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2026 Academy Award Season is Here!
Awards season is here, and the 2026 Academy Awards are shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years. Whether you’re a film student, aspiring director, or just love the Oscars, these are the movies everyone in the industry is buzzing about—and you’ll want to watch them for both inspiration and practical filmmaking lessons.
Most Buzzed-About Contenders for Best Picture & More:
One Battle After Another (dir. Paul Thomas Anderson): Gritty drama with an all-star cast, already winning major critics’ awards. Expect this to be a Best Picture and Director frontrunner.
Hamnet (dir. Chloé Zhao): A poetic adaptation of the bestselling novel, blending historical drama with Zhao’s signature realism. Early reviews call it a masterpiece.
Frankenstein (dir. Guillermo Del Toro): A dark, visually stunning reimagining of the classic, with Oscar-worthy production design and creature effects.
Sinners (dir. Ryan Coogler): Socially charged, powerful, and timely—Coogler’s latest is on every prediction list.
Wicked: For Good: The long-awaited musical adaptation, with showstopping performances and dazzling sets.
Avatar: Fire and Ash: James Cameron returns with jaw-dropping VFX and immersive worldbuilding—expect technical category dominance.
Bugonia: The year’s breakout indie, mixing genre and social commentary.
F1: High-octane racing drama, a crowd-pleaser with technical and editing buzz.
Jay Kelly and Materialists: Both gaining steam with critics and audiences alike.
- Zootopia 2
- : Likely Animated Feature frontrunner, plus possible technical nods.
Why These Films Matter for Filmmakers
Each pushes boundaries in directing, storytelling, or craft.
Look for trends: diverse casts, real-world themes, practical effects, and bold genre choices are everywhere this year.
These films are masterclasses in set etiquette, collaboration, and creative problem-solving—watch with your “film student” hat on!
Want to learn the real skills you see on these sets? Grab the Get Reelisms Book or join our next Scene Lab Workshop for hands-on experience.
Episode 165 Throwbacks: Oscars 2025
🎬 The 2025 Oscars: A Night to Remember
🏆 Top Honors of the Night
🎥 Best Picture
🏆 Winner: Anora
Sean Baker’s heartfelt indie drama took home the most prestigious prize of the night, solidifying its place as a critics’ and audiences’ favorite.
🎬 Best Director
🏆 Sean Baker – Anora
Baker’s creative vision not only earned him Best Director but helped the film dominate the ceremony with multiple wins.
👏 Acting Victories
⭐ Best Actor
🏆 Adrien Brody – The Brutalist
Brody delivered a powerful performance that resonated with voters and brought home the top acting honor.
⭐ Best Actress
🏆 Mikey Madison – Anora
A breakout win for Madison, whose portrayal captivated audiences and critics alike.
🌟 Best Supporting Actor
🏆 Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain
Culkin turned heads with a standout performance, earning him a well-deserved Oscar.
🌟 Best Supporting Actress
🏆 Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez
Saldaña made history, becoming the first American of Dominican descent to win an Academy Award.
Episode 142 Throwbacks: Oscars 2024
Must Have Products For Beginners
“This film was made on belief — belief in people, belief in cinema, and belief that small stories still matter.”
The Author: Christine W Chen
Christine W Chen is a director/writer with over a decade of experience in the film industry. She is also a co-founder of Get Reelisms. A current DGA 1st Assistant Director, Member of the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences, Christine currently resides in Los Angeles. When Christine is not making movies, she loves to travel.