Blog post -
THE COSCARS (CASINO OSCARS)
Lights, cameras, action! The Oscars 2024 date was the most anticipated night in Hollywood and once again dominated social media feeds around the world. It was slated to be a night of intrigue, glamour, and prestige, and it didn’t disappoint.
America's favourite presenter, Jimmy Kimmell, was back for a fourth time and delivered a flawless performance in his typically dry but hilariously funny manner.
Ultimately, the Oscars 2024 ceremony was a clash between two titans that dominated cinemas throughout the summer in a cultural phenomenon known as "Barbenheimer".
Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, and Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, were two films at the centre of a tug of war for the Best Picture award and other Oscar nominations 2024.
We know the two movies that dominated 2024, but we are a gambling-focused site. And with that in mind, we have compiled the COSCARs (Casino Oscars)--the best gambling movies to ever grace the big screen.
We nominate the best films in completely made-up categories in honour of the world’s most prestigious awards ceremony.
BEST CASINO SCENE - RAIN MAN (1988)
Is there any more of a moment in cinema that encapsulates the excitement of entering a casino than when we see Dustin Hoffman’s character coming down the escalator in slow motion?
That’s why Rain Man claims our Best Casino Scene award.
In this critically acclaimed drama, we follow the story of two brothers, one being an autistic savant and the other a selfish businessman, as they embark on a road trip that involves high-stakes gambling in Las Vegas.
Sure, the main character is counting cards. It is something we would never encourage, as it’s illegal in most land-based casinos. But he enters the casino floor with a steely resolve and swag that, in our heads, most of us would hope we could replicate.
That’s why it wins best casino scene.
BEST PERFORMANCE: DANIEL CRAIG - CASINO ROYALE (2006)
There aren’t many actors who can sit down at a poker table and dominate the felt, even if it is for a movie, but Daniel Craig deserves some huge kudos.
Unflinching stares, sideways glances, gentle smiles–everything you would expect from the suavest spy in the city participating in a poker game is laid bare in what is an enchanting and bewitching showdown between good cop (James Bond) and bad cop (Le Chiffre).
Indeed, the first instalment of Craig's James Bond series features plenty of poker scenes, as the spy attempts to bankrupt a terrorist financier in a high-stakes game.
The most infamous moment comes when Bond rivers a straight flush to consign his mortal enemy’s full house to the poker hand graveyard.
We deem him COCSCAR worthy.
BEST CASINO COMEDY: THE HANGOVER (2009)
If you don’t know this comedic film by now, don’t wait around to watch it. It’s hilarious.
The plot is pretty simple. It revolves around four friends who wake up from a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas with no memory of the previous night and must retrace their steps to find their missing friend and figure out what happened.
The fact the bachelor party is in Las Vegas immediately establishes the gambling link, and makes its inclusion very straightforward.
It’s thanks to the card-counting abilities of one member from the group that plays an important role in the film. The problem is, he is also the reason they are stuck for money in the first place.
It makes for fantastically funny and enjoyable viewing.
MOST STYLISH: OCEAN'S ELEVEN (2001)
This star-studded heist film centres around a group of professional criminals who plan to rob three of the biggest casinos in Las Vegas simultaneously.
But let’s forget about the criminality. Brad Pitt and George Clooney look good in this movie. They are dressed for the part.
The glamour, prestige, and aesthetics of a land-based casino is laid bare, with sweeping shots of the fountains, diamond-dazzling casino lobby scenes, and much more.
It’s not even close, Ocean’s Eleven gets the nod in this one.
BEST DRAMA: ROUNDERS (1998)
A deep dive into the murky waters of backroom poker Rounders captured an imagination.
Matt Damon stars as a reformed gambler who is pulled back into the world of high-stakes poker when his friend gets into trouble with a Russian mobster. This film showcases the intense psychological game of poker and the dangers that come with it.
The characters use actual poker strategies and terminology, making it a favourite among both poker players and non-players alike.
It’s an edge-of-your seat thriller that deserves its title as Best Drama in the COSCARS.
