With five Academy Award nominations to his name, Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast” just might be the film to finally win him that coveted Oscar statue. The semi-autobiographical film, written and directed by Branagh, opens this Friday at Lincoln Theater. “Belfast” chronicles the life of a working-class family and their young son's childhood during the tumult of the late 1960s in Northern Ireland. This charming and intimate film hits a personal note for Branagh while still managing to resonate with audiences everywhere.

“The French Dispatch” - (R; 1 hour, 48 minutes) -  See the film that received a nine-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. From writer/director Wes Anderson. A love letter to journalists set in an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional twentieth century French city that brings to life a collection of stories published in “The French Dispatch Magazine.” With an all-star cast featuring Benicio Del Toro, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Léa Seydoux, Frances McDormand, Timothée Chalamet, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, and more. Final screenings at 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15 and Thursday, Dec. 16.

“Belfast” - (PG-13; 1 hour, 38 minutes) -  A nine-year-old boy must chart a path towards adulthood through a world that has suddenly turned upside down. His stable and loving community and everything he thought he understood about life is changed forever but joy, laughter, music and the formative magic of the movies remain. Playing at 2 and 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17; Saturday, Dec. 18; and Wednesday, Dec. 22; playing at 5 p.m. (note later start time) on Sunday, Dec. 19 and on Thursday, Dec. 23 at 2 p.m

“The Nutcracker” performed by the Bolshoi Ballet - (2 hours, 15 minutes with one intermission) - Captured live in Moscow Dec. 23, 2018. The exceptional score by Tchaikovsky, brought to life by the Bolshoi Ballet dancers delights the hearts and ears of all generations of music lovers. Experience this holiday classic with the whole family through the eyes of Marie and her Nutcracker Prince on the big screen. On Christmas eve, Marie and her whole family are gathered around the tree in celebration of the holiday. She receives a magical gift from her godfather Drosselmeyer and soon enough this Christmas Eve will take an unexpected turn when Marie’s new doll comes alive and carries her into a whirlwind adventure. Sun Dec 19 at 1 PM. Tickets: $15 Adult, $13 LT Member, and $5 Youth 18 and under. Presented in partnership with First National Wealth Management.

Upcoming films - “A Christmas Story” (free!) - Dec. 23 and Friday, Dec. 24; “Dune” - opens Dec. 26; “House of Gucci” - Dec. 31.

Tickets available at the door starting 30 minutes before showtime or online in advance through the theater’s website at www.LincolnTheater.net. Movie tickets are $8 adult, $6 members and youth 18 and under. Event ticket prices vary. The Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater St. in downtown Damariscotta. Curtain going up!