass (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) who is left for dead after being mauled by a bear while on a fur trapping expedition in the 1820s.

Glass must endure extreme physical and emotional hardships as he seeks revenge against a member of his own expedition who betrayed him and left him for dead.

“The Revenant” was praised for its direction, cinematography, performances, and its depiction of the harsh realities of survival in the wilderness.

The film was noted for its use of natural lighting and long takes to create a sense of realism and intimacy with the characters.

The film received several nominations and awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio and an Academy Award for Best Director for Alejandro González Iñárritu. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $500 million worldwide.

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2. Sicario (2015)

Sicario is a crime thriller film released in 2015, directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin.

The film follows an FBI agent named Kate Macer, who is recruited by a government task force to assist in the escalating drug war on the U.S.-Mexico border.

As Kate becomes increasingly involved in the task force’s operations, she begins to question the legality and morality of their methods, particularly those employed by the mysterious and enigmatic consultant Alejandro.

Sicario received critical acclaim for its tense and suspenseful storytelling, Villeneuve’s masterful direction, and the powerful performances of its lead actors.

The film was praised for its unflinching portrayal of the brutality and corruption inherent in the drug war and its exploration of complex themes such as morality, justice, and revenge.

The film was a box office success, grossing over $84 million worldwide against a budget of $30 million. It was also nominated for numerous awards, including three Academy Awards, and spawned a sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado, released in 2018.

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3. Ex Machina (2014)

“Ex Machina” is a 2014 British science fiction film written and directed by Alex Garland. The film tells the story of a young programmer named Caleb who is invited by his eccentric CEO to administer a Turing test to an artificial intelligence named Ava.

The film stars Domhnall Gleeson as Caleb, Oscar Isaac as the CEO, and Alicia Vikander as Ava. It was praised for its intelligent and thought-provoking exploration of artificial intelligence, as well as its minimalist and visually striking production design.

“Ex Machina” received critical acclaim, with many critics praising Garland’s direction and the performances of the lead actors.

The film won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and the BAFTA Award for Best British Film. It is widely regarded as one of the best science fiction films of the 21st century.

4. The Big Short (2015)

“The Big Short” is a 2015 American biographical comedy-drama film directed by Adam McKay. The film is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Michael Lewis and follows several key players in the lead-up to the 2008 financial crisis.

The film stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, among others, and received widespread critical acclaim for its sharp writing, strong performances, and unconventional approach to storytelling.

“The Big Short” was praised for its ability to explain complex financial concepts in an accessible way, as well as its satirical take on the greed and corruption that led to the crisis.

The film was a commercial success, grossing over $133 million worldwide on a budget of $28 million.

It was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor for Bale, and Best Adapted Screenplay, ultimately winning the latter. “The Big Short” remains a powerful and entertaining look at one of the defining events of the 21st century.

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5. Beasts of No Nation (2015)

“Beasts of No Nation” is a 2015 war drama film directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, based on the novel of the same name by Uzodinma Iweala.

The film tells the story of Agu (played by Abraham Attah), a young boy in an unnamed African country who is forced to become a child soldier in a civil war.

After his family is killed in an attack by government forces, Agu is taken in by a group of rebel soldiers led by a charismatic and brutal commander known as “The Commandant” (played by Idris Elba).

Under The Commandant’s tutelage, Agu is forced to commit atrocities in the name of the cause, and he struggles to maintain his sense of self in the face of the violence and brutality of war.

“Beasts of No Nation” received critical acclaim for its powerful performances, particularly from Attah and Elba, as well as its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war and the impact it has on children. The film was also praised for its stunning cinematography and haunting musical score.

Despite its critical success, “Beasts of No Nation” had a limited theatrical release and was primarily distributed through the streaming platform Netflix.

Nevertheless, the film had a significant impact on audiences and raised awareness of the issue of child soldiers in Africa, as well as the broader humanitarian crisis caused by civil wars on the continent.

6. Eye in the Sky (2015)

Eye in the Sky is a 2015 British thriller film directed by Gavin Hood and starring Helen Mirren, Aaron Paul, and Alan Rickman in his final on-screen role before his death. The film explores the ethical and moral dilemmas surrounding modern warfare and drone strikes.

The plot revolves around a joint British-American military operation to capture a group of high-level terrorists in Nairobi, Kenya. As the operation unfolds, unexpected complications arise, forcing the military and political leaders to make difficult decisions about the use of lethal force.

The film raises questions about the role of technology in modern warfare, the consequences of civilian casualties, and the political considerations that often guide military decisions.

It received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking story, strong performances, and tense pacing.

Eye in the Sky was also praised for its timely and relevant subject matter, coming out at a time when drone strikes were becoming an increasingly controversial issue in international politics.

The film was a box office success, grossing over $34 million worldwide on a budget of $13 million.

Overall, Eye in the Sky is a gripping and intense thriller that challenges viewers to think deeply about the complex issues surrounding modern warfare and the use of technology in combat.

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7. Spectre (2015)

Spectre is a spy film and the 24th installment in the James Bond film series, released in 2015. Directed by Sam Mendes and starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, the movie also features Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, and Ralph Fiennes in supporting roles.

The film follows James Bond as he travels to Mexico City and Rome to investigate a mysterious organization known as Spectre. Bond uncovers a web of conspiracy and corruption that leads him to confront the villainous Ernst Stavro Blofeld, who has a personal connection to Bond’s past.

Spectre received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the film’s action sequences and performances, while others criticized its convoluted plot and lack of originality. Nevertheless, the movie was a box office success, grossing over $880 million worldwide.

Spectre marked Daniel Craig’s fourth outing as James Bond and was rumored to be his last, although he later reprised the role in the 2019 film, “No Time to Die.”

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8. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)

“Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” is a science fiction film directed by J.J. Abrams, released in 2015. The film stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, and Oscar Isaac in lead roles, and features returning actors Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher in their iconic roles.

The story of the film is set 30 years after the events of “Return of the Jedi,” and follows a scavenger named Rey (played by Daisy Ridley) and a rogue stormtrooper named Finn (played by John Boyega) who join forces with the Resistance to fight against the evil First Order and its leader, Kylo Ren (played by Adam Driver).

“The Force Awakens” was praised for its direction, performances, special effects, and its ability to capture the spirit and feel of the original “Star Wars” trilogy.

The film was noted for its use of practical effects and its emphasis on character development and storytelling. The film received several nominations and positive reviews from critics, and was a commercial success, grossing over $2 billion worldwide.

9. The Invitation (2015)

The Invitation is a psychological horror-thriller film released in 2015, directed by Karyn Kusama and starring Logan Marshall-Green and Emayatzy Corinealdi.

The film follows a man named Will, who accepts an invitation from his ex-wife to attend a dinner party at their former home in the Hollywood Hills.

As the evening progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that something is not right, and Will becomes convinced that his ex-wife and her new partner have sinister intentions.

The Invitation received critical acclaim for its slow-building tension, Kusama’s deft direction, and the powerful performances of its lead actors.

The film was praised for its exploration of themes such as grief, trauma, and the power of suggestion, as well as its use of ambiguity and uncertainty to create a sense of unease and dread.

The film was a modest box office success, grossing over $2 million worldwide against a budget of $1 million. It was also praised for its twist ending, which has become a topic of discussion and analysis among horror fans and film critics alike.

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10. Victoria (2015)

“Victoria” is a 2015 German drama film directed by Sebastian Schipper. The film is notable for being shot in a single continuous take, with no cuts or edits throughout its entire 138-minute runtime.

The story follows a young Spanish woman named Victoria, who meets a group of four men in a Berlin nightclub and becomes embroiled in their criminal activities over the course of a single night.

The film stars Laia Costa as Victoria and Frederick Lau, Franz Rogowski, Burak Yigit, and Max Mauff as the men she meets. It was praised for its innovative and technically impressive use of the continuous take, as well as its gripping and intense storyline.

“Victoria” received critical acclaim, with many critics hailing it as a landmark achievement in cinema.

The film won several awards, including six German Film Awards and the Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution at the 2015 Berlin International Film Festival.

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11. Spotlight (2015)

“Spotlight” is a 2015 American biographical drama film directed by Tom McCarthy. The film tells the story of the “Spotlight” team, a group of journalists at The Boston Globe who uncovered the widespread sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests in the Boston area.

The film stars an ensemble cast that includes Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, and Stanley Tucci, among others.

It received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its powerful storytelling, strong performances, and nuanced approach to a sensitive subject.

“Spotlight” was a box office success, grossing over $98 million worldwide on a budget of $20 million. It won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Mark Rylance.

The film is widely regarded as one of the best films of 2015 and a masterful depiction of investigative journalism at its best.

12. The Martian (2015)

“The Martian” is a 2015 science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott, based on the novel of the same name by Andy Weir.

The film follows astronaut Mark Watney (played by Matt Damon) who is stranded on Mars after his team is forced to evacuate the planet during a dust storm, leaving him behind and presumed dead.

With limited resources and no way to communicate with Earth, Watney must use his ingenuity and scientific knowledge to survive on the planet until a rescue mission can be mounted.

The film also follows the efforts of the NASA team on Earth, led by Vincent Kapoor (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor), to bring Watney home.

“The Martian” was praised for its stunning visual effects, intricate attention to detail, and its strong performance from Damon. The film also received critical acclaim for its scientific accuracy, with Weir being praised for his meticulous research in writing the original novel.

The film was a box office success, grossing over $630 million worldwide, and received several award nominations, including seven Academy Award nominations, with the film ultimately winning the award for Best Visual Effects.

“The Martian” is considered one of the best science fiction films of the decade, and is often praised for its optimism and celebration of human ingenuity in the face of adversity.

13. Jurassic World (2015)

Jurassic World is a 2015 science fiction adventure film and the fourth installment in the Jurassic Park franchise. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the film takes place 22 years after the events of the first Jurassic Park and is set in a fully operational dinosaur theme park on Isla Nublar.

The story follows park operations manager Claire Dearing, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, and velociraptor trainer Owen Grady, played by Chris Pratt, as they race to contain a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur that escapes from its enclosure and wreaks havoc across the park.

The film features a large ensemble cast, including Vincent D’Onofrio, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson, and Irrfan Khan. It also includes several references and callbacks to the previous Jurassic Park films, as well as new dinosaur species and cutting-edge CGI effects.

Jurassic World was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $1.6 billion worldwide and becoming the fourth-highest-grossing film of all time at the time of its release. It was praised for its thrilling action sequences, impressive visuals, and strong performances from its lead actors.

The film also sparked a new wave of interest in the Jurassic Park franchise, leading to the release of several sequels and spin-offs in the years since its release.

14. The Gift (2015)

The Gift is a psychological thriller film released in 2015, written and directed by Joel Edgerton. The movie stars Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, and Joel Edgerton himself.

The plot follows a couple, Simon and Robyn, who move back to Simon’s hometown after a miscarriage.

There, they run into an old acquaintance of Simon’s named Gordo, who begins to leave them mysterious gifts and unannounced visits. As Gordo’s behavior becomes more unsettling, Simon and Robyn start to uncover a dark secret from their past.

The Gift received positive reviews from critics and was praised for its suspenseful and unpredictable plot, as well as the performances of its cast. The movie grossed over $59 million worldwide, making it a commercial success.

The film marked Joel Edgerton’s directorial debut, and he was also praised for his writing and acting in the film. The Gift was a standout thriller of 2015, and its twists and turns kept audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.

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15. Suburra (2015)

“Suburra” is an Italian crime drama film directed by Stefano Sollima, released in 2015. The film stars Pierfrancesco Favino, Elio Germano, and Claudio Amendola in lead roles.

The story of the film is set in Rome, and follows a powerful politician, a local gangster, and a Catholic Church official who become embroiled in a complex web of corruption, violence, and betrayal as they vie for control over a lucrative seaside development project called “Suburra.”

The film explores themes such as power, greed, and the thin line between law and criminality.

“Suburra” was praised for its direction, performances, and its depiction of the seedy underbelly of Rome’s criminal underworld.

The film was noted for its fast-paced editing, its use of handheld camera work, and its gritty, realistic style. The film received several positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success in Italy. The film was also adapted into a Netflix series in 2017.

16. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Mad Max: Fury Road is a post-apocalyptic action film released in 2015, directed by George Miller and starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron. The film is a continuation of Miller’s Mad Max franchise, which began with the original film in 1979.

Set in a desert wasteland, the film follows the titular character Max Rockatansky, who becomes embroiled in a chase across the barren landscape after being captured by a group of tyrannical warlords led by Immortan Joe.

Along the way, Max teams up with Imperator Furiosa, a fierce warrior who is rebelling against Joe’s oppressive regime and seeking to transport a group of enslaved women to safety.

Mad Max: Fury Road received widespread critical acclaim for its exhilarating action sequences, stunning visual effects, and feminist themes.

The film was praised for its strong and complex female characters, particularly Theron’s Furiosa, and its commentary on issues such as environmentalism and the abuse of power.

The film was a box office success, grossing over $378 million worldwide against a budget of $150 million. It was also nominated for numerous awards, including 10 Academy Awards, and won six, including Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Editing.

17. The Walk (2015)

“The Walk” is a 2015 American biographical drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis. The film is based on the true story of Philippe Petit, a French high-wire artist who famously walked a tightrope between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974.

The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Petit, with supporting performances by Ben Kingsley, Charlotte Le Bon, and James Badge Dale.

It was praised for its thrilling and visually stunning portrayal of Petit’s high-wire walk, as well as its emotional resonance and tribute to the World Trade Center.

“The Walk” received positive reviews from critics, with many praising Zemeckis’s direction and Gordon-Levitt’s performance.

However, the film underperformed at the box office, with some critics citing its lack of commercial appeal and its comparison to the critically acclaimed documentary “Man on Wire,” which covers the same subject matter.

18. In the Heart of the Sea (2015)

“In the Heart of the Sea” is a 2015 adventure-drama film directed by Ron Howard.

The film is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Nathaniel Philbrick and tells the story of the real-life events that inspired Herman Melville’s classic novel “Moby-Dick.”

The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, and Cillian Murphy, among others, and follows the crew of the whaling ship Essex as they are attacked and sunk by a massive sperm whale, leading to their struggle for survival in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Despite its impressive visual effects and strong cast, “In the Heart of the Sea” received mixed reviews and was a box office disappointment, grossing only $93 million worldwide on a budget of $100 million.

However, the film remains a compelling adaptation of a classic tale of adventure and survival at sea, and is worth a watch for fans of historical dramas and maritime stories.

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19. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)

“Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” is a 2015 action thriller film directed by Christopher McQuarrie and the fifth installment in the “Mission: Impossible” film series.

The film follows Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) and his team as they track down and dismantle a mysterious organization known as “The Syndicate,” which is composed of rogue operatives from various intelligence agencies.

As Hunt and his team race against time to stop The Syndicate from carrying out their deadly plans, they are also pursued by a ruthless assassin named Ilsa Faust (played by Rebecca Ferguson), who may have her own agenda.

“Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” received critical acclaim for its thrilling action sequences, intricate plot, and strong performances from the cast, particularly Ferguson’s portrayal of Ilsa Faust.

The film was also praised for its impressive stunts, many of which were performed by Cruise himself.

The film was a commercial success, grossing over $682 million worldwide, and led to the development of several sequels in the franchise. “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” is considered one of the best action films of the year and is highly regarded by fans of the franchise.

20. Johan Falk: Blodsdiamanter (2015 Video)

Johan Falk: Blodsdiamanter (Blood Diamonds) is a 2015 Swedish action thriller film directed by Richard Holm and starring Jakob Eklund in the titular role of Johan Falk, a police officer in the Swedish police’s organized crime unit.

The film is the 22nd installment in the Johan Falk film series and was released as a direct-to-video film.

In the film, Falk investigates a criminal organization involved in the illegal trade of blood diamonds. His investigation leads him to South Africa, where he teams up with a local police officer to take down the criminal syndicate and bring their leaders to justice.

The film features a strong cast of Swedish actors, including Jens Hultén, Marie Richardson, and Johan Hedenberg.

It is notable for its gritty and realistic portrayal of police work and its exploration of complex moral and ethical issues surrounding organized crime and international trade.

Johan Falk: Blodsdiamanter received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its suspenseful plot, strong performances, and realistic portrayal of police work. It remains a popular entry in the Johan Falk film series and a notable example of Swedish crime cinema.

21. Southpaw (2015)

Southpaw is a sports drama film released in 2015, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jake Gyllenhaal in the lead role. The movie also features Forest Whitaker, Rachel McAdams, and Oona Laurence in supporting roles.

The film follows Billy Hope, a successful but volatile boxer who loses his wife in a tragic accident and subsequently spirals into a cycle of self-destruction.

With the help of a retired boxer and trainer, Tick Wills, Billy must find a way to regain his focus and get back into the ring to fight for his family and his redemption.

Southpaw received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Gyllenhaal’s intense and committed performance but criticized the film’s clichéd plot and heavy-handed melodrama. However, the movie was a box office success, grossing over $91 million worldwide.

The film’s emotional intensity and dynamic fight sequences made it a standout sports drama of 2015, and Gyllenhaal’s physically demanding performance was widely praised. Despite its flaws, Southpaw is a compelling story of redemption and the lengths one will go to protect their family.

22. Demolition (2015)

“Demolition” is a drama film directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, released in 2015. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts, and Chris Cooper in lead roles.

The story of the film follows a successful investment banker named Davis Mitchell (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) who begins to unravel emotionally after the sudden death of his wife in a car accident.

Davis becomes fixated on taking apart and rebuilding objects, which leads him to form an unlikely bond with a customer service representative named Karen (played by Naomi Watts).

“Demolition” was praised for its direction, performances, and its exploration of grief, loss, and personal growth.

The film was noted for its use of unconventional narrative structure, its dark humor, and its powerful emotional scenes. The film received mixed reviews from critics and was a modest commercial success.

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23. No Escape (2015)

No Escape is a thriller film released in 2015, directed by John Erick Dowdle and starring Owen Wilson, Lake Bell, and Pierce Brosnan.

The film follows an American family who move to Southeast Asia for a new job opportunity, only to become embroiled in a violent political uprising.

As the family tries to escape the chaos and violence surrounding them, they find themselves pursued by a ruthless rebel group intent on killing all foreigners. With the help of a British expatriate, played by Brosnan, the family must fight to survive and make their way to safety.

No Escape received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its intense action and suspenseful storytelling, while others criticized its portrayal of non-Western cultures and its reliance on stereotypical tropes.

The film was a modest box office success, grossing over $54 million worldwide against a budget of $5 million.

Despite mixed reviews, the film has been praised for its exploration of themes such as cultural clashes, survival, and family bonds.

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24. The Wave (2015)

“The Wave” is a 2015 Norwegian disaster film directed by Roar Uthaug. The film is based on a real-life event that occurred in Norway in 1934, in which a massive rockslide caused a tsunami that devastated a fjord town.

The film stars Kristoffer Joner as a geologist who warns of an impending rockslide and tsunami, but is ignored by the town’s residents until it’s too late. It was praised for its tense and gripping storytelling, as well as its impressive special effects.

“The Wave” received critical acclaim both in Norway and internationally, with many critics hailing it as one of the best disaster films in recent years.

The film won several awards, including the Amanda Award for Best Norwegian Film and the European Film Award for Best Visual Effects. It was also Norway’s official submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

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25. Steve Jobs (2015)

“Steve Jobs” is a 2015 biographical drama film directed by Danny Boyle and written by Aaron Sorkin.

The film tells the story of the late Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs through three significant product launches throughout his career: the Macintosh in 1984, the NeXT Computer in 1988, and the iMac in 1998.

The film stars Michael Fassbender as Steve Jobs, alongside Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, and Jeff Daniels in supporting roles.

“Steve Jobs” received widespread critical acclaim for its sharp writing, strong performances, and unconventional structure, which plays out like a series of theatrical acts.

The film was praised for its ability to capture the essence of Jobs and his impact on the tech industry, as well as for its exploration of the complex relationships in his life.

Despite its critical success, “Steve Jobs” was a box office disappointment, grossing only $34 million worldwide on a budget of $30 million. Nevertheless, the film remains a powerful and engaging exploration of one of the most influential figures of the 21st century.

Best 2015 Movies – Wrap Up

These films were widely acclaimed for their performances, direction, cinematography, storytelling, and technical achievements.

They received critical praise and were successful at the box office. Some of them were also nominated for and won several prestigious awards, including Academy Awards.