Former President Barack Obama unveiled his annual film favourites, showcasing a mix of independent gems and Hollywood blockbusters while applauding progress in the wake of a major industry strike. The list, slightly shorter than usual at 13 titles, features three films from Obama’s Higher Ground production company, including civil rights drama Rustin and Julia Roberts-led thriller Leave the World Behind.
Obama emphasised broader industry issues, commending the recent strike for improving actor and writer conditions. “Here are some films that reflect their hard work over the last year,” he wrote.
The list boasts international picks like Celine Song’s Past Lives and Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Monster, along with critically acclaimed US releases like Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. Obama also champions satire (American Fiction) and family drama (A Thousand and One).
Beyond film, Obama recently shared his book picks for the year, praising titles like James McBride’s The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store and Jonathan Eig’s King: A Life.
With his unique mix of cultural curation and social commentary, Obama continues to influence not only Hollywood, but also readers and viewers seeking diverse and impactful stories.
