The 2026 Academy Awards are right around the corner. This year is packed with amazing movies, from supernatural journeys to dramatic Shakespearean adaptations. The Oscars nominated 14 films for some of the major awards, including best picture, best performance by an actor or actress, best director, and more. It’s a good sampling of the best and what’s trending in the entertainment industry.
The Academy Awards will take place on March 15th, hosted by Conan O’Brien, who’s reprising his duty as host for the second year in a row. You have a month to catch up on these films. Let’s get started.
The nominees
Sinners
“Sinners” had the biggest year of the bunch, earning a record number of 16 nominations. The story follows twin brothers who want to open a juke joint in the ’30s, running into some trouble in the form of vampires after hosting a successful night of business.
Where to stream: HBO Max & Prime Video.
One Battle After Another
“One Battle After Another” has been a critical darling, taking home some of the major awards of this year’s awards season, including best director for Paul Thomas Anderson, best actor for Leonardo DiCaprio, and best supporting actress for Teyana Taylor. The story follows a washed-up revolutionary who gets dragged back into the action after his daughter begins to be persecuted by authorities.
Where to stream: HBO Max.
Sentimental Value
“Sentimental Value” is a Norwegian film following a film director and his complicated relationship with his daughters. It’s amassed nominations in some of the leading categories, including best picture, best supporting actor, best actress and best supporting actress.
Where to stream: Available for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, and more.
Hamnet
Based on the novel of the same name, “Hamnet” follows William Shakespeare and his writing of “Hamlet,” inspired by his partner, their kids, and a tragic loss.
Where to stream: Available for purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and more.
Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro has finally released one of his great passion projects, “Frankenstein,” an adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel and his interpretation of one of the great cinematic monsters in Hollywood history. The story trails Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) and his monstrous and misunderstood creation (Jacob Elordi), as the two haunt and chase each other through the film’s runtime.
Where to stream: Netflix.
Marty Supreme
Timothee Chalamet has always been in awards consideration, but this might actually be his year. With nods for best picture, best director, and best actor, “Marty Supreme” follows Marty Mauser, an ambitious and selfish ping pong player who’ll do anything to achieve his dreams.
Where to stream: To rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, and more.
Bugonia
“Bugonia” is the latest partnership between Emma Stone and director Yorgos Lanthimos, resulting in yet another incredible performance from Stone. This time around, she plays a CEO who gets kidnapped by two conspiracy theorists who believe she’s an alien.
Where to stream: Peacock.
F1
Pitched as Brad Pitt’s blockbuster comeback, “F1” follows Sonny Hayes, a racer coming back from retirement to make his mark on Formula 1 racing. The film earned nominations for editing, sound design, visual effects, and best picture.
Where to stream: Apple TV+
The Secret Agent
Wagner Moura has been a star for years, but this marks the first time he’s been nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars. He plays a researcher caught in the turmoil of the Brazilian dictatorship of the 70s. The movie was nominated for best international film, best lead actor, casting, and best picture.
Where to stream: It’s not yet available, but it’ll likely be available on Hulu at some point soon. For now, you can watch it in theaters.
Train Dreams
Based on the beloved Denis Johnson novel, “Train Dreams” follows a railroad worker in the early 20th century. The film was nominated for cinematography, best original score, best picture, and adapted screenplay.
Where to stream: Netflix.
Blue Moon
“Blue Moon” is the latest collaboration between long-term partners Ethan Hawke and director Richard Linklater. The story follows the lyricist Lorenz Hart, a key figure in American theater, on the worst night of his life and career. It was nominated for actor in a leading role and original screenplay.
Where to stream: You can rent it or buy it on Prime Video, Apple TV+, and other online services.
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Starring Rose Byrne and earning her first best actress nomination at the Oscars, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” follows a therapist and mom who’s alone caring for her ill daughter as her apartment floods and she’s forced to live in a hotel while the repairs are ongoing.
Where to stream: HBO Max.
Song Sung Blue
Billed as Kate Hudson’s comeback, “Song Sung Blue” stars her and Hugh Jackman as musicians who team up to form a Neil Diamond cover band. The movie earned Hudson a nomination for best actress.
Where to stream: Available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV, and more.
Weapons
Nominated for best actress in a supporting role, “Weapons” follows the disappearance of an entire class of children in a small town and the repercussions it has on its teachers and parents.
Where to stream: HBO Max.
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