As the Academy Awards approach, The New York Times film and food critics have compiled 20 of the most memorable food scenes in cinema history. From Meg Ryan's iconic deli moment in 'When Harry Met Sally' to Nicolas Cage's raw steak confrontation in 'Moonstruck,' these scenes transcend mere props to become pivotal plot devices. Food in film often mirrors real life, bringing characters together or driving them apart.

This year's Oscar nominees feature several standout food moments, including the unsettling spaghetti and meatballs scene in 'Bugonia' and the 'few small beers' in 'One Battle After Another.' But the critics' selections span decades of cinema, from 1987's 'Moonstruck' - which won three Oscars including Best Actress for Cher - to 2025's 'Sinners,' nominated for 16 awards including Best Picture. These scenes range from the comedic to the sinister, showcasing food's power to both unite and destroy.

Perhaps most striking is the final five-minute unedited scene in 'Big Night,' where Stanley Tucci's character silently prepares an omelet for his brother after their restaurant's disastrous gamble. The absence of dialogue makes the food preparation itself the emotional climax. These moments remind us that in cinema, as in life, food is never just sustenance - it's a language of love, betrayal, and everything in between.