Part of Best Picture Marathon. Click here for the Chronological Schedule.
In addition to its Best Picture nomination, NIGHTMARE ALLEY was nominated for Best Cinematography, Production Design, and Costume Design.
When charismatic but down-on-his-luck Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) endears himself to clairvoyant Zeena (Toni Collette) and her has-been mentalist husband Pete (David Strathairn) at a traveling carnival, he crafts a golden ticket to success — using this newly acquired knowledge to grift the wealthy elite of 1940s New York society. With the virtuous Molly (Rooney Mara) loyally by his side, Stanton plots to con a dangerous tycoon (Richard Jenkins) with the aid of a mysterious psychiatrist (Cate Blanchett) who might be his most formidable opponent yet. Directed by Guillermo del Toro.
“This is a satisfying, fully realized film noir where the characters are more than stereotypes. Only a filmmaker as knowledgeable and passionate as Guillermo del Toro could have made this picture, and I'm awfully glad he did.” —Leonard Maltin
