What makes an Oscar-nominated film stand out? Quality is subjective—each viewer connects with a movie in their own way.
What makes an Oscar-nominated film stand out? Quality is subjective—each viewer connects with a movie in their own way. But cultural relevance and societal impact often make a film truly memorable. As the Touch Content Team, we’re looking beyond the awards to explore why these films matter and how they create meaningful experiences for your passengers.
by Tamym Souto
Anora is an expertly crafted film by Sean Baker, with an outstanding storyline about a sex worker, Ani, who becomes dazzled by the possibility of being swooped away by Vanya, a client who she meets at the Manhattan strip club she works at. Vanya is the son of a millionaire Russian oligarch, and when he impulsively asks her to marry him, she cannot deny the idea of being ‘saved’ from prostitution.
This plot can be compared to films such as Pretty Woman and Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, which portray prostitution and highlight the fact that sex workers are more than meets the eye. In that sense, Anora is no different: Ani is a spirited, strong, witty and smart 23-year-old, who advocates for herself when confronted with unfair circumstances.
On one hand, the film challenges today's fragile and uneducated female sex worker stereotype, positioning the “silent working class” alongside the elite, and highlighting Ani's self-assurance when it comes to not giving into intimidation. On the other hand, by exploring a theme often times considered taboo in our culture, Sean Baker brilliantly develops the protagonist Ani's character, by exposing her trauma like an open wound, humanizing the profession and ultimately bringing light to the fact that we are all people, marked by our past experiences, which trace our paths and mold our sense of self.
By Kevin Andrade
Movies, at their best, are more than just entertainment; they are time machines and mirrors. A Complete Unknown is that kind of film and has garnered significant critical acclaim, earning multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
Set in the early 1960s, it starts with Bob Dylan’s arrival in New York City and goes up to his controversial performance at the Newport Folk Festival where he “went electric”, sending shockwaves to his folk-loving fans. Unlike traditional biopics, it doesn’t try to explain the genius behind the legendary musician. Instead, it shows us how Dylan dared to change, even when the world wanted him to stay the same. Yes, viewers will enjoy and delight with the music and performances, but it’s his struggle between expectation and transformation, between comfort and the unknown, that will resonate with passengers.
In our role as content specialists, we curate with the understanding that it's an opportunity to connect with passengers on a human level. It's about recognizing that a flight can be a moment of escape and inspiration. I believe that A Complete Unknown will resonate with travelers who have faced a turning point and chosen to step forward rather than stay still.
by Hans Rivas
Cinema is the perfect medium to shatter illusions and spark conversations, and Emilia Pérez is one such film. This groundbreaking, genre-blending musical crime drama from director Jacques Audiard tells the story of a drug lord seeking redemption, yearning to live an honest life as his forlorn mistress’s eternal husband. With its gripping narrative, Emilia Pérez offers a powerful and timely exploration of gender, power, and identity, making it one of the most compelling fables in recent history.
The films curated by airlines play a crucial role in reflecting the diverse experiences of passengers. Emilia Pérez, for example, is particularly relevant for airlines operating in regions where conversations around gender identity are evolving. Much like Barbie, which celebrates self-sufficiency, identity, and autonomy, Emilia Pérez prompts audiences to reflect on the fluid nature of gender identity and the journey of self-acceptance. Airlines committed to progressive narratives and socially conscious storytelling should consider including this film in their onboard selection, fostering deeper engagement with passengers.
Curating content for airlines goes beyond entertainment—it’s about cultural relevance. Selecting films that resonate with an airline’s audience enhances the travel experience, making it more meaningful. More than just a compelling story, Emilia Pérez is a tale of transformation and belonging that deserves a place in every airline film archive.
By Maria Figueiredo
When movies manage to portray a cultural reality so far away from one’s own but make it relatable to the rest of the world, that’s when we realize that the human experience is not so different as one thought it might be, but it is for sure always complex, something that ties all human beings together.
The Best Picture nominee I’m Still Here depicts this beautifully to the big screen, largely due to Fernanda Torres performance. Set in the Brazilian dictatorship, the movie invites us to engage with themes that go beyond mere cultural specifics – when the sudden abduction of Rubens happens, we can see Eunice become a pilar of strength in order to maintain her family’s unity and we see how that strength comes from such a polar opposite emotion, grief. Scenes like the family photo, the ice cream shop or even at the end, when Eunice recognizes her husband despite her Alzheimer’s, it shows us how this family’s grief became a weapon against this oppressive regime and how much that attitude is very alive in Brazil’s spirit still to this day.
This film has resonated with audiences and will continue to do so, as it speaks to universal emotions like grief, strength, and resilience that transcend cultural barriers.
by William Mayer
At some point in life, most people have felt like Elphaba—judged for something beyond their control. In her case, it was being born green. But prejudice is something many can relate to, which is why Wicked resonates deeply with audiences. Beyond its cultural impact, the story feels personal, making it meaningful even for those unfamiliar with the musical.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, which reimagines The Wizard of Oz from the Wicked Witch’s perspective. Instead of a villain, Elphaba is a complex character shaped by circumstances. The story explores power, identity, and social perception. The novel’s success led to a hit 2003 musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, which became a Broadway phenomenon.
I believe that even after years, the story remains relevant today. It portrays a world where authorities manipulate perceptions, and individuals challenge the system at personal cost. Wicked speaks to those who feel misunderstood or out of place, reinforcing the idea of defining one’s own path. As Defying Gravity states: "Something has changed within me / Something is not the same."
One of Wicked's greatest strengths is its ability to seamlessly integrate music into the storytelling. The songs are not merely performed; they are essential to the narrative. The composition and lyrics work together to convey emotions, character development, and key moments in the plot. Wicked is not just a story set to music—the music is the story.
by Vitor Brito
Conclave, directed by Edward Berger, pulls viewers into the secretive world of the Vatican after the Pope’s sudden death. The film follows Cardinal Lawrence, played by Ralph Fiennes, as he navigates the twists and turns of the papal election. Fiennes delivers a standout performance, showing Lawrence's inner conflict as he tries to do what’s right while facing pressure from all sides.
What really makes Conclave shine is its impeccable writing. Every conversation feels important, with just the right amount of tension and hidden meaning. The story keeps you guessing, blending mystery and drama in a way that keeps you hooked.
Beyond the intrigue, the film raises questions about leadership, honesty, and the choices people make when the stakes are high. These are things anyone can relate to, regardless of religion. Passengers watching Conclave will not only be entertained but also find themselves thinking about what it means to stand by your values when it’s not easy.
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