The list of Oscar nominated movies 2026 highlights the films selected by the Academy for the 98th Academy Awards, recognizing the most acclaimed productions released during 2025. The nominations were officially announced in January 2026, and the awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in March 2026 in Los Angeles, honoring achievements across acting, directing, writing, and filmmaking.
Every year, the Academy Awards generate major interest among movie fans in the United States. The nominations often shape box office success, streaming popularity, and industry recognition. For 2026, the nominated films include a diverse mix of dramas, historical stories, musical projects, and independent productions that captured both critical attention and audience interest throughout the year.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the films that received nominations at the 2026 Oscars, along with insights into the major contenders and what makes each film stand out during this awards season.
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Overview of the 2026 Academy Awards
The 98th Academy Awards celebrate films released during the 2025 calendar year. The ceremony will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, continuing the long tradition of honoring excellence in filmmaking.
Key details for the 2026 Oscars include:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Ceremony | 98th Academy Awards |
| Honoring | Films released in 2025 |
| Location | Dolby Theatre, Hollywood |
| Announcement of Nominations | January 2026 |
| Ceremony Date | March 2026 |
Each year the nominations are chosen through voting by members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Thousands of professionals from across the film industry participate in the selection process.
Best Picture Nominees at the 2026 Oscars
The Best Picture category represents the highest honor at the Academy Awards. The films selected in this category reflect the most widely praised productions of the year.
Here is the confirmed Best Picture lineup from the list of Oscar nominated movies 2026:
- Anora
- The Brutalist
- A Complete Unknown
- Conclave
- Dune: Part Two
- Emilia Pérez
- Nickel Boys
- The Substance
- Wicked
- I’m Still Here
These films span a wide range of genres, from large-scale studio productions to independent storytelling.
Anora
Anora emerged as one of the most talked-about films of the year. Directed by Sean Baker, the movie follows a young woman from Brooklyn whose life takes a dramatic turn after she becomes involved with the son of a powerful Russian family.
The film received strong praise for its energetic storytelling and emotional performances. Critics highlighted the director’s ability to blend humor and drama while portraying modern urban life.
The film’s nominations reflect strong support from Academy voters across several categories.
The Brutalist
The Brutalist presents a sweeping historical narrative that explores architecture, identity, and postwar America. The story centers on a Hungarian architect who immigrates to the United States after World War II.
The film attracted attention for its ambitious scale and visual design. Its storytelling spans decades and explores themes of creativity, ambition, and cultural identity.
Many industry observers consider it one of the most technically impressive productions of the year.
A Complete Unknown
A Complete Unknown focuses on the early career of legendary musician Bob Dylan. The film captures the transformation of the folk music scene during the 1960s.
The production drew attention for its recreation of the music culture of that era. Performances and musical sequences helped the film stand out among awards contenders.
Biographical dramas often perform well during awards season, and this film continued that tradition with several nominations.
Conclave
Conclave is a gripping drama set within the secretive process of selecting a new pope in the Vatican. The story follows cardinals gathering in Rome to elect a new leader for the Catholic Church.
The film gained praise for its tense storytelling and political intrigue. Strong performances from the cast and careful attention to detail helped elevate the narrative.
Its inclusion among the Best Picture nominees demonstrates the Academy’s interest in sophisticated political dramas.
Dune: Part Two
Dune: Part Two continues the epic science fiction saga based on the novels by Frank Herbert. The film expands the story of Paul Atreides as he joins forces with the Fremen to challenge the forces controlling the desert planet Arrakis.
The sequel impressed audiences with its large-scale visuals and immersive world building.
Major elements that contributed to its nominations include:
- groundbreaking visual effects
- large-scale action sequences
- elaborate production design
- powerful performances
The film also performed strongly at the global box office, making it one of the biggest commercial successes among this year’s nominees.
Emilia Pérez
Emilia Pérez blends crime drama with musical storytelling in a bold and unconventional narrative.
The film tells the story of a lawyer who helps a powerful cartel leader disappear and begin a new life. The narrative explores themes of identity, transformation, and redemption.
Its distinctive style and genre-blending approach made it one of the most unique nominees of the year.
Nickel Boys
Nickel Boys adapts the acclaimed novel by Colson Whitehead. The story follows two young boys navigating life at a reform school in the American South during the 1960s.
The film focuses on friendship, resilience, and injustice. Its emotional storytelling and powerful historical themes resonated strongly with audiences and critics.
Adaptations of literary works often gain recognition during awards season, and this film earned praise for bringing an important story to the screen.
The Substance
The Substance stands out as one of the most unusual films among the nominees. The story explores the entertainment industry through a dark and surreal narrative involving a mysterious treatment that promises youth and perfection.
The film generated significant discussion due to its bold visual style and provocative themes. Its originality helped it secure recognition during the nomination process.
Wicked
Wicked brings the beloved Broadway musical to the big screen. The film explores the untold story of the witches of Oz and their complicated friendship.
Audiences embraced the adaptation for its music, visual design, and large-scale production.
Musical films often attract strong attention during awards season, particularly when they combine popular source material with cinematic spectacle.
I’m Still Here
I’m Still Here is a powerful drama that examines political history and personal resilience.
The story follows a family navigating the challenges of political upheaval. Emotional performances and a strong narrative helped the film earn recognition among Academy voters.
Its nomination reflects the Academy’s continued support for international and character-driven storytelling.
Genre Diversity Among the 2026 Nominees
The list of Oscar nominated movies 2026 shows a wide variety of genres represented among the Best Picture contenders.
Here is a quick breakdown of the major genres included:
| Genre | Example Nominees |
|---|---|
| Science Fiction | Dune: Part Two |
| Biographical Drama | A Complete Unknown |
| Historical Drama | The Brutalist |
| Musical | Wicked |
| Independent Drama | Anora |
| Political Thriller | Conclave |
This diversity demonstrates the Academy’s interest in recognizing films with different storytelling styles and production approaches.
How Oscar Nominations Impact Films
Receiving an Academy Award nomination can significantly boost a film’s visibility and financial performance.
The impact often includes:
- increased ticket sales
- expanded theatrical releases
- higher streaming viewership
- renewed media attention
- stronger international distribution
Many nominated films also return to theaters after the nominations announcement. This allows audiences who missed the initial release to experience the films before the awards ceremony.
What Makes a Film an Oscar Contender
Films that appear on the nominations list usually share several qualities.
Common characteristics include:
- strong critical reception
- compelling performances
- innovative filmmaking techniques
- cultural or historical significance
- memorable storytelling
Academy voters evaluate thousands of eligible films before narrowing the field to a smaller group of nominees.
Awards Season Momentum
The Oscars represent the final stage of the awards season that begins months earlier.
Films often gain momentum through recognition from other organizations and festivals. These early awards help build visibility and encourage voters to watch the films before nominations are finalized.
By the time nominations are announced, many of the leading contenders have already built strong reputations within the industry.
Final Thoughts
The list of Oscar nominated movies 2026 showcases a diverse collection of films that defined the cinematic landscape of 2025. From epic science fiction and powerful historical stories to bold independent projects, the nominees highlight the creativity and ambition shaping modern filmmaking.
As the Academy Awards approach, audiences across the United States continue watching these films to see which one will ultimately take home the biggest honor of the night.
Which of these Oscar-nominated movies do you think deserves to win Best Picture? Share your thoughts and join the conversation as the awards season continues.
