So far, 2025 has proven to be a remarkable year for films, with releases that have combined compelling stories, outstanding performances, and inventive creative visions. Such cinematic achievements, and more to come, have naturally sparked early discussions for the 2026 Academy Awards, particularly in major categories like Best Picture, Director, and Animated Feature. As industry insiders and critics weigh potential frontrunners, a few standout films are already beginning to rise above the rest.

Below, we explore the top contenders for the 2026 Oscars, spotlighting the projects and people most likely to leave a lasting mark on the film world.

Wicked: For Good, which is set to release this November, combines the beloved legacy of the original musical with cinematic spectacle, giving it broad appeal among both audiences and critics. Its strong cast, breathtaking visuals, and memorable score make it a leading contender in the Best Picture Oscar category.

Hamnet, also a November 2025 release and directed by Chloé Zhao, adapts the story of Shakespeare’s son into a deeply emotional and visually poetic effort. Praised already for its delicate storytelling, immersive cinematography, and powerful performances, it hits the kind of literary and historical notes that often resonate with Academy voters.

One Battle After Another, Paul Thomas Anderson's latest, delves into complex human relationships with grim storytelling and meticulous direction. The film’s intense character arcs, coupled with standout acting from Leonardo DiCaprio and others, position it as a serious contender for Best Picture recognition at the upcoming Oscars.

Other Strong Contenders:

Sentimental Value has been quietly gaining critical acclaim after successful festival runs as well as theatrical showings. Its heartfelt storytelling, touching performances, and rightly leveraged emotional depth make it a sleeper contender for the category.

Frankenstein, Guillermo del Toro’s dark adaptation, with its limited theatrical run before its Netflix debut, blends his signature visual flair with a chilling, emotionally resonant theme.

With the director's attached track record at the Oscars, this film could easily capture attention in the Best Picture category.

Avatar: Fire and Ash, set to arrive towards the end of the year, aims to push cinematic boundaries yet again with the visual spectacle and immersive world-building the franchise is known for. If it successfully manages to strike emotional chords as well, alongside creative takes, it has the potential to crack the top tier of Oscar contenders.

How Can You Go To the Oscars? Is It Possible for Everyone? Here is all you need to know

Talking Best Directors immediately after Best Picture feels natural, especially with a mix of seasoned veterans and influential newcomers in the running this year.

Paul Thomas Anderson: With One Battle After Another, the director is a critical favorite with decades of overdue respect from the Academy. His rich storytelling makes him a strong contender for the category this year.

Chloé Zhao: With Hamnet, she could be a repeat winner. Her signature visual style and delicate handling of character-driven narratives, as can be drawn from her four nominations and two wins, resonate brilliantly with Oscar voters.

Joachim Trier: The director's Sentimental Value is drawing early acclaim for its poignant storytelling with minimalist orchestration. The film’s quiet emotional punch and thoughtful direction make Joachim Trier someone to watch out for this awards season.

Other Names to Watch:

Ryan Coogler, in Sinners, blended genre filmmaking with profound conceptual depth, offering both entertainment and substance. He is therefore among the top directors to keep an eye on this awards season.

Jon M. Chu, with Wicked: For Good, could make a splash if his musical direction is received as masterfully as last time.

The combination of the large-scale production of this film could aid in putting him as a potential frontrunner.

Arco, yet to be released, thanks to its beautiful visuals and deeply emotional story, as visible in its trailer, has everything to become a critical favorite. Its heartfelt moments with kids at heart make it a strong contender for Best Animated Feature.

The Bad Guys 2 brought plenty of fun for families this summer. Its humor, charm, and solid box office collection give it an Oscar-friendly boost.

A handful of international and indie animated films could surprise voters later in the season. With a place for unique stories and creative styles, the category is still anyone’s game.

7 Golden Unspoken Rules for Winning an Oscar

The Best Actor category could once again see a major Hollywood star in the running. Could 2026 finally be his year again after a long wait?

Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another) is in the mix for another nomination, and this could be the year he finally takes home another Best Actor win since The Revenant. His heartfelt performance in his latest film keeps him front and center in the conversation.

Michael B. Jordan (Sinners) turned heads with what many called his strongest dramatic work yet in Ryan Coogler’s latest. He balanced raw emotion with subtle nuance, making him a serious contender.

Jeremy Allen White (Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere) is the wildcard everyone is talking about. Though the film is yet to be released, his performance could easily shake up the category.

Jessie Buckley (Hamnet) is earning early praise for her emotionally raw and deeply moving performance. Her ability to convey heartbreak and resilience in the Shakespearean classic makes her a strong contender.

Cynthia Erivo (Wicked: For Good) combines powerhouse vocals with serious dramatic presence.  The actress, who desires to enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe soon, is expected to deliver the same kind of performance in the upcoming installment, hence this reserved spot for her.     

Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value) could be the season’s surprise. Her quietly devastating portrayal in the film left a lasting impression on viewers and could sway voters in unexpected ways.

Streaming versus theatrical runs could once again play a role in how the Academy weighs films. Movies that find the right balance of visibility and prestige may have an edge.

Genre films like Frankenstein and Sinners might surprise by breaking into major categories. When they deliver strong performances along with style and substance, the Academy can take notice.

Standout showings from Sydney Sweeney in Christy and Daniel Craig in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery at the recently concluded Toronto International Film Festival have also caught attention.

This year’s Oscars could come down to a fascinating clash between blockbuster spectacle and more intimate yet devastating storytelling. With established favorites like Paul Thomas Anderson, Chloé Zhao, and Leonardo DiCaprio in the mix, alongside show-stopping musicals like Wicked and deeply affecting indie dramas such as Hamnet and Sentimental Value, the race feels wide open as of now. Voters may have tough choices ahead, making the 2026 awards season one of the most unpredictable and exciting in recent memory.

Fatter Paychecks, Lucrative Endorsements, and More: Here's What Life After Oscars Win Feels Like

Do share your picks for each of the Oscar categories in the comments below!