The nominations for the 2026 Academy Awards have been revealed, featuring ten films competing for the coveted Best Picture title. Leading the pack is Sinners, which has garnered an impressive 16 nominations, marking a record for the most nominations in Oscar history. Other notable contenders include One Battle After Another with 13 nominations and both Frankenstein and Sentimental Value, each receiving 9 nominations. Movie enthusiasts will have ample opportunity to watch these films before the Oscars ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Overview of the Best Picture Nominees
The following is a list of the Best Picture nominees presented in alphabetical order, along with brief insights into each film:
Bugonia
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this unconventional film showcases powerful performances by Emma Stone, nominated for Best Actress, and Jesse Plemons. The conspiracy theory narrative, penned by Will Tracy (nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay), combines humor and brutality as the characters engage in a battle of manipulation, enhancing its Oscar pedigree.
F1
This racing film has surprised many with its inclusion as a Best Picture nominee. While technically impressive, receiving nominations in Film Editing, Sound, and Visual Effects, its absence from major categories suggests it may lack depth. As a promotional piece for the sport, it succeeds, but as a standalone film, its merits are questionable.
Frankenstein
Writer and director Guillermo del Toro takes on the classic monster story in this Netflix adaptation. With Oscar Isaac cast as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi nominated for Best Supporting Actor as The Creature, this film has a strong chance to win several awards due to its technical achievements.
Hamnet
Directed by Chloé Zhao, who is nominated for both Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, this film explores love and loss through the lens of William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes. The performances of Jessie Buckley (nominated for Best Actress) and Paul Mescal stand out, promising an emotional narrative.
Marty Supreme
A unique cinematic experience, this film directed by Josh Safdie delivers over two hours of frenetic energy. With Timothée Chalamet in a powerhouse lead performance, the film defies traditional storytelling norms. Safdie’s innovative casting choices could also make it a contender in the new Best Casting category.
One Battle After Another
Renowned filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson directs this timely political critique, which has emerged as a frontrunner for Best Picture. The film features stellar performances from Leonardo DiCaprio (nominated for Best Actor), Teyana Taylor (Best Supporting Actress), and others, showcasing Anderson’s mastery of storytelling.
The Secret Agent
This Brazilian film, directed and written by Kleber Mendonça Filho, continues Brazil’s strong presence at the Oscars, following last year’s success. Starring Wagner Moura (nominated for Best Actor), it depicts a technology expert grappling with a turbulent past while seeking tranquility in his hometown.
Sentimental Value
Directed by Joachim Trier, this film has received nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, alongside multiple acting nods. The performances of Renate Reinsve (Best Actress), Elle Fanning, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Stellan Skarsgård add to its acclaim, making it a strong contender in the Best Picture race.
Sinners
Writer and director Ryan Coogler showcases his ability to blend commercial success with critical acclaim. Following his Oscar-winning film Black Panther, Sinners combines elements of Black music history with a vampire narrative, featuring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles. With nominations across numerous categories, it is poised to secure a significant number of awards.
Train Dreams
As the second Netflix film nominated this year, Train Dreams offers a reflective narrative about a logger in early 20th-century America, portrayed by Joel Edgerton. The film’s nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Cinematography highlight its artistic merits and visual storytelling.
With the nominations now set, anticipation builds for the 2026 Academy Awards, where these films will compete for the industry’s highest honors.