TCM in February: 31 Days of Oscar Highlights

It's time for a look at the February schedule on Turner Classic Movies!

The annual 31 Days of Oscar series runs from February 1st through March 3, 2025. 31 Days of Oscar concludes the day after this year's Academy Awards ceremony, which will be broadcast on ABC on March 2nd.

As always, every film shown on TCM during 31 Days of Oscar was either nominated for or won an Academy Award.

This year each day's primetime hours will feature acting nominees and winners. They're grouped into fun categories such as "teachers," "seafarers," "cowboys," "politicians," "Shakespearean characters," and more.

A printable .pdf schedule for 31 Days of Oscar is available here.

As I often note when this series rolls around, there typically aren't many surprises to be found in the 31 Days of Oscar schedule, as so many of the same films are shown each year, but at the same time the vast majority of films are worthwhile, given that they're all Oscar nominees. It's a great time to cross some movies off the "need to see" list!

This year I'm recommending a few of the films from the acting category being shown in prime time. Please click on any hyperlinked title for a complete review.

...The very first evening of 31 Days of Oscar on February 1st focuses on actors nominated for movies about actors! This is a very strong lineup, and I'm going to particularly suggest a favorite film, ALL ABOUT EVE (1950). The performances and sharp script never get old! A gallery of stills from the movie may be enjoyed here.

..."Oscar-Worthy Criminals" on February 3rd include Barbara Stanwyck as the murderous wife in the crime classic DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944).

...MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1935), showing the evening of February 6th, features a trio of Best Actor nominees: Clark Gable, Charles Laughton, and Franchot Tone. I saw this film theatrically when I was in my early teens and it made quite an impression.

...An evening of movies about mothers on February 8th includes William Wyler's remarkable WWII film MRS. MINIVER (1942), which thoroughly impressed me when I revisited it for the first time in years a couple of years ago. Highly recommended.

...Charles Laughton is very enjoyable playing an attorney in WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION (1957) on February 9th. The movie has a great cast -- Power! Dietrich! -- and should definitely be seen.

...An evening of films with Oscar-nominated performances by children on February 10th includes SHANE (1953), featuring young Brandon De Wilde opposite Alan Ladd. George Stevens directed.

...Valentine's Day on February 14th features Oscar-nominated actors in great movie romances, including CASABLANCA (1942). Humphrey Bogart and Claude Rains received acting nominations in this Best Picture winner, directed by Oscar winner Michael Curtiz.

...A night of movies featuring "Oscar-Worthy New Yorkers" includes Best Picture winner WEST SIDE STORY (1961) on February 16th. George Chakiris and Rita Moreno won Supporting Actor and Actress for this film.

...You can't go wrong with MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939) on February 17th, which I last saw at the 2018 TCM Classic Film Festival. Three cast members were nominated for acting Oscars; I knew about James Stewart and Claude Rains, but I'd completely forgotten that Harry Carey (Sr.) received a Best Supporting Actor nomination.

...I take every opportunity to highly recommend THE HUMAN COMEDY (1943), which features an outstanding Oscar-nominated performance by Mickey Rooney. It's on February 19th.

...BORN YESTERDAY (1950) was a favorite film at the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival, featuring Best Actress Oscar winner Judy Holliday. It airs on February 21st.

..."Oscar-Worthy Soldiers" is an especially good evening on February 22nd. William Wellman's BATTLEGROUND (1949) features Oscar-nominated James Whitmore among a very fine cast.

..."Oscar-Worthy Women in Danger" is a fun theme, which includes Joan Fontaine in Hitchcock's SUSPICION (1941). It's on February 24th.

...Another fun theme is "Oscar-Worthy Nuns and Priests" on February 26th. The list includes Karl Malden in ON THE WATERFRONT (1954) -- one of three Supporting Actor nominees for that film.

...William Powell in LIFE WITH FATHER (1947) is featured as part of an evening of "Oscar-Worthy Dads" on February 28th.

..."Oscar-Worthy Heiresses" on March 2nd is probably my favorite evening of the series, featuring Carole Lombard in MY MAN GODFREY (1936) and Claudette Colbert in IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934).

...31 Days of Oscar comes to an end on Monday, March 3rd, with "Oscar-Worthy Heroes" including Gary Cooper in PRIDE OF THE YANKEES (1942).

For more on TCM in February 2025, please visit my Quick Preview of TCM in February: 31 Days of Oscar along with TCM's printable schedule for the month.

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