With the summer blockbuster season now a fading memory, the film world's focus has shifted to the glitz and glamour of awards season. The 99th Academy Awards, set for March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, will celebrate the best of the past year in cinema. And while the race is far from over, a handful of 2026 titles have already emerged as undeniable contenders—from ambitious epics to intimate indies and even a groundbreaking documentary.
Here's a look at the movies that are already generating serious Oscar buzz.
A Documentary That Could Make History
Leading the pack is A24's You Can See Everything, a mind-bending documentary co-directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim. The film, which explores the final days before Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes' incarceration, has become a cultural phenomenon. With its viral success and critical acclaim—Collider's Samuel R. Murrian called it "the year's most original movie"—it's poised to become the first documentary ever nominated for Best Picture. Some even believe it could take home the top prize.
Space Epics and Sci-Fi Spectacles
Another surefire contender is Project Hail Mary, the Phil Lord and Christopher Miller-directed space epic starring Ryan Gosling as a lone astronaut on a mission to save the universe. Along the way, he befriends an alien he names Rocky, brought to life by puppeteer and voice actor James Ortiz, who's generating supporting actor buzz. The film has been a critical and commercial juggernaut, and it's expected to dominate technical categories while also vying for a Best Picture nod.
Meanwhile, Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Three is the final chapter in his acclaimed trilogy, and given that its predecessors both earned Best Picture nominations, it's a safe bet to follow suit. The film, which continues the story of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), is already being hailed as a monumental achievement, and many fans hope this time Villeneuve finally takes home the directing trophy.
Horror and Thrillers Making Noise
Focus Features' Obsession has become the year's breakout horror hit, shattering box office records and earning rave reviews. Star Inde Navarrette is a frontrunner for Best Actress, with Collider's Hannah Hunt praising her performance as "one of the year's best." The film's viral appeal has even outgrossed the latest Star Wars entry, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
On the more understated side, Olivia Wilde's The Invite—a remake of the Spanish comedy The People Upstairs—is quietly building momentum. Starring Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, Penélope Cruz, and Wilde herself, this single-location comedy-thriller is being tipped for writing and acting nominations.
International and LGBTQ+ Stories Shine
Netflix's La Bola Negra, directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, is another major player. This 155-minute drama, inspired by an unfinished work, explores the lives of three gay men and the pain they endure. With themes of love, loss, and queer identity, it's not only a critical favorite but also a strong contender for Best Picture, potentially giving Penélope Cruz—who also stars in The Invite—a double shot at Oscar gold.
As the awards season unfolds, these films are just the beginning. With the ceremony still months away, there's plenty of room for surprises. But for now, these 2026 releases have firmly established themselves as the ones to beat.
