Oscar season is getting a premium upgrade.
Several Academy Award contenders are making their way back to theaters, with some returning to coveted Imax 70mm screens in the weeks leading up to Hollywood’s biggest night.
It’s a strategic move that gives audiences another chance to experience these films the way their directors intended—on massive screens with stunning visual quality.
And for studios, it’s an opportunity to capitalize on Oscar buzz and potentially boost box office numbers before the ceremony.
Historic “Sinners” Leading the Imax Return
Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” will return to select Imax 70mm screens during its Oscar run and potentially beyond, according to sources speaking with Variety.
The film holds a unique distinction in cinema history. It’s the only movie between Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” and the upcoming “Odyssey” to be shot using Imax film cameras.
Coogler shot the entire film on 70mm, and before its release, he took time to educate audiences about different aspect ratios and why Imax screens matter for the viewing experience.
That dedication to the format paid off spectacularly. With 16 Oscar nominations, “Sinners” became the most-nominated film in Academy Award history, surpassing legendary titles like “All About Eve,” “Titanic,” and “La La Land,” which each received 14 nods.
Coogler earned a nomination for best director, while Michael B. Jordan is up for best actor for his dual performance as twins Smoke and Stack.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s Epic Returns Too
“One Battle After Another” will also make its way back to select Imax 70mm locations in the coming weeks.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film scored an impressive 13 Oscar nominations. The recognition extends to several cast members, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn.
Warner Bros. is behind both “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners,” giving the studio a powerful one-two punch in the Oscar race.
A24’s Biggest Hit Gets Nationwide Imax Run
A24 announced Thursday that “Marty Supreme” will receive a nationwide Imax run starting January 30.
The Josh Safdie film has become the studio’s highest-grossing domestic release—an impressive feat for a distributor known more for prestige than blockbuster numbers.
Timothée Chalamet stars as a ping pong superstar in this nine-time Oscar nominee. He’s joined by Odessa A’zion, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin O’Leary, and Tyler, the Creator in what’s been described as a kinetic, visually stunning experience.
The nationwide Imax expansion gives audiences across the country access to premium screenings, not just those in major metropolitan areas.
Other Contenders Exploring Premium Returns
Netflix’s “Frankenstein” had a brief theatrical return for one week before Oscar nominations were announced. The limited run included a stop at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre Imax in Los Angeles.
While concrete plans haven’t been finalized, Variety reports that “F1” is exploring a potential return to Imax 70mm screens as well.
Apple’s Brad Pitt racing blockbuster landed four Oscar nominations, including one for best picture. Given the film’s spectacular racing sequences and technical achievements, an Imax return would make perfect sense.
Why Imax Matters This Oscar Season
This year represents a significant moment for Imax as both blockbusters and auteur-driven films are over-performing on the company’s premium screens.
At least 20% of domestic box office openings for “Sinners,” “One Battle After Another,” and “F1” came from Imax tickets.
That’s a remarkable percentage, especially considering Imax screens represent just a fraction of total theater screens nationwide.
The success demonstrates that audiences are willing to pay premium prices for premium experiences—particularly when filmmakers shoot specifically for the format.
Strategic Timing for Studios and Theaters
The timing of these Imax returns isn’t accidental. Studios understand that Oscar nominations create renewed interest in films, especially among audiences who may have missed them during initial runs.
For theaters, it’s an opportunity to fill seats during traditionally slower periods between holiday releases and summer blockbusters. Premium format screenings command higher ticket prices, improving per-screen averages even with smaller audiences.
It also gives Academy voters additional opportunities to see nominated films in optimal conditions before final voting closes.
Directors Championing Premium Formats
Ryan Coogler’s pre-release education campaign about aspect ratios and Imax screens reflects a broader trend among directors advocating for theatrical experiences.
Christopher Nolan has long championed 70mm Imax photography, with “Oppenheimer” becoming a cultural phenomenon partly due to audiences seeking out premium format screenings.
That success has clearly influenced other filmmakers and studios to invest in shooting and presenting films in large-format presentations.
When directors take time to explain why these formats matter, audiences respond—both with their attention and their wallets.
What This Means for Moviegoers
For film enthusiasts, this wave of Imax returns presents exciting opportunities to experience Oscar contenders in premium formats.
However, specific dates haven’t been announced for most titles, so interested viewers should monitor local theater listings and studio announcements closely.
Imax 70mm screens remain relatively rare, concentrated primarily in major cities. Audiences outside metropolitan areas may need to travel to experience these special screenings.
The nationwide “Marty Supreme” Imax run starting January 30 offers the most accessible option for audiences across different regions.
As Oscar night approaches, these premium screenings give movie lovers compelling reasons to return to theaters and experience nominated films the way their creators envisioned—on the biggest, most impressive screens available.