Simon Morris starts the countdown to the Oscars next month, and looks at two likely contenders - Belfast and Parallel Mothers. He also checks out an Indian-American rom-com, from the producers of Crazy Rich Asians. Belfast is based on Sir Kenneth Brannagh's memories of Troubles broke out. Starring Jamie Dornan, Judi Dench, Ciaran Hinds and young Jude Hill as "Buddy". Indian Sweets and Spices sees American-born Alia clash with her traditional Indian mother in suburban Ruby Hill. She is shocked to discover that Mum wasn't always as strait-laced and conservative as she seems. Stars Sophia Ali (Grey's Anatomy). And Parallel Mothers, the latest from legendary Spanish film-maker Pedro Almadovar, is the highly-acclaimed story of two mothers and two babies born the same day. Stars Penelope Cruz.