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I know it’s still January and he’s probably hibernating, but is it too soon to wish for “The Substance” to snag the best picture award at the Oscars? (This is from a friend who’s been extra nice this year.)

Everyone is buzzing about the upcoming Academy Award nominations: discussing who got chosen, who missed out, snubs, surprises, and all the drama that comes with it. However, this is Watch Party, not an Oscar Party (although that sounds quite upscale), so we’re here to guide you on what to watch leading up to the main event in March. Also, Mark Wahlberg has starred in a new movie – and he’s sporting a shiny head, which is a change – alongside the return of “The Night Agent” for another thrilling season on Netflix.

Now, let’s dive into the highlights:

Prepare for Oscar night on March 2 by catching up on award-nominated films

When it comes to the Oscars, there’s always some level of disappointment, but this year they surprisingly recognized a diverse range of films and emerging talents. Sure, I’m not thrilled “Sing Sing” didn’t make the cut for best picture, but it’s not a total loss. And while it’s a bit disheartening that Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie weren’t nominated for best actress, it’s refreshing to see new faces like Fernanda Torres and Karla Sofía Gascón getting their due. Our snubbing specialist Patrick Ryan compiled a list highlighting the biggest oversights from the recent nominations.

Are you up to speed on all the films you need to see before Oscar night? If you haven’t watched them all yet, I’ve curated a list of 10 contenders ranging from “Wicked” and “Conclave” to “Emilia Pérez” and “A Real Pain,” all available for viewing from the comfort of your home right now. Stay tuned as we’ll update this list in the coming weeks with the latest theatrical releases like “The Brutalist” and “A Complete Unknown,” which will soon be available for streaming or purchase.

Watch Mark Wahlberg take control of a plane in Mel Gibson’s thriller ‘Flight Risk’

No offense to Mark Wahlberg, but his latest film “Flight Risk” likely won’t earn an Oscar nomination (let’s consider that a preemptive snub). What you really want from a movie like this is to see Wahlberg go all out as a mob hitman who commandeers a plane to eliminate a government witness (played by Topher Grace) before he testifies in a major criminal case.

My friend Marco della Cava talked with Wahlberg about how filming this Mel Gibson project felt like theater, and why he opted to shave his head each day rather than wear a bald cap. “I suggested the haircut to Mel, and he was surprised. I told him I’d rather go bald than wear a wig,” Wahlberg says. “I was channeling characters like Jack Nicholson in ‘The Shining’—that’s the vibe I aimed for.”

Binge-watch Season 2 of ‘The Night Agent’ on Netflix

Netflix has been churning out quality political dramas and spy thrillers like nobody’s business. One standout is “The Night Agent,” which features an FBI agent (Gabriel Basso) teaming up with a cybersecurity expert (Luciane Buchanan) to uncover conspiracies, sprinkled with a touch of romance. The new season is now available to stream, and TV critic Kelly Lawler mentions that it’s a worthy continuation of a compelling first season in her ★★★ review.

“It fulfills its promise: delivering just the right mix of casual action, flirty exchanges, and unexpected twists—perfect for cozying up with during these chilly winter evenings,” she notes. “It’s essentially a comforting TV experience.”

Basso shared some insights with my colleague Bryan Alexander about filming his action scenes in “The Night Agent,” why dating a hacker might not be ideal, and despite his seemingly unapproachable nature, he appreciates fan interactions. “People seem a bit hesitant to approach me. But I’m friendly. I’m definitely not a killer—especially not when they’re complimenting me.”

Discover even more must-watch content!

• “The Brutalist,” a best picture candidate, may not be based on a true story, but it does draw inspiration from real events.
• Lucy Liu stars in the new ghost tale “Presence,” and in our latest installment of The Essentials series, she reveals that her idea of a perfect day off involves  grocery shopping?
• Noah Wyle is back to the hospital scene in “The Pitt,” and he feels “freed” in his role.
• Sundance has returned! I compiled a list of the 10 greatest films that have emerged from the beloved film festival.
• And yes, it’s that time again: the Razzies are back, with “Madame Web” and “Megalopolis” vying for the title of worst film of 2024.

Got thoughts, questions, suggestions, concerns, compliments, or maybe even some recommendations for me? Feel free to connect on social media: I’m @briantruitt on Bluesky, Instagram, and Threads.