Los Angeles: The Oscars race has officially begun, with a slew of films vying for the coveted awards as the film industry transitions from summer blockbusters to awards season contenders.
According to BBC, films such as *Hamnet*, *Sinners*, and *Christy* are among the anticipated frontrunners this year, with several not yet premiered but already generating significant buzz.
*Hamnet*, a film set in 1596, explores the death of William Shakespeare’s 11-year-old son and its influence on the playwright’s creation of *Hamlet*. The movie recently won the Toronto People’s Choice Award, often a precursor to Oscars success, and is slated for release in UK cinemas on January 9, 2026.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson’s *One Battle After Another*, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is also in the running. Despite several previous nominations, Anderson has yet to win a best picture or best director Oscar. This year’s entry follows former revolutionaries on a mission to rescue a kidnapped child and is praised for its storytelling and pacing.
Ryan Coogler’s *Sinners* is another strong contender, showcasing a unique blend of originality and box office success. The film, a vampire narrative set in the Mississippi Delta, is available digitally and stands out as a beacon of hope in Hollywood.
Emma Stone leads *Bugonia*, a Yorgos Lanthimos film where she plays a CEO involved in a conspiracy plot. Her co-star, Jesse Plemons, could receive his first Oscar nomination. *Bugonia* will hit UK theaters on November 7.
The sports biopic genre is well-represented with *Christy*, featuring Sydney Sweeney as boxer Christy Martin. Directed by David Michôd, the film chronicles Martin’s rise and the personal challenges she faced, with a UK release set for November 28.
Daniel Day-Lewis returns from retirement for *Anemone*, directed by his son Ronan. The film, about a soldier reuniting with his brother, is set for a UK release on November 7.
*The Smashing Machine* features Dwayne Johnson as UFC fighter Mark Kerr, marking a potential career pivot for Johnson. Directed by Benny Safdie, who won best director at Venice, the film releases in UK cinemas on October 3.
*Sentimental Value*, a Cannes Grand Prix winner, reunites actress Renate Reinsve with director Joachim Trier in a story of familial reconciliation. The film is slated for a December 26 release in the UK.
Jafar Panahi’s *It Was Just An Accident*, winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes, explores themes of political repression in Iran and is expected to be a strong contender in the international category, with a December 5 release.
Josh Safdie’s *Marty Supreme*, a film about table tennis player Marty Reisman starring Timothée Chalamet, is set for release on January 1, 2026.
Blockbuster sequels *Wicked: For Good* and *Avatar: Fire and Ash* are expected to perform well at the box office and may secure nominations in the expanded best picture category, appealing to younger audiences.
Other films in the Oscar race include *Frankenstein* by Guillermo del Toro, George Clooney’s return in *Jay Kelly*, and Jeremy Allen White’s portrayal of Bruce Springsteen in *Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere*. Additionally, Kathryn Bigelow’s *A House of Dynamite*, Rose Byrne’s *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You*, and Brendan Fraser’s *Rental Family* are gaining attention. International contenders like *No Other Choice* from South Korea and *The Secret Agent* from Brazil could also break into the best picture field.
The awards season promises a diverse array of films, each vying for recognition on Hollywood’s biggest night.