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Moonlight and I Am Not Your Negro constitute much of the queer-themed films up for Academy Awards, but over a dozen other LGBT films were released last year.
With eight nominations for Barry Jenkins's powerful, beautiful Moonlight and a best documentary nod for the James Baldwin-centered film I Am Not Your Negro, LGBT representation will be alive and well at the 89th Academy Awards, to be held Sunday evening in Los Angeles. But there were numerous other queer films released last year -- including some that deserved their own nominations. Don't let the following gems remain overlooked; many are available on YouTube or streaming services for a nominal fee.
(RELATED: The 12 LGBT Films of 2016)
Santa y Andres
An intimate look at a gay Cuban novelist who strikes up an unusual relationship with the female government worker assigned to keep an eye on him.
Uncle Howard
Aaron Brookner -- the nephew of famed director Howard Brookner (Burroughs: the Movie, Bloodhounds of Broadway) -- uncovers his relative's cache of recordings, writings, and film and paints a story of the 1980s avant garde.
Southwest of Salem
This acclaimed documentary tells the story of lesbians wrongly convicted of a horrible crime against a child, which turned out to be a lie -- this was a modern-day witch hunt that exploited the homophobia of a Texas community.
No Dress Code Required
This sweet story of two Mexican men clamoring to finally wed will tug at your heartstrings.
The Handmaiden
This lush psychological thriller takes place in 1930s Korea and London, and puts women's relationships -- and sex -- at the forefront.
Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures
Who was the man behind photographer/artist/legend Robert Mapplethorpe? This HBO doc looks at the complicated figure who incited a national war on censorship and sex.
I, Olga
A tortured Czech woman snaps and commits a horrific crime in 1973. This chilling film is based on a tragic true story.
Don't Call Me Son
The heady business of being gender-fluid in Brazil is complicated by a messy past that comes to light in Anna Muylaert's Don't Call Me Son.
The Lives of Therese
This French documentary -- acclaimed at Cannes -- explores the extraordinary life of Therese Clerc, a lifelong activist for women's and LGBT rights. Clerc died just before the film's premiere.
Author: The JT LeRoy Story
Find out what really happened behind the literary scandal of the 'Aughts, where a cisgender woman pretended to be a trans writer and was eventually exposed and humiliated.
The Intervention
This modern Big Chill features an amazing cast and is written and directed by out Gen X legend Clea Duvall.
Summertime
This topical French film explores two women falling in love during the dawn of the 1970s feminist movement.
Chee and T
This madcap comedy about two Silicon Valley guys out on a errand for their boss -- escorting his drug-addicted nephew to a suit-fitting -- won a jury prize at the Los Angeles Film Festival.
