Awards Season Is Heating Up—10 Movies Leading the 2026 Oscar Race

Awards Season Is Heating Up—10 Movies Leading the 2026 Oscar Race

Awards season brings excitement every year, and the 2026 Oscars are shaping up to be unforgettable.

From record-breaking nominations to surprising newcomers, this year’s race is packed with incredible films competing for Hollywood’s biggest honor.

Whether you love action, drama, or heartfelt stories, these movies are capturing attention and winning over critics and audiences alike.

Here are the 10 films leading the charge toward Oscar glory.

10. The Secret Agent

Earning a Best Picture nomination plus recognition in the newly introduced casting category, The Secret Agent has boosted its Oscar profile significantly.

This espionage thriller combines classic spy movie excitement with modern storytelling techniques.

The ensemble cast delivers uniformly excellent work, which is exactly why the casting achievement is being celebrated.

The new casting category gives this film a unique advantage and extra visibility during awards season.

Sharp direction keeps the tension high while allowing character moments to breathe naturally.

As one of the more accessible nominees, it could benefit from voters looking for something entertaining that still meets the Academy’s standards for excellence and craftsmanship.

9. Train Dreams

A Best Picture nominee with strong songwriter and craft category visibility, Train Dreams tells an American story that spans decades.

The film follows one man’s quiet life against the backdrop of massive historical change.

Its beautiful simplicity and honest portrayal of ordinary existence have touched audiences looking for something contemplative and meaningful.

Original songs woven throughout the narrative enhance the emotional journey without overwhelming it.

The cinematography captures the American West with breathtaking beauty and authenticity.

Though it may seem like a quieter contender, this film has passionate supporters who believe its understated excellence deserves recognition in a year dominated by flashier competitors.

8. F1

Speed, spectacle, and box office success have propelled F1 into the Best Picture race, drawing significant industry attention.

This adrenaline-fueled racing drama combines thrilling action sequences with surprisingly deep character work.

Its massive commercial success proves that crowd-pleasers can also earn Academy respect when crafted with quality and care.

The film’s practical effects and racing sequences are being called some of the best ever captured on camera.

Behind the high-octane thrills lies a genuine story about competition, friendship, and sacrifice.

Oscar voters have noticed how this blockbuster delivers both entertainment value and artistic merit, making it a worthy contender that could surprise skeptics.

7. Bugonia

Adding to its awards buzz, Bugonia earned a Best Picture nomination alongside frequent mentions in score and craft categories.

The film creates an immersive world through exceptional production design and a haunting musical score that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Its unique vision sets it apart in a competitive field.

Composers and technical artists have rallied behind this visually stunning achievement.

The movie takes risks with its unconventional narrative structure, rewarding patient viewers with a deeply satisfying experience.

While it may not be the frontrunner for Best Picture, its technical excellence guarantees it will walk away with at least one golden statue on Oscar night.

6. Marty Supreme

Did you know that breakout performances can completely change an actor’s career overnight?

Marty Supreme has become this year’s example of that phenomenon, recognized with several nominations and generating huge buzz for its lead performance.

The film follows an unlikely hero’s journey, told with style and substance that appeals to both mainstream and arthouse audiences.

Direction that feels fresh and confident elevates the entire production beyond expectations.

The actor at the center delivers work that feels authentic and transformative, making you forget you’re watching a performance.

This surprise contender proves that original stories can still compete with bigger-budget productions when talent and vision align perfectly.

5. Hamnet

Based on the acclaimed novel, Hamnet has earned strong Oscar recognition including Best Picture and Best Actress nominations, keeping it firmly in the awards conversation.

The historical drama tells the story behind Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, focusing on the family loss that inspired it.

Rich period details and powerful performances bring this literary adaptation to life magnificently.

The lead actress delivers a career-defining performance that has critics predicting a possible upset win.

Beautiful cinematography captures the Elizabethan era with authenticity and artistry.

The film proves that historical dramas still have a special place in Oscar races when executed with this level of passion and skill.

4. Sentimental Value

Tugging at heartstrings while earning critical praise, Sentimental Value has garnered multiple major nominations that position it as a serious awards season contender.

The film explores themes of family, memory, and what we choose to hold onto in life.

Its honest approach to storytelling has resonated deeply with viewers and Academy members alike.

Strong performances anchor this emotional journey, with standout work in both lead and supporting categories.

The screenplay balances humor and heartbreak beautifully, never feeling manipulative despite its touching subject matter.

As Oscar night draws closer, this dark horse candidate continues gaining momentum, reminding everyone that sometimes the quietest films make the loudest impact.

3. Frankenstein

A fresh take on the classic monster tale, Frankenstein has earned impressive recognition as a Best Picture hopeful.

The film stands out particularly in technical and production categories, showcasing breathtaking costume design, makeup, and visual effects.

This reimagining brings new depth to a story everyone thinks they know.

The creative team behind this version has delivered something visually spectacular and emotionally moving.

Academy voters have taken notice of the incredible craftsmanship on display throughout every frame.

Beyond its technical achievements, the movie offers thoughtful commentary that feels relevant today, proving classic stories can still surprise us when handled with care and creativity.

2. One Battle After Another

Right behind the record-breaker comes One Battle After Another, earning the second-highest number of Oscar nominations this year.

This gripping drama has captured hearts with its intense storytelling and unforgettable performances.

The film competes fiercely in Best Picture, Best Director, and several acting categories, making it a serious threat to win big.

What sets this movie apart is its raw emotional power and technical excellence.

Viewers have praised how it tackles difficult subjects with sensitivity and honesty.

The buzz surrounding this contender continues growing as Oscar night approaches, with many predicting it could upset the frontrunner in key races.

1. Sinners

Making history with the most Academy Award nominations ever received by a single film, Sinners has become the undeniable favorite this awards season.

The movie dominates across every major category, including Best Picture, Best Director, and multiple acting nods.

Critics are calling it a masterpiece that pushes boundaries while telling a deeply human story.

Audiences have connected with its powerful performances and stunning visuals.

The film’s director has crafted something truly special that resonates on multiple levels.

With such widespread recognition, Sinners seems destined to take home several golden statues on Oscar night, cementing its place in cinema history.