Academy Awards 2019: A preview of films to watch before the big night

From 'A Star is Born' to 'Black Panther,' these are the films that will compete at the 91st Academy Awards.

by Michael d'Estries  |  Tuesday, January 22, 2019

by Michael d'Estries
Tuesday, January 22, 2019

1 / 11

The 91st Academy Awards will take place on February 24, 2019. The 91st Academy Awards will take place on February 24, 2019. (Photo: Shutterstock)

The 91st Academy Awards will take place on February 24, 2019.
Egyptian-American actor Rami Malek in 'Bohemian Rhapsody.'
'Roma' was selected as the Mexican entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards.
Singer Lady Gaga and actor Bradley Cooper in 'A Star is Born.'
American actor Chadwick Aaron Boseman as Marvel's Black Panther.
American actor Ryan Gosling in 'First Man.'
Actors Mahershala Ali and Tony Vallelonga in 'Green Book.'
Emma Stone in 'The Favourite.'
Annapurna Pictures
Despite its hushed setting, the horror-thriller 'A Quiet Place' may find itself in the running for the Academy Award for Sound Design.
A scene from 'Ralph Breaks the Internet.'
1 / 11

And the winner is...

The world of cinema is quietly dusting off its tuxedos, placing the final touches on designer gowns, and looking ahead to what promises to be an exciting stretch of award galas leading up to the Oscars on Feb. 24.

This year's contenders for top honors feature an eclectic cast of rock legends, superheroes, villains and pioneering explorers. Thanks to the talents of the writers and directors who help weave the fictional worlds around them, such characters have managed to touch the heart, strike a nerve and even evoke a scream.

Who will earn the most gold on Oscar's big night? Click through our slideshow for the likeliest candidates to draw the spotlight for excellence in cinema.

Photos and SlideshowsPhotos and Slideshows