6 Christopher Nolan movies that flexed massive box-office success and mastery and yet did not secure an Oscar nomination.

From &#8216;Tenet&#8217; to &#8216;Interstellar&#8217;, Here Are Top 6 Masterpieces by Christopher Nolan the Oscars Brutally Overlooked

Christopher Nolan and his ties with the Oscars have always been a cause for
nail-biting situations. Being a seasoned visitor of every award show, Nolan’s
movies have always stirred a box office frenzy like none other. If one were to
speak in numbers, he hails from a trailblazing ordeal whose films have grossed
more than $6 billion worldwide. From his complex transactions with time and
space to his intricate dealings with scientific theories, Nolan is currently one
of the leading filmmakers of the 21st century.

Despite his eclipsing career and the hard-to-forget name he has made for
himself, Oscar snubs have often been a part of his works. Therefore, let’s take
a look at 6 Christopher Nolan masterpieces that fumbled for an Oscar win.


THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)

This follow-up to Batman Begins was his second progression to the crime city of
Gotham with Christian Bale as the showrunner after Cillia Murphy fell a leg
short in front of Bale’s “obvious choice”
[https://www.netflixjunkie.com/hollywood-news-oscar-frontrunner-cillian-murphy-knew-he-will-lose-first-ever-role-christopher-nolan-offered-him-heres-why/].Moving
on to the movie, this was the first-ever project to use a technology that
minimized CGI to an extent to inculcate high-resolution IMAX cameras. 



The 2008 movie reached the pinnacle of Nolan’s artistic merit as the film
grossed over $1 billion worldwide, shattering many box office records of its
contemporaries. Also, the gripping soundtracks from the movie by Hans Zimmer
made quite a compelling case for the Oscars. Yet, despite 8 total nominations,
the film won only two for Best Sound Editing and Best Supporting Actor.



The biggest setback was its nomination, not making it to the Best Picture, Best
Director, and Original Score, which, in turn, led to major backlashes from the
audience worldwide. Following the snub, in 2010, the Academy increased their
best picture nominee from 5 to 10, largely coming to be known as “The Dark
Knight Rule”. Shortly after the Dark Knight’s setback, a similar scenario
unfolded for Dark Knight Rises.


DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012)

The third and final Batman film from the belt of Christopher Nolan was his 2012
release, Dark Knight Rises. The Trilogy finale, which took the world on a
journey of darker themes, also suffered a similar fate at the Academy Awards.
After grossing over a billion dollars in ticket sales across the globe, the film
became the highest-grossing Batman film as well as Nolan’s highest-grossing film
to date.



Despite becoming the third highest-grossing movie of 2012 and worldwide critical
acclaim, the movie did not receive any Oscar nominations, unlike its parent
films. The greatest disappointment was the movie falling short even for Best
Director, Original Score, and Visual Effects, even after nailing them. Although
the film did not lead to any major nominations, it remains one of the top picks
for a visual retreat for every DC fan. While this snub was quite an eye-opener
for cinephiles, a bigger one already preceded in between.


INCEPTION (2010)

Leonardo DiCaprio might be going neck-to-neck against Christopher Nolan’s
favorite pick, Cillian Murphy, but in reality, it is less of DiCaprio vs. Murphy
than Nolan’s favorite vs. Nolan’s favorite. Hence, when Nolan back in 2010,
thought of bringing his preferred picks to create a masterpiece, not only did he
succeed, but reached the zenith of his master strokes. Based on the activities
of corporate espionage, the movie went neck-deep into the construction of “dream
stealers”.



Nolan specifically chose not to shoot the films in 3D while also minimizing the
usage of CGI for his dream sequences. His preference was for practical effects
to maximize his in-camera efforts. While his efforts were truly admirable, the
movie failed to grab a win for Original Screenplay. Furthermore, the original
score was by Hans Zimmer, who despite being nominated for Original Score, lost
it to The Social Network. The next snub, too, is as debatable as the others, if
not more.


INTERSTELLAR (2014)

The science-fiction genius of Nolan was based on the scientific theories of Kip
Thorne. Drafting his case for scientific objectivity, the movie garnered $733
million worldwide and became a skyrocketing success at the box office.
Specifically lauded for its scientific accuracy, Interstellar’s original score
was also a work of Hans Zimmer.



Following its successful theatrical run, it even secured 5 nominations but only
won one for Best Visual Effects. Here too, the Best Director and Original Score
miss sent fans in dismay. Furthermore, something indifferent also happened with
Dunkirk.


DUNKIRK (2017)

Dunkirk focuses on a timeline during the Second World War and embodies a
triptych structure of storytelling. It depicts the Dunkirk evacuation through
three perspectives- land, sea, and air. After grossing $565 million worldwide on
a $100 million budget, it also became a reason for The Witcher creator to
implement the strategy
[https://www.netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-henry-cavill-has-no-collabs-with-christopher-nolan-but-has-definitely-nailed-one-the-witcher-inspired-by-him-dunkirk/]
for her show. The movie is Nolan’s experimentation with lesser dialogue to
maximize the sensory experience.



With one of the best ratings on IMDb and massive commercial success, Dunkirk
received 8 Academy Awards nominations and also Nolan’s first Oscar nomination
for Best Director. While there have been several conversations regarding Nolan’s
Best Director nomination, most people could not believe Dunkirk was his first
after giving so many reasons for the box office as well as a mind-freezing
frenzy. And even after the nomination, the snub came with a stronger disbelief
and consequent disappointment.

ALSO READ: Cillian Murphy Unveils One Key Skill of Christopher Nolan That
Everyone Ignores
[https://www.netflixjunkie.com/hollywood-news-cillian-murphy-unveils-one-key-skill-of-christopher-nolan-that-everyone-ignores/]

While this might look like a pattern now, the same was also true for his 2020
directorial, Tenet.


TENET (2020)

After his decade-long brainstorming, Tenet was released in 2020 after his five
years of screenplay work on it. Following three delays due to the COVID-19
pandemic, the movie raked the charts of box office mania as rapidly as it could
grossing $363 million on a $200 million budget. Though it is probably Nolan’s
first to underperform, the reasons do not allude to any shortcomings from the
makers or actors but the social conditions that limit people from going out. 



The movie made use of Nolan’s scientific inclination with interesting takes on
the second law of thermodynamics, Maxwell’s demon, the grandfather paradox, and
Feynman and Wheeler’s Absorber Theory. The score was by Oscar-winning Ludwig
Goransson. Despite receiving two Academy nominations and a win, its miss from
Original Score did not sit well with fans. Despite all these snubs, Nolan’s
Oppenheimer this year got the highest Oscar nominations with 13 nods. Keeping
the movie’s winning streak in mind, the chances of Nolan too securing his first
Oscar this year are really high. But that is to be seen on March 10th.

ALSO READ: Christopher Nolan Leads ‘Oppenheimer’ to BAFTA Domination After Best
Picture Win
[https://www.netflixjunkie.com/hollywood-news-christopher-nolan-leads-oppenheimer-to-bafta-domination-after-best-picture-win/]

Do you think these Christopher Nolan will win an Oscar this year? Which Oscar
snub is the most disappointing for you? Let us know in the comments below!

Anushka Bhattacharya

Comment

From &#8216;Tenet&#8217; to &#8216;Interstellar&#8217;, Here Are Top 6 Masterpieces by Christopher Nolan the Oscars Brutally Overlooked - Netflix Junkie

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I'm Anushka Bhattacharya, an entertainment journalist at Netflix Junkie. Armed with a degree in literature, I once wielded my words to catalyze change within society through my work with NGOs. However, as I stumbled into the exuberant hole of crime thrillers and documentaries on Netflix, it was love at first sight and pushed me into entertainment journalism. With a dash of wit and a keen eye for detail, my mission is to deliver the most discerning news related to Hollywood celebrities. When my Spidey senses aren't tingling to catch the latest entertainment buzz, I'm busy adding yet another accolade to my extensive list of reasons why Dark stands as one of the foremost mysteries of our time.

https://netflixjunkie.com/hollywood-news-from-tenet-to-interstellar-here-are-top-six-masterpieces-by-christopher-nolan-the-oscars-brutally-overlooked

From &#8216;Tenet&#8217; to &#8216;Interstellar&#8217;, Here Are Top 6 Masterpieces by Christopher Nolan the Oscars Brutally Overlooked - netflix-junkie

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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Christopher Nolan and his ties with the Oscars have always been a cause for nail-biting situations. Being a seasoned visitor of every award show, Nolan’s movies have always stirred a box office frenzy like none other. If one were to speak in numbers, he hails from a trailblazing ordeal whose films have grossed more than $6 billion worldwide. From his complex transactions with time and space to his intricate dealings with scientific theories, Nolan is currently one of the leading filmmakers of the 21st century.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite his eclipsing career and the hard-to-forget name he has made for himself, Oscar snubs have often been a part of his works. Therefore, let’s take a look at 6 Christopher Nolan masterpieces that fumbled for an Oscar win.</span></p>
<h3><strong>The Dark Knight (2008)</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This follow-up to <em>Batman Begins</em> was his second progression to the crime city of Gotham with Christian Bale as the showrunner after Cillia Murphy <strong><a href="https://www.netflixjunkie.com/hollywood-news-oscar-frontrunner-cillian-murphy-knew-he-will-lose-first-ever-role-christopher-nolan-offered-him-heres-why/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fell a leg short in front of Bale’s <em>“obvious choice”</em></a>.</strong>Moving on to the movie, this was the<strong> first-ever project to use a technology that minimized CGI to an extent to inculcate high-resolution IMAX cameras. </strong></span></p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="The Dark Knight (Trailer)" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LDG9bisJEaI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 2008 movie reached the pinnacle of Nolan’s artistic merit as the film grossed <strong>over $1 billion worldwide</strong>, shattering many box office records of its contemporaries. Also, the<strong> gripping soundtracks from the movie by Hans Zimmer made quite a compelling case for the Oscars.</strong> Yet, despite 8 total nominations, the <strong>film won only two for Best Sound Editing </strong>and<strong> Best Supporting Actor.</strong></span></p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="The Dark Knight Rises Official Soundtrack | Rise – Hans Zimmer | WaterTower" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HGx9ZZ9wMxc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The biggest setback was its nomination, not making it to the <strong>Best Picture, Best Director, </strong>and<strong> Original Score,</strong> which, in turn, led to major backlashes from the audience worldwide. Following the snub, in 2010, the Academy increased their best picture nominee from 5 to 10, largely coming to be known as <em>“The Dark Knight Rule”</em>. Shortly after the <em>Dark Knight’</em>s setback, a similar scenario unfolded for <em>Dark Knight Rises.</em></span></p>
<h3><strong>Dark Knight Rises (2012)</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The third and final Batman film from the belt of Christopher Nolan was his 2012 release, <em>Dark Knight Rises</em>. The Trilogy finale, which took the world on a journey of darker themes, also suffered a similar fate at the Academy Awards. After grossing over a billion dollars in ticket sales across the globe, <strong>the film became the highest-grossing Batman film as well as Nolan’s highest-grossing film to date.</strong></span></p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="The Dark Knight Rises - Official Teaser Trailer [HD]" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z5Humz3ONgk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite becoming the <strong>third highest-grossing movie of 2012</strong> and worldwide critical acclaim, the movie <strong>did not receive any Oscar nominations</strong>, unlike its parent films. The greatest disappointment was the movie <strong>falling short even for Best Director, Original Score, </strong>and<strong> Visual Effects, even after nailing them.</strong> Although the film did not lead to any major nominations, it remains one of the top picks for a visual retreat for every DC fan. While this snub was quite an eye-opener for cinephiles, a bigger one already preceded in between.</span></p>
<h3><strong>Inception (2010)</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Leonardo DiCaprio might be going neck-to-neck against Christopher Nolan’s favorite pick, Cillian Murphy, but in reality, it is less of DiCaprio vs. Murphy than Nolan’s favorite vs. Nolan’s favorite. Hence, when Nolan back in 2010, thought of bringing his preferred picks to create a masterpiece, not only did he succeed, but reached the zenith of his master strokes. Based on the activities of corporate espionage, the movie went neck-deep into the construction of <em>“dream stealers”.</em></span></p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Inception" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jvurpf91omw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nolan specifically <strong>chose not to shoot the films in 3D while also minimizing the usage of CGI for his dream sequences</strong>. His preference was for <strong>practical effects to maximize his in-camera efforts</strong>. While his efforts were truly admirable, the movie failed to <strong>grab a win for Original Screenplay</strong>. Furthermore, <strong>the original score was by Hans Zimmer, who despite being nominated for Original Score, lost it to </strong><em><strong>The Social Network</strong>. </em>The next snub, too, is as debatable as the others, if not more.</span></p>
<h3><strong>Interstellar (2014)</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The science-fiction genius of Nolan was based on the <strong>scientific theories of Kip Thorne</strong>. Drafting his case for scientific objectivity, <strong>the movie garnered $733 million worldwide</strong> and became a skyrocketing success at the box office. Specifically lauded for its scientific accuracy, <em>Interstellar’s</em> original score was also a work of Hans Zimmer. </span></p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Interstellar - Trailer - Official Warner Bros. UK" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zSWdZVtXT7E?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Following its successful theatrical run, it even <strong>secured 5 nominations but only won one for Best Visual Effects.</strong> Here too, the <strong>Best Director and Original Score miss sent fans in dismay</strong>. Furthermore, something indifferent also happened with <em>Dunkirk</em>.</span></p>
<h3><strong>Dunkirk (2017)</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Dunkirk</em> focuses on a timeline during the Second World War and embodies a<strong> triptych structure</strong> of storytelling. It depicts the Dunkirk evacuation through three perspectives- land, sea, and air. After grossing <strong>$565 million worldwide on a $100 million budget</strong>, it also became a reason for <a href="https://www.netflixjunkie.com/netflix-news-henry-cavill-has-no-collabs-with-christopher-nolan-but-has-definitely-nailed-one-the-witcher-inspired-by-him-dunkirk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Witcher</em> creator to implement the strategy</a> for her show. The movie is Nolan’s <strong>experimentation with lesser dialogue to maximize the sensory experience.</strong></span></p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="DUNKIRK - OFFICIAL MAIN TRAILER [HD]" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T7O7BtBnsG4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With one of the best ratings on IMDb and massive commercial success, <strong><em>Dunkirk</em> received 8 Academy Awards nominations and also Nolan’s first Oscar nomination for Best Director.</strong> While there have been several conversations regarding Nolan’s Best Director nomination, most people could not believe <em>Dunkirk</em> was his first after giving so many reasons for the box office as well as a mind-freezing frenzy. And even after the nomination, the snub came with a stronger disbelief and consequent disappointment.</span></p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ: </strong><a href="https://www.netflixjunkie.com/hollywood-news-cillian-murphy-unveils-one-key-skill-of-christopher-nolan-that-everyone-ignores/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cillian Murphy Unveils One Key Skill of Christopher Nolan That Everyone Ignores</a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While this might look like a pattern now, the same was also true for his 2020 directorial, <em>Tenet</em>.</span></p>
<h3><strong>Tenet (2020)</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After his decade-long brainstorming, <em>Tenet</em> was released in 2020 after his five years of screenplay work on it. Following three delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the movie raked the charts of box office mania as rapidly as it could grossing <strong>$363 million on a $200 million budget. Though it is probably Nolan&#8217;s first to underperform</strong>, the reasons do not allude to any shortcomings from the makers or actors but the social conditions that limit people from going out. </span></p>
<div class="flex-video widescreen youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="TENET - Final Trailer" width="1170" height="658" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AZGcmvrTX9M?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>The movie made use of Nolan’s scientific inclination with interesting takes on the second law of thermodynamics, Maxwell’s demon, the grandfather paradox, and Feynman and Wheeler’s Absorber Theory. The score was by Oscar-winning Ludwig Goransson</strong>. Despite receiving<strong> two Academy nominations and a win, its miss from Original Score</strong> did not sit well with fans. Despite all these snubs, Nolan&#8217;s <em>Oppenheimer</em> this year got the highest Oscar nominations with 13 nods. Keeping the movie&#8217;s winning streak in mind, the chances of Nolan too securing his first Oscar this year are really high. But that is to be seen on March 10th.</span></p>
<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong> <a href="https://www.netflixjunkie.com/hollywood-news-christopher-nolan-leads-oppenheimer-to-bafta-domination-after-best-picture-win/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christopher Nolan Leads ‘Oppenheimer’ to BAFTA Domination After Best Picture Win</a></p>
<p>Do you think these Christopher Nolan will win an Oscar this year? Which Oscar snub is the most disappointing for you? Let us know in the comments below!</p>


Christopher Nolan Leads ‘Oppenheimer’ to BAFTA Domination After Best Picture Win

Cillian Murphy Unveils One Key Skill of Christopher Nolan That Everyone Ignores

Christopher Nolan at Oppenheimer Premiere

Oppenheimer Premiere Arrivals Christopher Nolan attending the Oppenheimer Premiere at the Grand Rex Cinema in Paris, Fra

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From 'Tenet' to 'Interstellar', Here Are Top 6 Masterpieces by Christopher Nolan the Oscars Brutally Overlooked - Netflix Junkie

A Hollywood News writer at Netflix Junkie, Anushka Bhattacharya specializes in Jennifer Aniston coverage. Her degree in comparative literature allows her to look for the finer details, bolstering her research skills and ability to capture fan sentiments. Her article “How ‘The Witcher’ Season 3 Served the Best Ciri and Yennefer Moments and Despite Being Hated by Fans” is a great example of it. When she is not busy reading up on the latest Hollywood buzz, you will find her curled up with a book or defending why Dark stands as one of the foremost mysteries of our time.

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From &#039;Tenet&#039; to &#039;Interstellar&#039;, Here Are Top 6 Masterpieces by Christopher Nolan the Oscars Brutally Overlooked

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From ‘Tenet’ to ‘Interstellar’, Here Are Top 6 Masterpieces by Christopher Nolan the Oscars Brutally Overlooked

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