Film History Takes Center Stage with 31 Days of Oscar® on TCM
Awards season isn’t just about what’s new—it’s also a golden excuse to revisit the movies that defined Hollywood in the first place. That’s where Turner Classic Movies’ 31 Days of Oscar® comes in: an entire month of award-winning performances, iconic directors, and timeless storytelling, airing all day, every day.
As the countdown to Oscar® night on Sunday, March 15 begins, TCM serves up a rotating lineup of Best Picture winners, unforgettable nominees, and iconic performances, from Hollywood’s golden age to today’s enduring classics. It’s comfort viewing with a little bit of cinematic swagger—the kind of lineup that reminds you why the Oscars matter at all.
Whether you’re a lifelong cinephile or just love a good movie night, this is one of the best marathons on TV. To watch TCM with DISH (channel 132), subscribe to America’s Top 200 and up. Not a DISH subscriber? Follow this link to find the best offer and subscribe to DISH today! And follow this link for more information on how to watch 2026 Oscar nominees with DISH.
What Is 31 Days of Oscar?
TCM’s annual 31 Days of Oscar celebration is exactly what it sounds like: a month-long showcase packed with films steeped in Academy Awards® history. Each day features a different theme—legendary stars, celebrated directors, genre favorites, or milestone movie moments—making it a breeze to discover (or rediscover) cinematic essentials.
Expect a smart mix of Best Picture winners, career-defining performances, and all-time Hollywood favorites. It’s the ultimate drop-in-anytime movie event—perfect whether you’re catching one classic or settling in for an all-nighter.
Classic Films to Watch (and Record)
The lineup is stacked with essentials, but these films are especially DVR-worthy:
Casablanca (1942)
A Best Picture winner and one of the most quoted films ever. Romance, sacrifice, and Humphrey Bogart at his coolest.
Gone with the Wind (1939)
Sweeping, ambitious, and utterly iconic—this Best Picture winner redefined epic storytelling.
All About Eve (1950)
A razor-sharp take on ambition, featuring Bette Davis in one of cinema’s greatest roles and a record-setting 14 Oscar nods.
The Apartment (1960)
Billy Wilder’s bittersweet comedy blends romance and social commentary, carried by pitch-perfect turns from Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine.
From Here to Eternity (1953)
A wartime drama with emotional heft and unforgettable moments—it walked away with eight Oscars.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Pure movie magic. It didn’t win Best Picture, but it’s arguably the happiest film ever made.
On the Waterfront (1954)
Marlon Brando delivers one of the most powerful performances in Hollywood history—gritty, emotional, unforgettable.
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
A heartfelt look at soldiers returning home after WWII. Winner of seven Oscars and still profoundly moving today.
Unforgiven (1992)
Clint Eastwood redefines the Western with this haunting four-time Oscar winner. A masterclass in restraint, regret, and redemption.
A Few Others to Whet the Appetite
Filling out your DVR queue? Keep an eye out for these heavy-hitters:
It Happened One Night (1934) – The rom-com that swept the Big Five Oscars.
Rebecca (1940) – Hitchcock’s haunting, Oscar-winning Gothic gem.
Sunset Boulevard (1950) – Hollywood glamour meets noir bite.
The African Queen (1951) – Bogart at his Oscar-winning best.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962) – A cinematic epic on every level.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) – Emotionally raw, perfectly acted.
The French Connection (1971) – A gritty, game-changing thriller.
Chinatown (1974) – The gold standard for film noir.
Ordinary People (1980) – Quiet, devastating, and unforgettable.
Amadeus (1984) – Lavish, musical, and endlessly rewatchable.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991) – Dark, gripping, and Oscar-sweeping.
Why This Is Perfect DVR Viewing
With movies airing around the clock, 31 Days of Oscar was made for your DVR. Record the classics you’ve always meant to see, the ones you can’t stop rewatching, or that late-night gem that pops up at 2am.
Once recorded, you can build your own Oscar-worthy movie library: no scrolling, no algorithms, just pure movie magic on your watch.
How to Watch with DISH
Channel 132: Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
TCM is available with America’s Top 200 and America’s Top 250 Packages. Check your DISH guide, set your DVR, and get ready for a month-long cinematic celebration.
Final Take
Thirty-one days. Dozens of must-watch films. Infinite reasons to grab the popcorn and settle in. TCM’s 31 Days of Oscar is one of the easiest—and most delightful—ways to dive into awards season. Lights, camera, action!
