Oscars 2026: Predictions & Reviews of the Nominated Films

The 98th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and the anticipation is building. This year’s ceremony promises to be a significant one, not just for the potential winners, but also for the changes implemented by the Academy to ensure a more informed voting process. For the first time, Academy members are required to verify they’ve seen all nominated films before casting their final ballots – a rule intended to address past criticisms of voters relying on buzz and campaigning rather than actual viewing. The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, with the red carpet coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. [1] [2]

A Personal Ranking of the Nominees

Having screened all the films vying for the top prize, I found myself most captivated by Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of “Frankenstein.” While not objectively flawless, this rendition resonated deeply, offering a fresh perspective on Mary Shelley’s classic tale. It’s a film that manages to honor the source material while simultaneously updating it for a modern audience, blending gothic aesthetics with steampunk influences. The visual artistry is stunning, and the performances are exceptional, particularly in the portrayal of the Creature. It’s a film that truly breathed new life into a story told countless times before.

However, despite my personal preference, the race for Best Picture appears to be narrowing down to two frontrunners: Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” and Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners.” Anderson’s film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, has garnered significant attention, but I found myself somewhat underwhelmed. While DiCaprio delivers a strong performance, and the action sequences are undeniably thrilling, the film’s comedic elements felt increasingly tiresome, and the abandonment of the Perfidia storyline – a compelling element of the narrative – was a disappointing choice. [2]

“One Battle After Another” attempts to blend satire, family drama, and action, but this ambitious mix ultimately feels disjointed. The film’s strength lies in the relationship between Bob Ferguson and his daughter, and I would have preferred to see more development of that dynamic rather than the exaggerated portrayal of a local racist club. [2]

Rooting for Genre Representation

My hopes are pinned on “Sinners” taking home the award. As a horror film, its potential victory would be a significant win for the genre, which has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years. Horror consistently delivers innovative storytelling and emotional depth, challenging the outdated stereotypes that have long plagued it. While other horror films released in 2025, such as “Give It Back to Me,” “Disappearances,” and “28 Years Later,” may have been stronger “Sinners” is a compelling and socially conscious operate that deserves recognition. [2] The film skillfully utilizes a less-explored approach to vampires and features a particularly effective musical score, building tension and prompting reflection, even if it occasionally veers into naiveté and chaos.

A Surprise Contender: “The Great Marty”

The most surprising nomination for me was “The Great Marty.” This film possesses the potential to become an instant classic, and it marks a turning point in Timothée Chalamet’s career. He delivers a nuanced performance, shedding his usual persona to portray an arrogant yet gifted character with remarkable subtlety. It was refreshing to see Chalamet demonstrate such control over his expressions and attention to detail. [2]

Josh Safdie’s direction is characteristically frenetic and unsettling, seamlessly integrating form and content. The film’s relentless pace and series of escalating events create a palpable sense of tension, and despite the protagonist’s questionable character, it’s impossible not to root for him. [2]

A Disappointment: “Bugonia”

Despite my admiration for director Yorgos Lanthimos, his nominated film, “Bugonia,” proved to be one of his least successful works in my opinion. While the performances by Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone are exceptional, the film’s overall execution feels overly contrived and lacking in substance. The film’s satirical elements, while present, fail to deliver a truly insightful commentary, and the narrative feels unnecessarily verbose. [2] However, the film’s ending, with its deliberately disorienting and kitsch aesthetic, was a welcome departure from the norm.

Other Notable Nominations

“Hamnet” is visually stunning, thanks to the cinematography of Łukasz Żal, and features strong performances. However, the film’s pacing feels uneven, and its emotional impact is undermined by overly sentimental scenes. I believe Rose Byrne deserved the Best Actress nomination for “I’d Kick You If I Could” over Jessie Buckley. [2]

“Secret Agent” is a cleverly constructed thriller that seamlessly blends various genres, offering a unique and engaging cinematic experience. Kleber Mendonca Filho masterfully weaves together political intrigue, espionage, historical drama, and action, creating a complex and captivating narrative. However, the film’s length and density may detract from its emotional resonance. [2]

Finally, “Sentimental Value” is a visually striking and well-acted film, but it ultimately fails to connect with me on an emotional level. While Trier’s technical skill is undeniable, the film’s exploration of generational trauma feels detached and lacking in genuine feeling. [2]

What’s Next for the Oscars?

The 98th Oscars ceremony is rapidly approaching, and the final preparations are underway. The Academy will continue to announce additional talent joining the show in the coming weeks. [1] Viewers can tune in to ABC and stream the event live on Hulu on March 15, 2026, with the official live red carpet show beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. [2] The anticipation is high, and the outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Oscars continue to be the most prestigious awards in the film industry, shaping the future of cinema for years to approach.