2026 Oscar Nominations: A Closer Look at the Best Picture Contenders

As the anticipation for the 98th Academy Awards grows, film enthusiasts are abuzz with excitement over this year’s nominees for the coveted Best Picture category. The nominations not only reflect the narratives that captivated audiences but also the cinematic craftsmanship that came to life on screens across the globe. Let’s dive into the fascinating array of films vying for the prestigious Oscar this year.

Festival Premiere Highlights

A remarkable seven out of the ten nominated films had their world premieres at various film festivals, showcasing a trend of elite cinematic storytelling emerging from festival circuits. Notable films include Hamnet, which debuted at Telluride, and Bugonia and Frankenstein, which were revealed at the Venice Film Festival. Train Dreams made its first appearance at Sundance, while Marty Supreme enchanted audiences at the New York Film Festival. Cannes was the stage for both Sentimental Value and The Secret Agent.

The Leading Contenders

At the forefront of the race is One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. This Warner Bros thriller has been widely acknowledged as the front-runner, securing numerous accolades, including Best Picture at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. With an impressive tally of 13 nominations from the Movie Academy, it is a strong contender, although it is followed closely by Sinners, which boasts an Oscar-record 16 nominations—a testament to Ryan Coogler’s skillful direction.

A Diverse Line-Up of Distributors

Focus Features has a strong showing this year with two critical hopefuls: Hamnet and Bugonia. Netflix is not far behind, presenting both Frankenstein and Train Dreams, while Neon joins the competition with Sentimental Value and The Secret Agent. Additionally, A24 contributes Marty Supreme, and Apple Original Films steps in with F1.

The Nominations Breakdown

1. Bugonia

• Distributor: Focus Features
• Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
• Cast: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, and others.

Deadline’s Takeaway: Described as a dizzying, batshit-crazy narrative, this collaboration between Lanthimos and Stone is considered a return to form following their previous work.

2. F1

• Distributor: Warner Bros
• Director: Joseph Kosinski
• Cast: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and more.

Deadline’s Takeaway: This film merges the thrill of racing with family dynamics, offering a blend of seriousness and humor with Pitt in the lead role.

3. Frankenstein

• Distributor: Netflix
• Director/Screenwriter: Guillermo del Toro
• Cast: Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, and others.

Deadline’s Takeaway: At 2½ hours, it may feel lengthy, but del Toro’s unique vision and style are evident, creating a compelling Gothic atmosphere that few can rival.

4. Hamnet

• Distributor: Focus Features
• Director: Chloé Zhao
• Cast: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and others.

Deadline’s Takeaway: This film, rich in artistic representation, highlights how life and art intertwine, solidifying Zhao’s status as a top-tier filmmaker.

5. Marty Supreme

• Distributor: A24
• Director: Josh Safdie
• Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, and more.

Deadline’s Takeaway: The film is a testament to Chalamet’s versatility as an actor, encapsulating the spirit of a fast-talking, ambitious young man.

6. One Battle After Another

• Distributor: Warner Bros
• Director/Screenwriter: Paul Thomas Anderson
• Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and others.

Deadline’s Takeaway: A groundbreaking film that defies conventional description, showcasing Anderson’s unique storytelling prowess.

7. The Secret Agent

• Distributor: Neon
• Director/Screenwriter: Kleber Mendonça Filho
• Cast: Wagner Moura, and others.

Deadline’s Takeaway: Despite its length, this film captures style and excitement, telling a vast narrative set in Brazil.

8. Sentimental Value

• Distributor: Neon
• Director: Joachim Trier
• Cast: Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, and others.

Deadline’s Takeaway: A subtly powerful film that unfolds its narrative gracefully, leading to a satisfying conclusion.

9. Sinners

• Distributor: Warner Bros
• Director/Screenwriter: Ryan Coogler
• Cast: Michael B. Jordan, and others.

Deadline’s Takeaway: Coogler delivers a captivating cinematic experience, showcasing Jordan’s ability to take on complex roles.

10. Train Dreams

• Distributor: Netflix
• Director: Clint Bentley
• Cast: Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, and more.

Deadline’s Takeaway: A heartfelt exploration of identity and survival, drawing on the themes of being an outsider.

Nomination Ceremony Details

The 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 15 at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. The ceremony will air live on ABC, starting at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET, with Conan O’Brien returning as the host for another exciting evening.

As excitement builds leading up to the ceremony, these nominated films have already made a significant impact on audiences and critics alike, showcasing the breadth and depth of storytelling in today’s cinema. The 2026 Oscars promise to be an event filled with celebration and recognition of artistic brilliance.