The 98th Academy Awards: A Preview of the 2026 Oscars

The 98th Academy Awards, honoring films released in 2025, will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles . As the anticipation builds, several films are emerging as strong contenders, sparking debate among film critics and enthusiasts.

Key Contenders for the 2026 Oscars

Bugonia by Yorgos Lánthimos

Yorgos Lánthimos’s Bugonia, a remake of a Korean film centering on a covert reptilian invasion, has garnered attention for its unique premise and strong performances from Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons . Despite its unconventional nature, the film boasts a compelling soundtrack and a script that delves into the protagonist’s descent into madness.

The Secret Agent by Laura Pérez

Kleber Mendonça Filho’s The Secret Agent is generating buzz as a potential Best Picture winner, with Wagner Moura receiving praise for his performance. The film is described as an exuberant and politically charged thriller that explores the lasting impact of dictatorship in Brazil .

F1: The Movie by Ricardo Rosado

F1: The Movie, directed by Ricardo Rosado, aims to deliver a cinematic spectacle reminiscent of Top Gun: Maverick. Featuring a cast including Damson Idris, Brad Pitt, and Javier Bardem, the film focuses on the high-octane world of Formula 1 racing and is celebrated for its thrilling racing sequences and technical display .

Frankenstein by Julieta Martialay

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein has received critical acclaim, earning nine Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. The film is lauded for its meticulous production design, sound, and editing, and is seen as a poignant exploration of identity and the beauty of imperfection, with Jacob Elordi in the lead role .

Hamnet by Juan Silvestre

Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, Hamnet, has been praised for Jessie Buckley’s heartbreaking performance and its evocative setting and soundtrack. The film explores complex family relationships and the enduring power of grief .

The Sinners by Javier Díaz-Salado

Javier Díaz-Salado’s The Sinners is described as a genre-bending hybrid that draws comparisons to films by Spike Lee, Quentin Tarantino, and Christopher Nolan. The film explores themes of cultural exploitation and resistance through a captivating Santeria-infused narrative .

Marty Supreme by María Juesas

Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet, is gaining recognition for its emotional depth and exhilarating portrayal of a ping pong player’s journey to success. The film is considered a modern adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey .

Train Dreams by Borja Santos

Clint Bentley’s Train Dreams is a contemplative and visually rich film that tells the story of a railway worker’s life of sacrifice and loss. The film is praised for its poetic imagery and understated storytelling .

One Battle After Another by Roger Salvans

Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another is being lauded as a politically and socially relevant film that tackles contemporary issues with unflinching honesty. The film has received numerous accolades and is considered a strong contender for Best Picture .

Sentimental Value by Coral Chamorro

Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value explores the complexities of family relationships and the weight of the past. The film has been recognized for its raw and realistic portrayal of grief and reconciliation .

The 98th Academy Awards promises to be a celebration of cinematic excellence, with a diverse range of films vying for recognition. As the awards season progresses, the debate over which film will ultimately take home the Best Picture statuette is sure to intensify.