Behind the Scenes of the 2026 Oscar Best Picture Nominees: 'Sinners,' 'Hamnet' and More by Mekado Murphy

In these videos, directors walked us through pivotal sequences from their 2026 Academy Award-nominated films.

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Watch a Haunting Theatrical Scene From 'Hamnet' by Mekado Murphy

The director Chloé Zhao narrates a sequence from her film featuring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. The movie is nominated for eight Oscars, including best picture.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 5:03am on March 4, 2026☆⚑

'Hamnet' | Anatomy of a Scene by Mekado Murphy

The director Chloé Zhao narrates a sequence from her Oscar-nominated film, featuring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.

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Watch Renate Reinsve Struggle With Stage Fright in 'Sentimental Value' by Mekado Murphy

The director Joachim Trier narrates a theatrical sequence from his film, nominated for nine Academy Awards, including best picture.

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Watch Margot Robbie Take a House Tour in 'Wuthering Heights' by Mekado Murphy

The screenwriter and director Emerald Fennell narrates a sequence from her film.

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Watch a 'Wonderful' Moment From 'Wicked: For Good' by Mekado Murphy

The director Jon M. Chu narrates a sequence from his film featuring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and Jeff Goldblum performing the song "Wonderful."

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 5:01am on November 21, 2025☆⚑

'Wicked: For Good' | Anatomy of a Scene by Mekado Murphy

The director Jon M. Chu narrates a sequence from his film featuring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Jeff Goldblum.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 4:50am on November 21, 2025☆⚑

Watch Jeremy Allen White Sing in 'Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere' by Mekado Murphy

The director Scott Cooper narrates a scene in which Bruce Springsteen (White) records the song "My Father's House."

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'Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere' | Anatomy of a Scene by Mekado Murphy

Scott Cooper narrates a sequence from his film, featuring Jeremy Allen White playing Bruce Springsteen.

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Watch Jennifer Lopez Dance in 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' by Mekado Murphy

The director Bill Condon narrates a sequence involving some complicated choreography.

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'Kiss of the Spider Woman' | Anatomy of a Scene by Mekado Murphy

The director Bill Condon narrates a musical dance sequence featuring Jennifer Lopez.

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How the World Ends in 'The Life of Chuck' by Mekado Murphy

The screenwriter and director Mike Flanagan narrates a sequence from his film, featuring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Violet McGraw. (Plus, Chuck.)

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How the New 'Little Mermaid' Goes Back 'Under the Sea' by Mekado Murphy

The director Rob Marshall discusses his take on the musical number featuring Daveed Diggs as Sebastian and Halle Bailey as Ariel.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 7:00am on May 26, 2023☆⚑

'In the Heights' | Anatomy of a Scene by Mekado Murphy

Jon M. Chu narrates a sequence from his film featuring Anthony Ramos.

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Watch Anthony Ramos Perform in 'In the Heights' by Mekado Murphy

The director Jon. M. Chu narrates a musical sequence from the film.

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'Cruella' | Anatomy of a Scene by Mekado Murphy

The director Craig Gillespie narrates a sequence from his film featuring Emma Stone and Emma Thompson.

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Watch Emma Stone Become 'Cruella' by Mekado Murphy

The director Craig Gillespie discusses the formation of the title character in a scene from his film, which also features Emma Thompson.

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Watch Chadwick Boseman in a Scene From 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' by Mekado Murphy

The director George C. Wolfe discusses a tense sequence featuring the actor and Viola Davis.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 11:03am on December 18, 2020☆⚑

Anatomy of a Scene: Watch Lady Gaga's Star Being Born by Mekado Murphy

Bradley Cooper narrates a look at an early scene from his film, in which his rock star character, witnesses the musical talents of a new crush (Lady Gaga).

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Bong Joon-ho Narrates a Scene From 'Okja' by Mekado Murphy

The director discusses a sequence from his film, currently in theaters and available on Netflix.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 1:01pm on July 3, 2017☆⚑

Hey, New York Film Lovers, Another Art House Is (Back) on the Scene by Mekado Murphy

The Quad has gotten a modern makeover. Charles S. Cohen, the owner, explains why a theater makes sense in an age of screens in the palm of your hand.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 4:24pm on April 13, 2017☆⚑

The Five Ages of King Kong by Mekado Murphy

Since his debut in 1933, King Kong keeps getting rebooted. Here's a look at what all those remakes mean, including the latest, "Kong: Skull Island."

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The Posters of 'La La Land' by Mekado Murphy

From classic jazz to golden-age Hollywood, the film's posters offer a stylish visual tease. Here's a look at some of them.

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What You Need to Know About 'La La Land' by Mekado Murphy

The film is nominated for seven Golden Globes. Here's a rundown.

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Bowie and a Flooded Amusement Park: What Inspired 'Ride the Cyclone' by Mekado Murphy

A look at the familiar and the strange ideas that guided the musical's writers and director.

SOURCE: The New York Times Subscription at 5:24pm on December 21, 2016☆⚑