AceShowbiz - When the 44th President of the United States shares his favorite films of the year, it's hard not to take notice. On Friday, December 21, Barack Obama revealed his top 10 films of 2024 on social media, sparking widespread interest among cinephiles of all ages. Notably, Obama's list excludes the box-office sensation "Wicked", focusing instead on a diverse array of films from around the globe.

Leading the pack is the Indian film "All We Imagine as Light", which not only topped Sight & Sound's poll for best film of 2024 but also snagged two Golden Globe nominations for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Director for Payal Kapadia. Next up is "Conclave", a gripping drama featuring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini, centered on the controversial selection of a new pope.

Malcolm Washington, recognized as the Director to Watch at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, makes a splash with "The Piano Lesson". This family drama stars his brother John David Washington, alongside Danielle Deadwyler and Samuel L. Jackson. Another standout is "The Promised Land", a historic epic with Mads Mikkelsen portraying a man striving to cultivate Denmark's barren Jutland moorland in the 18th century.

"The Seed of the Sacred Fig" from Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof addresses intense suspense, as a Tehran judge becomes increasingly paranoid after losing his firearm. Denis Villeneuve's "Dune: Part Two" adds a dose of sci-fi excitement as Paul Atreides leads a revolt against the oppressive Harkonnens.

"Anora", the Palme d'Or winner directed by Sean Baker, tells the poignant story of a New York s** worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch. However, his family plots to annul the marriage. The coming-of-age comedy-drama "Didi" from director Sean Wang also features on the list, highlighting the early 2000s life of a first-generation Asian American teenager in Fremont, California.

Obama's selection wouldn't be complete without hard-hitting documentaries. "Sugarcane", which explores the grim reality of Canadian Indian residential schools, is a strong contender for the Best Documentary Feature at the upcoming Oscars. Rounding out the list is "A Complete Unknown", a biopic starring Timothee Chalamet as the legendary Bob Dylan.

While some of Obama's choices like "Anora", "Conclave" and "Dune: Part Two" are frontrunners for major awards, others such as "The Promised Land" had already garnered significant attention in the previous award season. Remarkably, three of his picks appear on Gold Derby's predicted Best Picture nominees list, demonstrating his knack for selecting critically acclaimed films.

From award-winning features to heartfelt dramas, Barack Obama's top 10 films of 2024 offer something for everyone.