Lights … camera … read! From box office hit “Oppenheimer” to a critically acclaimed graphic novel adaptation, some of this year’s buzz-worthy Oscar nominees were inspired by works of literature.
In fact, five of the 10 nominees for best picture were based on books. Even though the 2024 Academy Awards are quickly approaching, there’s still plenty of time to grab some popcorn and sit down with one of these cinematic stories.
“American Prometheus” by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin
The first full-scale biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer, this book tells the story of the brilliant, charismatic physicist who led the effort to build the atomic bomb during World War II and later found himself confronting the moral consequences of scientific progress. It’s both biography and history, significant to our understanding of our recent past — and of our choices for the future. The movie “Oppenheimer” is nominated for best picture, best director and 10 other awards.
“Poor Things” by Alasdair Gray
In 1880s Scotland, Archibald McCandless finds himself enchanted with the intriguing creature known as Bella Baxter. As his desire turns to obsession, Archibald’s motives to free Bella are revealed to be as selfish as the scientist who resurrected her. But Bella has her own passions to pursue, and she knows it is up to her to decide what meaning, if any, true love has in her life. “Poor Things” is nominated for best picture, best director and nine other awards.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann
After oil was discovered beneath their land, the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma were the richest people in the world. Then, one by one, they began to be killed off. As more and more Osage die under mysterious circumstances, the newly formed FBI and the remaining Osage begin to expose one of the most sinister conspiracies in American history. “Killers of the Flower Moon” has been nominated for 10 awards including best picture, best actress and best original score.
“Erasure” by Percival Everett
Thelonious “Monk” Ellison’s writing career has bottomed out. He seethes on the sidelines as he watches the meteoric success of “We’s Lives in Da Ghetto,” a first novel by a woman who once visited “some relatives in Harlem for a couple of days.” In response, he dashes off a novel that he never intended to be taken seriously, let alone become the “next big thing.” How Monk deals with the personal and professional fallout galvanizes this audacious and devastating novel. “Erasure” has been nominated for five Academy Awards, including best picture, best actor and best supporting actor.
“Find a Way” by Diana Nyad
On Sept. 2, 2013, at the age of 64, Diana Nyad emerged from the Atlantic Ocean onto the sands of Key West after swimming 111 miles in 53 hours, nation to nation, Cuba to Florida, in an epic feat of both endurance and human will. This is the gripping story of an athlete, of a hero, of a bold mind. This is a galvanizing meditation on facing fears, engaging in our lives full throttle and living each day with no regrets. “Nyad” is nominated for best actress and best supporting actress.
“How Do You Live?” by Genzaburo Yoshino
After the death of his father, Copper must confront inevitable change, including his betrayal of his best friend. With the help of his uncle’s journal, which is full of advice and knowledge, Copper uses his discoveries about the heavens, earth and human nature to answer the question of how he will live. “The Boy and the Heron” is nominated for best animated feature film.
Benedict Cumberbatch, left, and Ralph Fiennes star in the Academy Award-nominated short film “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” based on a story by Roald Dahl.
“The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, and Six More” by Roald Dahl
Henry Sugar is a man with an amazing talent: he can see with his eyes closed. But will he use his power for good or personal gain? A clever mix of fact and fiction, this volume also includes the tale of a boy who can understand animals, the magical true story of the Mildenhall treasure and Roald Dahl’s own account of how he became a writer. “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” is nominated for best live-action short film.
“Nimona” by N.D. Stevenson
Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. As small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona’s powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. “Nimona” is nominated for best animated feature film.
Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library.
