2026’s top 30 Oscar contenders, from ‘Sinners’ to ‘Hamnet’

What’s Hollywood’s favorite season? Awards, of course!

As the race for those coveted gold statuettes kicks into high gear in the new year, “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” have so far emerged as frontrunners, taking turns as the most-nominated film from various awards bodies like the Critics Choice Association and the Golden Globes’ Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

But this year’s awards season feels remarkably wide-open: Even career pundits are hesitant to make any premature victory proclamations.

Take the animated feature race, for example: Just when it seemed that Netflix’s juggernaut hit “Kpop Demon Hunters” would be an unstoppable force, Disney’s “Zootopia 2” smashed box office records and received critical acclaim. To complicate matters further, the Natalie Portman-produced “Arco” took home the top animated prize from the prestigious National Board of Review. Suffice to say, it’s anyone’s game.

Some key dates to keep in mind on the circuit: The Critics Choice Awards air on Jan. 4 on USA and E!; the Golden Globes stream on Paramount+ and CBS on Jan. 11; the Actor Awards (previously known as the SAG Awards) are on Netflix on Mar. 1; and the Oscars cap off awards season on Mar. 15 on ABC.

Here are 30 films you should have on your radar this awards season, in no particular order:

“Avatar: Fire and Ash“

Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, Stephen Lang
Directed by: James Cameron

The third entry in 20th Century Studios’ box office smash “Avatar” franchise continues Jake and Neytiri’s epic story on Pandora as they face off with a dangerous new tribe of Na’vi called the Ash People.

The series has historically performed well in the awards space, with the 2009 original film earning nine Oscar nominations and winning three, while its 2022 sequel “The Way of Water” got four nods and one win.

Meanwhile, director Cameron, who’s behind hits like “Titanic” and “The Terminator,” has won three Academy Awards and four Golden Globes, cementing him as one of the most decorated directors of his generation.

“Frankenstein“

Starring: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro

You’ll recognize “Star Wars” actor Isaac right away in this dark take on the classic monster story – but it might take a bit longer to clock “Euphoria” star Elordi, who’s unrecognizable as Frankenstein’s monster under full-body prosthetics.

Director del Toro has previously won three Oscars, three BAFTAs and two Golden Globes, so it’s safe to say he’s well-liked among awards voters. But the project also has significant consumer appeal, inciting a viral fan frenzy following its debut on Netflix in October.

“Frankenstein” was among the most-nominated films from this year’s Critics Choice Awards, with future nods likely in below-the-line categories like production design and makeup, plus recognition for Elordi’s transformative performance.

“Hamnet“

Starring: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn
Directed by: Chloé Zhao

“Hamnet” will probably be the saddest film you’ll see this year. But don’t let that dissuade you from watching, or else you’ll miss out on one of the year’s best performances from star Buckley (“Fargo,” “Chernobyl”), who’s a frontrunner in this year’s best actress race.

“Gladiator II” actor Mescal appears as William Shakespeare opposite Buckley as his wife Agnes in this emotional film that follows the pair as they fall in love, build a family and cope with a devastating loss that leads William to pen his acclaimed masterpiece “Hamlet.”

Director Chloé Zhao, who previously helmed Marvel’s “Eternals,” is one of only three women to ever win the Oscar for best director, for her 2020 movie “Nomadland.”

“Jay Kelly“

Starring: George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Billy Crudup
Directed by: Noah Baumbach

In this Netflix comedy-drama, Clooney stars as a famous actor on an existential journey through Europe with his loyal manager, played by Sandler.

Clooney has taken home two Oscars, one as an actor for “Syriana” and another as producer of Best Picture “Argo.” Sandler has gotten awards buzz for his work on “Punch-Drunk Love” and “Uncut Gems,” but has never snagged a coveted Academy Award nod before.

Writer-director Baumbach, who’s known for his work on projects like “Marriage Story” and “Barbie,” has previously been nominated for four Oscars and two Golden Globes.

“Marty Supreme“

Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion, Kevin O’Leary
Directed by: Josh Safdie

Chalamet has emerged as an early favorite to win best actor for his role as ambitious young ping pong player Marty Mauser in this New York-set comedy-drama.

He’s come close to Oscar gold before, earning nominations for his performances in “Call Me By Your Name” and as Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown.”

Oscar winner Paltrow also stars in “Marty Supreme” as Kay, a retired actress and socialite, while “Shark Tank” star O’Leary (aka Mr. Wonderful) aptly appears as her businessman husband.

“No Other Choice“

Starring: Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min
Directed by: Park Chan-wook

This South Korean drama is led by Lee Byung-hun, best known to American audiences for his role as the Front Man in the Netflix phenomenon “Squid Game.”

“No Other Choice” follows a down on his luck businessman who devises a unique strategy to get the job he needs: killing off his competition.

It seems a likely winner in the international feature category, picking up similar trophies from over a dozen film festivals so far.

“One Battle After Another“

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall
Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson

DiCaprio stars as “Ghetto Pat,” a washed-up, weed-smoking former revolutionary who’s dragged back into a fast-paced life of danger as a corrupt military colonel (Penn) relentlessly pursues his teen daughter.

The film has been an awards darling this season, earning the most nods at the Golden Globes and dominating the competition in the National Board of Review awards.

DiCaprio has earned a career six nominations at the Oscars, and took home his first Academy Award in 2016 for “The Revenant.”

“Sentimental Value“

Starring: Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Elle Fanning
Directed by: Joachim Trier

“Sentimental Value” follows two sisters as they reunite with their estranged father, a has-been director on the verge of a comeback with a new film about their family dynamic. Things get complicated when he offers the lead role to an eager young American actress.

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025, where it took home the prestigious Grand Prix award.

All four central actors have earned critical acclaim and numerous awards nods for their performances.

“Sinners“

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Delroy Lindo
Directed by: Ryan Coogler

“Black Panther” director Coogler’s stylish vampire film stars Jordan in dual roles as twins Smoke and Stack, who start up a juke joint for their community. An otherwise jubilant night of music and revelry turns sour when a pack of vampires descends upon the celebration.

The Post’s entertainment critic Johnny Oleksinski praised the film as “a shrewd genre-bender that blends the blues, religious fervor and the violent hatred of the Jim Crow era into a magic spell.”

The flick has been a hit among audiences and awards voters alike, earning a whopping 17 nods from the Critics Choice Association. Horror doesn’t typically perform well at the Oscars, but “Sinners” has a real chance to break through.

“Wicked: For Good“

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum
Directed by: Jon M. Chu

“Crazy Rich Asians” director Chu delivered another box office smash with this epic musical adaptation of the titular Broadway musical’s second act. Critics weren’t as enthusiastic for the new installment as they were for last year’s “Wicked,” but the film still has solid chances in the awards race.

The first film performed well on last year’s awards circuit, with Grande and Erivo picking up nominations from nearly every major voting body.

Grande is an early favorite to take home this year’s best supporting actress trophy for her role as Glinda the Good in the sequel.

“Blue Moon“

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, Andrew Scott
Directed by: Richard Linklater

Hawke has received critical acclaim for his performance as songwriter Lorenz Hart, best known as half of the Broadway musical team Rodgers and Hart.

Hawke has already earned recognition from a slew of regional critics associations and film festivals.

The biographical film follows Hart in 1943 as he struggles with alcoholism and cripplingly low self-confidence on the opening night of his former collaborator Richard Rodgers’ hit musical “Oklahoma!”

“The Secret Agent“

Starring: Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Robério Diógenes
Directed by: Kleber Mendonça Filho

This Brazilian film follows a former professor and technology expert entangled in the political turmoil of the country in 1977.

Lead actor Moura, known for his role as Pablo Escobar in “Narcos,” took home the Cannes Film Festival’s top acting prize for his work on the film, and could prove to be a serious contender for the Oscar.

“The Secret Agent” made history as the first Brazilian movie to pick up Golden Globe nods for Best Picture (Drama) and Best Actor in a Drama.

“Song Sung Blue“

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Michael Imperioli, Jim Belushi
Directed by: Craig Brewer

Jackman and Hudson star as two down-on-their-luck musicians who form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band.

The film draws audiences in with catchy musical numbers like “Sweet Caroline” and “Forever in Blue Jeans,” but delivers a profound message about following your dreams against all odds.

Hudson in particular has garnered attention for her performance, picking up a Golden Globe nod.

“Train Dreams“

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Clifton Collins Jr., Kerry Condon, William H. Macy
Directed by: Clint Bentley

“Train Dreams” doesn’t have a big, sexy plot filled with twists and turns that change the course of history – and that’s exactly what makes it so special.

It’s a story of an ordinary man in the Pacific Northwest around the turn of the 20th century, experiencing grief, love and rapid changes in the world around him.

“The Great Gatsby” and “Bright” actor Edgerton leads the film in a moving performance.

“Ballad of a Small Player“

Starring: Colin Farrell, Fala Chen, Deanie Ip, Alex Jennings, Tilda Swinton
Directed by: Edward Berger

Farrell stars in this dark psychological thriller as an English gambler running from his past crimes. As he descends into the casinos of Macau, he becomes entranced with a beautiful woman as he dives into a losing streak.

Director Edward Berger’s previous films, including papal drama “Conclave” and anti-war epic “All Quiet on the Western Front,” have historically performed well in the awards space.

“The Smashing Machine“

Starring: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Emily Blunt
Directed by: Benny Safdie

This slice-of-life drama follows UFC champion Mark Kerr as he faces battles both in the ring and in the form of his tumultuous relationship with girlfriend Dawn.

Director Benny Safdie, also an actor who’s made appearances in “Oppenheimer” and “Happy Gilmore 2,” earned the Venice Film Festival’s top directing prize, the Silver Lion.

While the A24 film didn’t make waves at the box office, Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt each earned a Golden Globe for their roles.

“Is This Thing On?“

Starring: Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Bradley Cooper, Andra Day, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds
Directed by: Bradley Cooper

“Arrested Development” alum and comedy star Arnett takes a dramatic turn in this film directed by Cooper, who previously helmed “A Star is Born” and “Maestro.”

A relationship study, “Is This Thing On?” sees Arnett’s Alex find solace in the New York comedy scene as he separates from his wife and co-parent, Tess (Dern).

The film has largely flown under the radar this awards season, but Cooper has earned 12 Oscar nominations for his work both in front of and behind the camera – so don’t count this one out just yet.

“Hedda“

Starring: Tessa Thompson, Imogen Poots, Tom Bateman, Nicholas Pinnock, Nina Hoss
Directed by: Nia DaCosta

Based on the famed play from “A Doll’s House” playwright Henrik Ibsen, the film follows Hedda Gabler, a historically unlikable protagonist who stops at nothing to achieve her goals of wealth and social status.

“Creed” star Thompson brings new life to the oft-hated anti-heroine in this stylish film from “The Marvels” director DaCosta.

“Die My Love”

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Pattinson, LaKeith Stanfield, Nick Nolte, Sissy Spacek
Directed by: Lynne Ramsay

Lawrence stars as Grace, a new mother who struggles with psychosis and severe postpartum depression, hurting her relationship with husband Jackson (Pattinson).

Produced by iconic director Martin Scorsese, “Die My Love” is based on the 2012 book of the same name by Ariana Harwicz.

“Hunger Games” alum Lawrence has previously taken home an Academy Award for her work on “Silver Linings Playbook,” and earned three additional nods for “Winter’s Bone,” “Joy” and “American Hustle.”

“Rental Family“

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Mahina Gorman, Akira Emoto
Directed by: Hikari

This dramedy tells the story of a struggling American actor in Japan who lands a strange new job: employment from a “rental family” agency that loans him out to strangers for stand-in roles in their lives.

Fraser, a ‘90s darling for his work in films like “The Mummy” and “George of the Jungle,” made a big Hollywood comeback in the 2022 film “The Whale,” earning an Oscar for his performance.

“Rental Family” was shut out of the Golden Globes, but hope isn’t lost for this emotional flick, as it’s still making the rounds at festivals and within critics circles.

“Bugonia“

Starring: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, Alicia Silverstone
Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos

A rogue conspiracy theorist kidnaps a pharmaceutical CEO he believes is an alien in this deliciously strange film from “The Favourite” director Lanthimos.

Director Lanthimos and Stone previously worked together on several films including “The Favourite” and “Kinds of Kindness.” Their 2023 collaboration, “Poor Things,” earned a Best Picture Oscar nod and a lead actress win for Stone.

Stone also won Best Actress for the 2016 musical film “La La Land,” in which she starred opposite Ryan Gosling.

“Testament of Ann Lee“

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin, Tim Blake Nelson, Christopher Abbott
Directed by: Mona Fastvold

“Mamma Mia!” alum Seyfried takes on the role of Ann Lee, the founder of the 18th century Shakers religious sect, in this surreal musical drama.

History buffs will recognize the Shakers as a group known for their ecstatic worship filled with song and movement.

Seyfried has come a long way since getting her start on soap operas and in “Mean Girls,” earning a Golden Globe for her work on miniseries “The Dropout” and an Oscar nod for the 2020 film “Mank.”

“Nouvelle Vague“

Starring: Zoey Deutch, Guillaume Marbeck, Aubry Dullin
Directed by: Richard Linklater

Black and white film “Nouvelle Vague” goes behind the scenes of 1960’s “Breathless,” which ushered in French New Wave movement of cinema.

Zoey Deutch, Guillaume Marbeck and Aubry Dullin take on roles as real-life figures Jean-Luc Godard, Jean Seberg and Jean-Paul Belmondo, respectively.

Linklater, who’s behind films like “School of Rock” and “Hit Man,” is also the director of this year’s Ethan Hawke-led “Blue Moon,” which too is earning awards buzz.

“Weapons“

Starring: Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Toby Huss, Benedict Wong, Amy Madigan
Directed by: Zach Cregger

“Barbarian” filmmaker Zach Cregger delivers a bizarre new horror flick in “Weapons,” which tells the story of seventeen children who enigmatically disappear from their homes at the same time on the same night.

An ensemble piece, “Weapons” cleverly uses a large cast of actors to slowly unravel its central mystery from their own unique perspectives.

Horror isn’t typically Oscar fodder, but supporting actress Amy Madigan (“Field of Dreams”) has serious awards momentum for her work as the eccentric, ginger-haired Aunt Gladys.

“It Was Just an Accident“

Starring: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi
Directed by: Jafar Panahi

This international film, a co-production between Iran, France, and Luxembourg, follows a group of former Iranian prisoners who question if they should seek revenge on a guard who once tortured them.

“It Was Just an Accident” made Golden Globes history as the first Iranian film to be nominated for Best Picture (Drama), Best Director and Best Screenplay.

It’s an early contender to take home the prize for best international film.

“Sirāt“

Starring: Sergi López, Bruno Núñez Arjona, Richard Bellamy
Directed by: Óliver Laxe

“Sirāt” follows a father and son as they attend a rave in Morocco, in search of their missing family member who vanished at a previous party.

This psychedelic epic takes the duo across the desert as they’re forced to confront their fading hope of finding what they’re looking for.

The movie took home the Jury Prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, and it’s earned awards attention so far in the international film and score categories.

“F1“

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Javier Bardem
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski

“Top Gun: Maverick” filmmaker Kosinski brought high-octane action to the big screen in this fast-paced sports drama.

Pitt stars as a formerly great F1 racer whose life was upended by a career-ending injury. Thirty years later, he returns to the track to save his former teammate’s team from ruin.

The highest-grossing film of Pitt’s career, “F1” could speed its way into the best picture race.

“Arco“

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Will Ferrell, Andy Samberg, Flea, Jake Gyllenhaal, America Ferrera, Mark Ruffalo (English version)
Directed by: Ugo Bienvenu

This French animated sci-fi fantasy follows a 10-year-old boy, Arco, who accidentally time travels from 2932 back to the year 2075.

“Arco” earned recognition from the National Board of Review and the Annecy Film Festival as the best animated feature of the year, meaning it stands a real chance against some bigger names in the race.

“KPop Demon Hunters“

Starring: Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong, Lee Byung-hun
Directed by: Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans

“Kpop Demon Hunters,” the animated sensation that’s become Netflix’s most-streamed original film of all time, is about a trio of warriors who protect the world from evil demons – through the power of song.

Record-breaking hit “Golden,” a sweeping pop anthem performed by songwriter Ejae, feels like a shoo-in for Best Original Song.

“Zootopia 2“

Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, Patrick Warburton
Directed by: Jared Bush and Byron Howard

The sequel to 2016 smash “Zootopia” follows beloved heroes Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps on another epic adventure, this time in hot pursuit of wanted criminal Gary De’Snake as they attempt to clear their names after being framed as his accomplices.

Within 17 days of release, the sequel crossed the billion-dollar mark at the global box office, and has earned praise from numerous critics associations.