The films nominated for the Oscars 2024 They are not only quality entertainment, but also a source of inspiration and learning for professionals in the business world. Several of these films are based on books that offer valuable lessons in leadership, strategy and resilience.
We give you recommendations of the books on which the nominated films were based or inspired, which have great lessons for business people.
Books of the 2024 Oscar nominated films
Business people can find in these 2024 Oscar-nominated books and films a rich array of lessons applicable to their careers. From leadership strategies and business ethics to the importance of teamwork and overcoming challenges, these works offer valuable insights beyond their artistic value.
1) “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker (1982)
This work is notable for its deep exploration of the lives of African American women in the American South during the first half of the 20th century, addressing themes of race, gender, and abuse, but also of love, personal growth, and resilience.
- Entrepreneurial lesson: The story focuses on characters who face and overcome extreme adversity. The lessons of perseverance, courage, and self-discovery are applicable to the challenges and setbacks that entrepreneurs regularly face. “The Color Purple” challenges the reader to consider social injustices and the importance of contributing positively to society. Entrepreneurs can be encouraged to incorporate social responsibility practices into their businesses, recognizing that business success can also be measured by positive impact on communities and society at large.
2) “The Moon Killers” by David Grann (2017)
The book investigates a series of murders of wealthy Osage Nation people in Oklahoma in the early 1920s. These crimes led to one of the first major investigations by the newly formed FBI.
- Entrepreneurial lesson: The book offers insight into how the rise of capitalism and the oil industry influenced American society, including its darkest parts. Understanding this history can provide entrepreneurs with valuable lessons about the social and economic impact of business. Furthermore, despite the odds, the Osage Nation fought for justice. Entrepreneurs can be inspired by their resilience and tireless pursuit of justice against all odds.
3) “Erasure” by Percival Everett (2001)
“Erasure” focuses on Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, an African-American writer whose works are criticized for not conforming to racial stereotypes expected by publishers and the literary market. In an act of protest, Ellison writes a parody that mocks these stereotypes, only to see this parody, under a pseudonym, achieve the success he has consciously avoided.
The film adaptation titled “American Fiction”based on “Erasure”was released in 2023.
- Entrepreneurial lesson: The story highlights how market perceptions can influence the success of a product, in this case, a book. For entrepreneurs, understanding the expectations and biases of their audience is crucial to navigating the market effectively. Through his sharp satire, Everett explores how cultural industries commercialize and exploit identities. This can serve as a reminder to entrepreneurs to be mindful of how they present and market their products or services, avoiding perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
4) “The Snow Society” by Pablo Vierci (reprint 2022)
This novel is not fiction, but rather a detailed and moving account based on the true survival story of the passengers of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which crashed in the Andes in 1972. Through interviews and extensive research , Vierci narrates how the survivors managed to stay alive in extremely adverse conditions for 72 days before being rescued.
- Entrepreneurial lesson: The survival of the passengers on the flight depended on their ability to work together and support each other. The story underscores the importance of effective leadership and team collaboration, lessons applicable to the business world, where leadership and the ability to foster productive teamwork are essential. Faced with an unprecedented situation, survivors had to be incredibly innovative and adaptive to find solutions to the problems they faced. Similarly, entrepreneurs must be able to adapt and find creative solutions to unexpected problems.
This detailed biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the “father of the atomic bomb,” won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography in 2006. Oppenheimer is a fascinating figure because of his crucial role in the Manhattan Project, the research and development project during World War II that produced the first nuclear weapons.
- Entrepreneurial lesson: Oppenheimer's life raises profound questions about the ethics and responsibility of scientists, and by extension, entrepreneurs, in relation to their inventions and discoveries. Reflecting on these issues can help entrepreneurs consider the long-term implications of their work and the importance of acting ethically. Despite the moral challenges, Oppenheimer's work is a testament to the power of innovation and creativity. Entrepreneurs can be inspired by their dedication to science and the exploration of the unknown, applying a similar spirit of innovation in their own companies.
The story of Ruth Handler and how she conceived and brought to market one of the world's most iconic and enduring dolls offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs in any field.
- Entrepreneurial lesson: The creation and launch of Barbie faced numerous challenges, from skepticism within the toy industry to design and production issues. Handler's ability to persevere in the face of adversity is a crucial lesson for any entrepreneur about the importance of resilience and determination. As a woman in a male-dominated industry at the time, Ruth Handler broke barriers and challenged gender expectations. Her story is especially inspiring for female entrepreneurs and anyone facing systemic barriers on their path to success.
7) The Joy of Music by Leonard Bernstein (2004)
“The Joy of Music” is a book written by Leonard Bernstein, the renowned American composer, conductor, pianist, and music educator. First published in 1959, this book offers a passionate and accessible introduction to classical music, combining essays and imaginary conversations to explore the structure of the music, its performance and its history, as well as Bernstein's own experience as a conductor and educator. .
- Entrepreneurial lesson: Bernstein approaches music with infectious creativity and enthusiasm, demonstrating how passion can drive innovation. Entrepreneurs can be inspired by his approach to find new ways to address problems and develop innovative solutions in their own fields. As a conductor, Bernstein led and coordinated large groups of musicians to achieve cohesive and exciting performances. Entrepreneurs can learn from his leadership, the importance of shared vision, and how to motivate and harmonize teams to achieve common goals.
“Poor Things” is a narrative that plays with the elements of the gothic novel and science fiction, satirically and movingly recreating the Victorian style of narration. The story revolves around Bella Baxter, a young woman revived by an eccentric scientist, who then lives a series of extravagant and often critical adventures of the social and moral norms of the time.
- Entrepreneurial lesson: The novel itself is a testament to literary innovation, mixing genres and styles to create something unique. Entrepreneurs can be inspired by Gray's ability to think differently and apply a creative and innovative approach to their own projects. The novel raises profound questions about identity, autonomy, and creation. In the business world, reflecting on the authenticity of yourself and your company can be crucial to developing a genuine brand and connecting with customers on a deeper level.
9) “Nimona” by Noelle Stevenson (2015)
The graphic novel focuses on the young shapeshifter Nimona, who becomes the villainous companion of Lord Ballister Blackheart, with the goal of proving that the heroes of the kingdom are not as heroic as they seem. “Nimona” is acclaimed for its inventive storytelling, complex characters, and the way it subverts traditional tropes of heroes and villains.
- Entrepreneurial lesson: The dynamic between Nimona and Ballister shows how people with very different skills and perspectives can come together to achieve common goals. For entrepreneurs, this underscores the importance of building diversified teams where complementary strengths can drive innovation and success. Besides, “Nimona” challenges traditional norms and expectations around the roles of heroes and villains, presenting a narrative that questions morality and justice within its universe. This can encourage entrepreneurs to question and challenge the norms in their own fields, looking for ways of doing things that don't necessarily conform to established conventions.
Find out the complete list of films nominated for the 2024 Oscar on our sister site CinePREMIERE.
March Violante Martha Elena Violante (March Violante) is editor-in-chief and co-founder of Emprendedor.com and has more than 10 years of career in digital journalism. She has interviewed figures such as Randi Zuckerberg, Daniele Lamarre, Zoe Saldana, among others. She has worked in media such as Entrepreneur in Spanish and English, Alto Nivel, Cine PREMIERE, México Desconocido, among others. “We are entrepreneur.com”