Get ready for a cinematic treat, movie buffs! This Oscar season is bringing back some of the biggest contenders to the grandest screens of all—IMAX 70mm. And trust me, you won’t want to miss this. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: films like Sinners and One Battle After Another are making a triumphant return to these iconic screens, giving audiences a chance to experience them in all their glory—again. But why does this matter? Let’s dive in.
First up, Sinners—the film that shattered records with 16 Oscar nominations, surpassing legends like All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land. Directed by Ryan Coogler, this masterpiece was shot entirely on IMAX 70mm film, a rarity in today’s digital age. Coogler even took the time to educate audiences about the magic of IMAX and its unique aspect ratios before the film’s release. Now, it’s returning to select IMAX 70mm screens during its Oscar run, and possibly beyond. With Michael B. Jordan’s jaw-dropping performance as twins Smoke and Stack, this film is a must-see—again. But here’s the controversial part: Is IMAX 70mm the future of cinema, or just a nostalgic nod to the past?
Next, One Battle After Another, Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic, is also heading back to IMAX 70mm screens with its 13 Oscar nominations. Starring heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn, this film is a powerhouse of talent. And this is the part most people miss: Both Sinners and One Battle After Another are backed by Warner Bros., proving the studio’s commitment to delivering blockbuster experiences.
A24 isn’t sitting on the sidelines either. Their nine-time Oscar nominee, Marty Supreme, is getting a nationwide IMAX run starting January 30. Directed by Josh Safdie and starring Timothée Chalamet as a ping pong prodigy, this film is A24’s highest-grossing domestic release. But here’s a thought: Are these IMAX re-releases a genuine celebration of cinema, or just a clever marketing strategy?
Netflix’s Frankenstein also made a brief return to cinemas, including a stop at the iconic TLC Chinese IMAX in Los Angeles, before Oscar nominations. And whispers are circulating that F1, Apple’s Brad Pitt-led racing blockbuster with four Oscar nods, might follow suit with a return to IMAX 70mm screens. But here’s the real question: Are these re-releases catering to cinephiles, or are they just cashing in on Oscar buzz?
This year, IMAX is having a moment. Blockbusters and auteur films alike are over-indexing on IMAX screens, with at least 20% of domestic box office openings for Sinners, One Battle After Another, and F1 coming from IMAX tickets. But what does this mean for the future of cinema? Is IMAX 70mm a dying art, or a format worth preserving?
As these films return to the big screen, one thing’s for sure: this Oscar season is a celebration of cinematic excellence. But the bigger question remains—are we witnessing the revival of IMAX 70mm, or its final curtain call? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
