Adapting books for film continues to grow in popularity, as evidenced by the dozens of movies released last year based on beloved texts. And it appears that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was just as captivated as moviegoers by these adaptations. Five of the eight films nominated for Best Picture are based on books, and film adaptations garnered nominations in 18 of the 24 award categories.
In anticipation of the 88th Academy Awards ceremony on February 28th, we’ve assembled a gallery of every 2016 Oscar-nominated film based on a book. Enjoy browsing the movies, and check out this gallery to view more book-to-film adaptations.
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45 Years
Based on: "In Another Country" (short story) by David Constantine
Directed by: Andrew Haigh
Starring: Charlotte Rampling, Tom Courtenay
Description: In the week leading up to their 45th wedding anniversary, a couple receive an unexpected letter that contains potentially life-changing news.
Oscar Nomination: Actress in a Leading Role (Charlotte Rampling)
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The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared
Based on:
The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
Directed by: Felix Herngren
Starring: Robert Gustafsson
Description: After spending an eventful life amidst such history-making settings as the Spanish Civil War, the development of the Manhattan Project, a Soviet gulag and the Berlin Wall, Swedish centenarian Allan Karlsson (Felix Herngren) escapes from his nursing home and goes on an adventure.
Oscar Nomination: Makeup and Hairstyling
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The Big Short
Based on:
The Big Short by Michael Lewis
Directed by: Adam McKay
Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt
Description: After predicting the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s, four outsiders in the world of high-finance decide to take on the big banks for their lack of foresight and greed.
Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Actor in a Supporting Role (Christian Bale), Directing, Writing (Adapted Screenplay), Film Editing
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Brooklyn
Based on:
Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín
Directed by: John Crowley
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen, Domhnall Gleeson
Description: An Irish immigrant (Saoirse Ronan) lands in 1950s Brooklyn, where she quickly falls into a new romance. When her past catches up with her, however, she must choose between two countries and the two men who love her.
Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Actress in a Leading Role (Saoirse Ronan), Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
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Carol
Based on:
The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith
Directed by: Todd Haynes
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara
Description: In 1950s New York, a department-store clerk (Rooney Mara) who dreams of a better life falls for an older, married woman (Cate Blanchett).
Oscar Nominations: Actress in a Leading Role (Cate Blanchett), Actress in a Supporting Role (Rooney Mara), Cinematography, Costume Design, Music (Original Score), Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
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Cinderella
Based on: "Cendrillon" (short story) by Charles Perrault
Directed by: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden
Description: When her father unexpectedly passes away, Ella (Lily James) finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her scheming step-sisters. Never one to give up hope, Ella's fortunes begin to change after meeting a dashing stranger.
Oscar Nomination: Costume Design
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The Danish Girl
Based on:
The Danish Girl by David Ebershoff
Directed by: Tom Hooper
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander
Description: A fictitious love story inspired by the lives of Danish artists Lili Elbe (Eddie Redmayne) and Gerda Wegener (Alicia Vikander) as they navigate Lili's journey as a transgender pioneer.
Oscar Nominations: Actor in a Leading Role (Eddie Redmayne), Actress in a Supporting Role (Alicia Vikander), Production Design, Costume Design
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Fifty Shades of Grey
Based on:
Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
Directed by: Sam Taylor-Johnson
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan
Description: Literature student Anastasia Steele's (Dakota Johnson) life changes forever when she meets the handsome, yet tormented, billionaire Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan).
Oscar Nomination: Music (Original Song)
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The Martian
Based on:
The Martian by Andy Weir
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Starring: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sean Bean
Description: During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and is left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and must draw upon his ingenuity to contact NASA.
Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Actor in a Leading Role (Matt Damon), Visual Effects, Sound Editing, Writing (Adapted Screenplay), Sound Mixing, Production Design
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The Revenant
Based on:
The Revenant by Michael Punke
Directed by: Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson
Description: After being brutally mauled by a bear and left for dead, frontiersman Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) seeks revenge on those who wronged him.
Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Actor in a Leading Role (Leonardo DiCaprio), Cinematography, Directing, Actor in a Supporting Role (Tom Hardy), Costume Design, Sound Editing, Film Editing, Sound Mixing, Production Design, Makeup and Hairstyling, Visual Effects