The curtain has officially fallen on the 98th Academy Awards, a ceremony that saw "One Battle After Another" claim the coveted Best Picture prize and "Sinners" shatter numerous records. As the industry collectively exhales, the gaze of cinephiles and awards strategists immediately shifts to the horizon, focusing on the potential contenders for the 2026 film year. This early forecast, while inherently speculative, offers a glimpse into the cinematic landscape that may soon dominate award season conversations. The films highlighted here are not definitive predictions but rather a curated list of projects to monitor as release dates solidify and critical buzz begins to build. History has shown that early assessments can be remarkably inaccurate, underscoring the dynamic and often surprising nature of the Academy Awards.
It is crucial to acknowledge the inherent limitations of such early predictions. With many films yet to be officially dated or to have premiered at prestigious fall festivals, this initial list naturally gravitates towards established filmmakers, anticipated English-language productions, and projects with larger budgets. Consequently, the representation of films directed by women and people of color is currently limited. However, history also demonstrates that non-English language films frequently emerge as strong contenders in major categories, even if their Oscar potential is not immediately apparent this far in advance.
The following compilation represents the first wave of potential Oscar contenders for 2026, accompanied by an in-depth analysis of their perceived strengths and potential for Academy recognition. The question now turns to audiences and industry insiders: which of these films possess the magic to capture the Academy’s attention and potentially secure a place in Oscar history?
Early Oscar Contenders for the 2026 Film Year
Best Picture Predictions:
- Digger
- Dune: Part Three
- The Entertainment System is Down
- Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew
- The Odyssey
- Parallel Tales
- Project Hail Mary
- Saturn Return
- The Social Reckoning
- Wild Horse Nine
Best Director Projections:
- Asghar Farhadi, Parallel Tales
- Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Digger
- Greg Kwedar, Saturn Return
- Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey
- Ruben Östlund, The Entertainment System is Down
Leading Actress Nominations:
- Cara Buono, Untitled Jesse Eisenberg Musical Comedy
- Rachel Brosnahan, Saturn Return
- Ruth Madeley, Being Heumann
- Mikey Madison, The Social Reckoning
- Renate Reinsve, Fjord
Leading Actor Nominations:
- Tom Cruise, Digger
- Matt Damon, The Odyssey
- Josh O’Connor, Jack of Spades
- Will Poulter, Saturn Return
- Sebastian Stan, Fjord
Supporting Actress Buzz:
- Lily Rose Depp, Werwulf
- Sandra Hüller, Digger
- Frances McDormand, Jack of Spades
- Parker Posey, Wild Horse Nine
- Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada 2
Supporting Actor Outlook:
- Steve Buscemi, Wild Horse Nine
- Tom Holland, The Odyssey
- Keanu Reeves, The Entertainment System is Down
- Mark Ruffalo, Being Heumann
- Jeremy Strong, The Social Reckoning
Deep Dive into Potential 2026 Oscar Contenders
1949
Pawel Pawlikowski, acclaimed for his 2018 Oscar-nominated film Cold War, is set to return with 1949. This biographical drama stars Hanns Zischler and Sandra Hüller as novelist Thomas Mann and his daughter Erika Mann, embarking on a significant road trip from East to West Germany during the Cold War. Given Hüller’s recent critical acclaim and Pawlikowski’s established directorial reputation, 1949 holds considerable promise. A premiere at the Cannes Film Festival is anticipated, offering an early barometer of its awards potential across categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, Best International Feature, and acting nods for its leads.
The Adventures of Cliff Booth
In a surprising turn of events, David Fincher is reportedly helming a sequel to Quentin Tarantino’s Oscar-winning Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, titled The Adventures of Cliff Booth. Netflix is backing this ambitious project, which sees Brad Pitt reprising his Best Supporting Actor-winning role as Hollywood fixer Cliff Booth. The film’s trailer, unveiled during this year’s Super Bowl, showcased stunning visuals, complemented by a reported $200 million budget, positioning it as a strong contender in the technical categories and potentially beyond. Its prospects span Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Pitt, Best Adapted Screenplay, and a host of craft awards.
All of a Sudden
Director Ryusuke Hamaguchi ventures into French cinema with All of a Sudden, an adaptation of the non-fiction book You and I – The Illness Suddenly Gets Worse. The film centers on a nursing home director in Paris who employs the Humanitude technique and finds her perspective transformed after meeting a terminally ill Japanese playwright. Given Hamaguchi’s previous success with Drive My Car, which earned him Best Picture and Best Director nominations, this intimate drama exploring themes of dementia and end-of-life care is a strong candidate for Best International Feature and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Artificial
Luca Guadagnino’s continued prolific output places Artificial on this early prediction list, marking his fourth directorial effort in three years. Despite a nomination drought since Call Me By Your Name, Guadagnino’s return is highly anticipated. Penned by Simon Rich, the film chronicles the tumultuous five days of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s firing and rehiring. Starring Andrew Garfield as Altman, alongside a stellar ensemble cast, the film delves into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. With its timely subject matter and potential for a The Social Network-esque narrative, Artificial is poised for consideration in Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and numerous technical categories.
At The Sea
Kornél Mundruczó’s At The Sea reappears on early Oscar prediction lists, following the success of his English-language feature Pieces of a Woman, which earned Vanessa Kirby an Oscar nomination. This new film, starring Amy Adams as Laura, a woman rebuilding her life after rehab and returning to her family’s beach home, has garnered mixed reviews, with praise for Adams’ performance. Despite some criticism regarding thematic elements, Adams’ portrayal could secure a Best Actress nomination, making it a potential, albeit singular, contender.
Behemoth!
Tony Gilroy, renowned for his Emmy-winning work on Andor, is returning to feature filmmaking with Behemoth!. While details remain scarce, the film reportedly follows a Los Angeles-based musician from a musical family, described as a "love letter to the music of the movies and the people who make it." With an impressive cast including Pedro Pascal, Eva Victor, and Olivia Wilde, and rumored musical contributions from esteemed composers, Behemoth! has the potential for significant awards buzz. Its release date is uncertain, with a potential shift to 2027, but if it lands in 2026, it could contend for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Song, and Best Film Editing.
Being Heumann
Sian Heder, fresh off her Best Picture win for CODA, is directing Being Heumann, a biopic about disability rights activist Judith Heumann. Ruth Madeley stars as Heumann, marking a significant casting choice of a disabled actor for a disabled lead. The film also features Mark Ruffalo and Dylan O’Brien. Following CODA‘s success, Being Heumann has the potential to elevate Madeley’s career, similar to Troy Kotsur’s Oscar win. Apple TV+ is expected to release the film, positioning it for consideration in Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, and several craft categories.
Bitter Christmas
Pedro Almodóvar’s latest work, Bitter Christmas, is poised for an international debut, offering an early indication of its Oscar viability. Known for his distinctive style, Almodóvar explores themes of grief and artistic pursuit in this tragicomedy about a woman mourning her mother. Starring Bárrbara Lennie, the film is a strong contender for Best International Feature and could also vie for Best Original Screenplay, continuing Almodóvar’s consistent presence in awards discussions.
The Bride!
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein achieved critical and commercial success, and now Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride!, a distinct take on the classic narrative, emerges as a potential contender. Starring Jessie Buckley, who won an Oscar for her role in Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut The Lost Daughter, the film’s reviews suggest a stronger impact in the craft categories. While above-the-line nominations may be less likely, its visual artistry could secure nods for Best Costume Design and Best Makeup & Hairstyling.
Bucking Fastard
Werner Herzog’s distinctive narrative style, though yet to earn him an Oscar nomination, makes his latest film, Bucking Fastard, a point of interest. This long-gestating project is a fictionalized account of identical twin sisters Freda and Greta Chaplin, portrayed by Rooney and Kate Mara. The fantastical premise, exploring themes of shared love and identity, combined with a cast including Orlando Bloom and Domhnall Gleeson, suggests a unique cinematic experience. While its appeal to the Academy is uncertain, a potential premiere at Telluride could signal its awards aspirations, with possibilities in Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress/Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Production Design.
Cry to Heaven
Fashion designer Tom Ford has a consistent track record of securing acting nominations for his directorial efforts. His upcoming film, Cry to Heaven, an adaptation of Anne Rice’s novel, is set in 18th-century Italy and follows a nobleman’s rise in the opera world. The film boasts an extensive and star-studded cast, including Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Colin Firth, making it a significant potential player. Despite its production status potentially pushing its release to 2027, Cry to Heaven is a strong contender for numerous awards, from Best Picture and Best Director to multiple acting and technical categories, including Costume Design and Makeup & Hairstyling.
The Devil Wears Prada 2
While the cinematic landscape has evolved since the original The Devil Wears Prada earned Meryl Streep a Best Actress nomination, the sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2, cannot be entirely dismissed. The original film’s cast has since garnered Oscar nominations and wins, hinting at the enduring talent involved. The sequel is expected to be a commercial success, and Streep’s performance, whether in a leading or supporting capacity, could once again place her in the awards conversation. Costumes, a hallmark of the original, will undoubtedly be a strong contender.
Digger
Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Digger, starring Tom Cruise in a role described as the "most powerful man in the world," presents a compelling narrative of a frantic mission to avert global disaster. The film’s ensemble cast includes Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, and Riz Ahmed, with Emmanuel Lubezki serving as cinematographer. Following Warner Bros.’ successful awards season this year, Digger is poised to be another major contender, with potential nominations across the board, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Cruise, and numerous technical awards.
Disclosure Day
Steven Spielberg’s return to the blockbuster genre with Disclosure Day is a significant event. The film, which chronicles humanity’s reaction to the revelation of alien existence, features a strong cast including Josh O’Connor, Emily Blunt, and Colman Domingo. Given Spielberg’s consistent Academy recognition, Disclosure Day is virtually guaranteed to garner nominations. The film’s release in June suggests it could break the typical fall/winter release pattern for Oscar contenders. The inclusion of John Williams’ score, potentially his last, adds another layer of emotional resonance and awards potential.
Dune: Part Three
Denis Villeneuve’s ambitious Dune saga continues with Dune: Part Three, adapting Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah. While a Best Picture win akin to The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King might be ambitious, a Best Picture nomination appears highly probable, especially if it maintains the critical acclaim of its predecessors. The addition of Robert Pattinson and Anya Taylor-Joy to the already impressive cast solidifies its star power. Despite Villeneuve’s previous directorial snubs, Dune: Part Three is a near certainty for multiple technical award nominations.
The Entertainment System is Down
Ruben Östlund, a two-time Palme d’Or winner, returns with The Entertainment System is Down, a satire exploring passenger boredom on a flight with a broken entertainment system. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Keanu Reeves, Kirsten Dunst, and Daniel Brühl, the film is expected to premiere at a fall festival after bypassing Cannes. Östlund’s sharp social commentary and comedic timing make this a strong contender for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, with potential acting nods for its ensemble.
Fjord
Fjord, directed by Cristian Mungiu, reunites Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve, fresh off their acclaimed performances in A Different Man. The film delves into the complexities of a Romanian-Norwegian family facing scrutiny in a remote Norwegian village. Mungiu’s consistent success at Cannes suggests Fjord will likely premiere there, positioning it for international acclaim and potential nominations in Best Picture, Best Director, Best International Feature, and acting categories for Stan and Reinsve.
Flowervale Street
David Robert Mitchell, known for It Follows, ventures into sci-fi with Flowervale Street, produced by J.J. Abrams. Starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor, the film depicts a family experiencing strange occurrences in their neighborhood. Despite potential delays, its release in August could offer an unconventional path to awards consideration, particularly in the technical realms of Best Production Design and Best Visual Effects, especially given the growing Academy appreciation for genre films.
The Great Beyond
J.J. Abrams’ second original film as director, The Great Beyond, is shrouded in mystery but promises a supernatural thriller starring Glen Powell and Emma Mackey. With a November release date, the film aims to balance blockbuster appeal with potential awards recognition. Its inclusion of Jenna Ortega and Samuel L. Jackson further bolsters its potential, suggesting a focus on Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and technical categories like Visual Effects and Production Design.
Here Comes the Flood
Netflix has secured Fernando Meirelles’ heist thriller Here Comes the Flood, featuring a powerhouse cast including Denzel Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Daisy Edgar-Jones. While the plot may sound conventional, the caliber of talent involved suggests a compelling narrative. The film’s potential lies in strong performances, particularly from Washington, and its technical execution, aiming for nominations in Best Actor, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound.
I Love Boosters
Boots Riley’s unique vision continues with I Love Boosters, a vibrant comedy set in the high-fashion world of shoplifting. With a cast including Keke Palmer and Will Poulter, the film has garnered attention for its originality and distinctive style. While unconventional for the Academy, Neon’s distribution could amplify its visibility, potentially leading to nominations for Best Original Screenplay and craft awards like Costume Design and Makeup & Hairstyling.
The Invite
Olivia Wilde’s chamber piece The Invite, acquired by A24, emerged as a standout from Sundance. Set entirely within an apartment, the film explores relationship dynamics through sharp dialogue and compelling performances. Its script, co-written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, holds the strongest potential for an Oscar nomination in Best Adapted Screenplay, with possibilities for Golden Globe recognition as well.
Jack of Spades
Joel Coen’s solo directorial effort, Jack of Spades, follows his Oscar-nominated The Tragedy of Macbeth. Set in 1880s Scotland, this gothic mystery stars Josh O’Connor and Frances McDormand. The film’s atmospheric setting, coupled with the involvement of cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel and composer Carter Burwell, strongly suggests excellence in craft categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and technical awards.
Josephine
The critically acclaimed Josephine, winner of both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award Dramatic at Sundance, presents a challenging yet impactful story of childhood trauma. Directed by Beth de Araújo and starring Mason Reeves, Channing Tatum, and Gemma Chan, its distribution by the nascent Sumerian Pictures raises questions about its awards campaign reach. Despite its artistic merit, the film faces an uphill battle for widespread Academy recognition beyond potential nods for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Original Screenplay.
Klara and the Sun
Taika Waititi’s Klara and the Sun, based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, explores the relationship between a young girl and her artificial friend. Starring Jenna Ortega and Mia Tharia, alongside Amy Adams and Natasha Lyonne, the film balances Waititi’s signature blend of comedy and drama. Having demonstrated his ability to earn Oscar recognition with Jojo Rabbit, Waititi’s latest project is a strong contender for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay, alongside technical nominations.
Look Back
Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda returns with Look Back, an adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga. The film explores the bond between two aspiring manga artists, a theme well-suited to Kore-eda’s sensitive directorial style. With GKIDS distributing, Look Back has a chance to follow in the footsteps of other international features gaining Academy traction. It is a strong candidate for Best International Feature and could contend for Best Picture and other categories if its reception is particularly strong.
Michael
Antoine Fuqua’s biopic Michael, focusing on the life of Michael Jackson and starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson, is an inevitable box office draw. The film’s scope, covering Jackson’s life from childhood to his later years, and the inclusion of Colman Domingo as his father, suggests potential for awards consideration. While music biopics have had mixed success recently, the sheer cultural impact of Jackson could propel Michael to nominations in Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and technical categories like Makeup & Hairstyling and Sound.
Mother Mary
Mother Mary, from director David Lowery, is an epic melodrama charting the relationship between a musician and a fashion designer. Starring Michaela Coel and Anne Hathaway, the film is also notable for its original songs from Jack Antonoff and Charli XCX. This musical element positions Mother Mary as a strong contender for Best Original Song, with potential nominations in Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Original Screenplay.
Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of The Magician’s Nephew for Netflix marks her foray into a major franchise. Despite being a Netflix production, Gerwig’s track record with Barbie suggests a potential for awards success. The film boasts a strong cast including Daniel Craig and Carey Mulligan, with Meryl Streep rumored for a voice role. Its IMAX release and Christmas debut position it for significant visibility, making it a contender for Best Picture, Best Director, and numerous technical awards.
The Odyssey
Christopher Nolan’s ambitious retelling of The Odyssey, released this July, features an all-star cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway. Following the success of Oppenheimer, Nolan’s epic scale and grounded approach are expected to resonate with audiences and the Academy. The film is a strong candidate for Best Picture, Best Director, and numerous craft awards, with Matt Damon potentially earning a Best Actor nomination.
Paper Tiger
James Gray’s Paper Tiger, a crime drama about two brothers entangled with the Russian Mafia, stars Adam Driver and Miles Teller alongside Scarlett Johansson. Gray’s understated yet critically praised directorial style has often been overlooked by the Academy. However, the film’s compelling narrative and strong cast could finally break through, with potential nominations in Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress/Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Costume Design.
Parallel Tales
Asghar Farhadi, a two-time Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film, returns with Parallel Tales, a French-language production featuring Isabelle Huppert and Virginie Efira. While the plot remains undisclosed, Farhadi’s mastery of human drama and international acclaim position Parallel Tales as a formidable contender for Best International Feature, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
Project Hail Mary
Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel, Project Hail Mary, is a high-budget sci-fi adventure starring Ryan Gosling and Sandra Hüller. The film’s strong reviews and commercial appeal suggest it could follow the trend of non-traditional awards season releases. Its blend of humor, action, and heart makes it a strong contender for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, and a host of technical awards.
Saturn Return
The creative partnership of Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley continues with Saturn Return, a decade-spanning drama starring Will Poulter and Rachel Brosnahan. Following the success of their previous collaborations, this film is poised for critical acclaim and potential Oscar recognition. Its exploration of adulthood and relationships positions it for nominations in Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and technical categories.
Sheep in the Box
Another film from acclaimed Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, Sheep in the Box, is a sci-fi drama exploring themes of grief and artificial life. With Neon distributing, the film has a platform for awards consideration. Kore-eda’s previous work, Shoplifters, was Oscar-nominated, and Sheep in the Box could follow suit, potentially competing for Best International Feature and other accolades if it resonates strongly with critics.
The Social Reckoning
Aaron Sorkin directs his own script for The Social Reckoning, a spiritual successor to The Social Network, focusing on whistleblower Frances Haugen’s exposé of Facebook. Starring Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White, and Jeremy Strong, the film delves into contemporary issues of social media and corporate accountability. Sorkin’s directorial efforts have consistently earned Oscar nominations, making The Social Reckoning a strong contender for Best Picture, Best Director, and acting nominations.
Untitled Jesse Eisenberg Musical Comedy
Jesse Eisenberg’s latest project, an untitled musical comedy, is generating buzz despite its lack of a formal title. The film centers on a woman who immerses herself in a local theater production. With a cast including Cara Buono, Julianne Moore, and Paul Giamatti, the musical comedy has the potential for nominations in Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Original Song.
Werwulf
Robert Eggers, known for his meticulously crafted horror films like Nosferatu, moves to werewolves with Werwulf. Set in a 13th-century village, the film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Lily Rose Depp. Its dark fantasy elements and historical setting make it a strong candidate for technical awards, including Costume Design, Production Design, and Makeup & Hairstyling, with potential for Best Picture and Best Director nominations.
Wild Horse Nine
Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine, a spy thriller set during the 1973 Chilean coup, features a star-studded cast including John Malkovich, Steve Buscemi, and Sam Rockwell. McDonagh’s consistent success with the Academy suggests this film will be a major contender. Its dark comedic tone and compelling narrative could lead to nominations in Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress/Actor, and Best Original Screenplay.
Wildwood
Laika’s first feature in six years, Wildwood, is an animated fantasy based on the novel of the same name. The film, directed by Travis Knight, features an impressive voice cast including Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, and Mahershala Ali. Despite distribution concerns, Laika’s commitment to artistry positions Wildwood as a strong contender for Best Animated Feature, with potential for nominations in Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects.
Wuthering Heights
Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, while receiving mixed reviews, boasts stunning craftwork. The film’s visual splendor and thematic depth make it a likely candidate for nominations in Costume Design, Production Design, Cinematography, and potentially Original Song, continuing the Academy’s appreciation for visually rich period pieces.
As the industry gears up for the 2026 awards season, the sheer volume of promising projects underscores the vibrant and diverse nature of contemporary cinema. The journey from early buzz to Oscar nominations is a long and unpredictable one, but these films represent the vanguard of cinematic storytelling poised to capture the Academy’s attention. The coming months will undoubtedly reveal more contenders and refine these early predictions, offering a clearer picture of the films that will shape the next Oscar race.
