The 97th Academy Awards ceremony, held on Sunday, March 2, has recognized the best in cinema this year. However, food enthusiasts at Eater.com have taken it upon themselves to honor films that featured standout culinary moments. From unforgettable performances of eating to memorable kitchen appliance cameos, these selections highlight how food can be a powerful storytelling tool in film. While none of the nominated films made it to our all-time best food films list, they still provided some remarkable and sometimes unsettling scenes centered around food, restaurants, and dining.

Food as Character: Memorable Performances and Props

In cinema, food often serves as more than just sustenance; it can become a character in its own right. One such example is Dennis Quaid's portrayal of Harvey in The Substance. His voracious consumption of shrimp during a power lunch sets an unsettling tone for the film. The scene, directed by Coralie Fargeat, uses close-ups of Quaid's exaggerated chewing sounds to create a visceral experience that underscores his character's chauvinistic and greedy nature. This performance not only shocks but also deepens the viewer's understanding of Harvey's personality.

Another standout moment comes from Conclave, where an espresso machine plays a pivotal role. In a scene filled with tension, John Lithgow's character offers Ralph Fiennes' Lawrence an espresso from a noisy instant machine. The clanging and rattling of the machine drown out their conversation about the election of a new pope, symbolizing the materialistic and political nature of the process. This scene brilliantly contrasts the sacredness of faith with the mundane realities of politics, making the espresso machine a memorable prop in cinematic history.

Food as Symbolism: Sweet Snacks and Emotional Depth

Food can also serve as a symbol, adding layers of meaning to a narrative. In Challengers, director Luca Guadagnino uses a churro to represent thick sexual tension between competitive tennis players Patrick and Art. A single bite of this fried pastry becomes a pivotal moment that sparks countless discussions online. The churro, traditionally a simple treat, transforms into a symbol of desire and competition, highlighting the film's exploration of masculinity and attraction.

In contrast, Hard Truths features candy as a source of hope and connection amidst a bleak storyline. Director Mike Leigh's drama centers around Pansy Deacon, a character filled with rage and unhappiness. Her son Moses, however, finds a moment of respite when he shares strawberry lace candy with a stranger. This act of sharing candy turns into an unexpected yet heartwarming connection, offering a glimmer of optimism in a film otherwise saturated with misery. The candy becomes a symbol of human kindness and the possibility of finding joy in small, everyday moments.