Top 10 Oscar Contenders for the 2026 Academy Awards

The 2026 Academy Awards promise to showcase a diverse array of films, highlighting the best of cinematic storytelling, direction, and performances from the previous year. Drawing from industry insights, early critical reception, and the illustrious track records of filmmakers and actors, the following list outlines the top 10 contenders expected to make significant strides across major categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, and acting awards.

1. Untitled Paul Thomas Anderson Project

Renowned for his masterful storytelling and complex character studies, director Paul Thomas Anderson's upcoming film is generating substantial buzz within the industry. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn, this project is anticipated to excel in multiple categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for DiCaprio, and Best Supporting Actor for both del Toro and Penn. Anderson's previous works, such as "There Will Be Blood" and "Phantom Thread," have set high expectations for this meticulously crafted narrative.

Why It’s a Contender

Anderson's ability to weave intricate plots with profound emotional depth positions this film as a formidable contender. The ensemble cast's proven talent, combined with Anderson's visionary direction, is expected to resonate strongly with Academy voters.

2. Frankenstein

Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic "Frankenstein" is highly anticipated. Featuring performances by Mia Goth, Oscar Isaac, and Ralph Ineson, the film is predicted to vie for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Isaac, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Del Toro's expertise in blending fantasy with deep emotional narratives, as seen in "Pan's Labyrinth" and "The Shape of Water," is expected to deliver a visually stunning and emotionally compelling rendition of the iconic tale.

Why It’s a Contender

Del Toro's unique visual style and ability to infuse classic stories with contemporary relevance make "Frankenstein" a standout. The film's exploration of creation, humanity, and isolation is likely to strike a chord with both audiences and critics alike.

3. A Big Bold Beautiful Journey

Directed by Kogonada, "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey" stars Colin Farrell, Margot Robbie, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. This film is expected to secure nominations in categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Farrell, and Best Actress for Robbie. Kogonada's previous works are celebrated for their unique storytelling and profound character development, promising an emotionally rich cinematic experience.

Why It’s a Contender

The film's thoughtful narrative and strong performances are poised to make a significant impact during awards season. Kogonada's meticulous craftsmanship ensures a compelling and memorable film that aligns with the Academy's appreciation for originality and depth.

4. High and Low

Spike Lee's adaptation of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 crime thriller "High and Low" brings a fresh perspective to the classic story. Featuring Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, and Dean Winters, the film is projected to compete for Best Picture, Best Director for Lee, Best Actor for Washington, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Lee's adeptness at modernizing complex narratives and eliciting powerful performances ensures the film's strong position in the awards circuit.

Why It’s a Contender

Lee's visionary direction paired with a stellar cast creates a gripping and thought-provoking film. The adaptation's ability to maintain the essence of the original while introducing contemporary themes enhances its appeal to the Academy.

5. The Last Disturbance of Madeline Hynde

Under the direction of Kenneth Branagh, "The Last Disturbance of Madeline Hynde" features an impressive cast including Jodie Comer, Patricia Arquette, and Tom Bateman. Anticipated nominations include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress for Comer, and Best Supporting Actress for Arquette. Branagh's history of directing nuanced, character-driven dramas promises a film rich in emotional complexity and narrative depth.

Why It’s a Contender

Branagh's ability to delve into intricate character dynamics and his proven directorial prowess make this film a strong contender. The compelling performances expected from the cast will further enhance its standing among Academy voters.

6. Hamnet

Directed by Chloé Zhao, "Hamnet" is an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, focused on the life and death of Shakespeare's son. Starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, the film is poised for nominations in Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress for Buckley, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Zhao's Oscar-winning work on "Nomadland" sets high expectations for her poetic and evocative storytelling in "Hamnet."

Why It’s a Contender

"Hamnet" offers a deeply emotional narrative that explores themes of loss and resilience. Zhao's sensitive direction and the powerful performances of the leads are likely to resonate strongly with the Academy, making it a standout in the competition.

7. Bugonia

Yorgos Lanthimos's "Bugonia," featuring Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, and Alicia Silverstone, is expected to be a strong contender for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Plemons, and Best Actress for Stone. Known for his distinctive and thought-provoking style in films like "The Lobster" and "The Favourite," Lanthimos brings a unique vision that challenges conventional storytelling.

Why It’s a Contender

Lanthimos's ability to create quirky, intellectually engaging narratives sets "Bugonia" apart. The film's originality and the compelling performances by its cast are poised to attract significant attention from the Academy.

8. Emilia Pérez

Directed by Jacques Audiard, "Emilia Pérez" is a genre-defying musical and crime thriller that explores complex themes of identity and transformation. Featuring Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Zoe Saldaña, the film is anticipated to receive nominations for Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture. Audiard's masterful storytelling and the film's bold narrative choices make it a standout contender.

Why It’s a Contender

The film's innovative blend of musical elements with intense crime drama creates a unique cinematic experience. The strong ensemble cast and Audiard's reputation for crafting compelling stories enhance its prospects for Oscar recognition.

9. The Lost Bus

Directed by Paul Greengrass, "The Lost Bus" delves into the harrowing events surrounding the California Camp Fire. Starring Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera, and Yul Vazquez, the film is expected to compete for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for McConaughey, and Best Supporting Actress for Ferrera. Greengrass's expertise in handling real-life dramas ensures a gripping and emotionally charged narrative.

Why It’s a Contender

The film's focus on a significant real-world event, bolstered by strong performances and Greengrass's dynamic direction, positions "The Lost Bus" as a poignant and powerful contender for major awards.

10. The Phoenician Scheme

Wes Anderson's "The Phoenician Scheme" features an all-star cast including Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, and Benedict Cumberbatch. The film is anticipated to vie for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Anderson's signature meticulously crafted visuals and intricate storytelling techniques are expected to shine through, making this film a visual and narrative masterpiece.

Why It’s a Contender

Additional Noteworthy Contenders

Beyond the top 10, several additional films have garnered attention and hold significant potential for Oscar nominations:

• Dune: Part Two: Directed by Denis Villeneuve, this sequel to "Dune" is expected to excel in both storytelling and technical categories, including Best Picture and Best Director.
• Gladiator II: Ridley Scott's sequel to the iconic "Gladiator" promises epic storytelling and breathtaking visuals, positioning it for nominations in technical and acting categories.
• Wicked: The musical adaptation of the beloved stage production could secure nominations in Best Picture, Best Director, and various technical fields.
• Michael: Antoine Fuqua's biopic on Michael Jackson is anticipated to be a strong contender in Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

Why These Films Are Significant

These additional contenders bring a mix of established franchises, beloved adaptations, and compelling biographical stories to the forefront of the awards conversation. Their diverse genres and strong creative teams ensure a wide appeal among Academy voters.

Conclusion

The 2026 Academy Awards are shaping up to be a showcase of both innovative new storytelling and the continuation of beloved cinematic traditions. With a blend of visionary directors, powerhouse actors, and compelling narratives, the anticipated contenders are well-positioned to capture the Oscars’ highest honors. As the awards season progresses and more films release, the landscape will become clearer, but the films listed above provide a solid foundation for expectations.

For further insights and predictions, industry enthusiasts can refer to credible sources such as Reddit's Oscar Race Community, GoldDerby Forums, and Variety’s Oscar Predictions.