It’s Oscars season, and 10 films are vying for the prestigious title of best picture – the crown of Hollywood.
Experts speculate that either “Sinners” or “One Battle After Another” may emerge victorious, but could surprises like “Hamnet” or “The Secret Agent” challenge that expectation?
Here are the 10 contenders for best picture at this year’s 98th Academy Awards happening on Sunday:
‘Bugonia’
This latest dark, absurdist creation from Yorgos Lanthimos, who also directed “Poor Things” and “The Favourite,” plunges into the chaotic realm of conspiracy enthusiasts.
In this film, Jesse Plemons’ character Teddy is adamant that Emma Stone’s character, a CEO in the pharmaceutical industry named Michelle, is actually an evil extraterrestrial. He persuades his naive cousin to help abduct her to substantiate his theory and save mankind.
Is there any truth to his claims? And why do we find ourselves cheering for him?
Lanthimos keeps the audience in suspense until the shocking finale. However, this film might not resonate well with Academy voters, as “Bugonia” was deemed somewhat unconventional for their tastes.
‘F1: The Movie’
Every year, the Academy tends to sprinkle in one or two lavish blockbusters, rewarding films that spare no expense and enlist top craftspeople to create that quintessential Hollywood enchantment.
This season, “F1: The Movie” – helmed by the director of “Top Gun: Maverick” – snagged its place among the best picture nominees ahead of “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
Featuring Brad Pitt as an unyielding racing driver, this film combines traditional filmmaking with modern technology – along with a great deal of Formula One branding.
Its nomination was unexpected, and while “F1” – earning $630 million at the global box office – is a strong contender, it is unlikely to top the podium.
‘Frankenstein’
Oscars voters have long admired Guillermo del Toro, awarding him numerous accolades for “The Shape of Water” and his animated adaptation of “Pinocchio.” “Frankenstein” represents a labor of love for the Mexican filmmaker, years in the making.
Thus, it was hardly shocking that this regal horror film received a slew of nominations, despite its mixed reviews following its buzzworthy premiere at the Venice Film Festival last year.
The film’s exceptional costumes, makeup, and sets are poised to win awards, but best picture seems like a long shot.
‘Hamnet’
If any film stands as a legitimate dark horse beyond the two frontrunners, it has to be “Hamnet.”
Adapted from a novel that explores the bleak, plague-stricken lives of William Shakespeare and his spouse, “Hamnet” checks many boxes – stunning visuals, deeply emotional storytelling, and a notable Academy Award-winning director in Chloe Zhao (“Nomadland”).
It won the prestigious top prize at the influential Toronto Film Festival.
However, decades after “Shakespeare in Love” memorably clinched best picture, it seems unlikely that this time the Bard will disrupt the ceremony.
‘Marty Supreme’
The semi-autobiographical story of an international ping-pong champion, “Marty Supreme” relies heavily on Timothee Chalamet’s performance as its arrogant lead.
This makes its chances at the Oscars somewhat reflective of that.
Chalamet still has a solid opportunity for best actor, notwithstanding recent controversies, but the film itself may not take home the top prize.
‘One Battle After Another’
Paul Thomas Anderson’s whimsical thriller about a former revolutionary navigating a decades-long haze of drugs and alcohol to rescue his daughter has consistently garnered awards this season, establishing it as a leading contender.
Featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, it has already been hailed as the best film of the year by various Hollywood guilds, as well as top critics’ circles and the BAFTAs in Britain.
Addressing pressing themes like immigration crackdowns and racism, and featuring an A-list ensemble including Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro, it is the film to beat.
‘Sentimental Value’
Danish-Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier caught the Academy’s eye with his poignant romantic drama “The Worst Person in the World.”
He re-teams with the same lead actress, Renate Reinsve, while adding Hollywood star power with Elle Fanning’s casting, once again impressing Oscars voters with his first best picture nomination.
“Sentimental Value” is a meta-narrative exploring the lives of filmmakers and their families, and is a strong contender for best international film, yet may be deemed too introspective for the top honor.
‘Sinners’
With its wild fusion of voracious vampires and bigotry, blended with blues music and aspects of Black folklore, “Sinners” has gained momentum late in the Oscars race, positioning itself as a strong candidate for best picture.
Ryan Coogler’s thrilling and acclaimed horror film, which serves as a racial allegory, surpassed all forecasts following its low-key debut last April, raking in $370 million globally.
Momentum has escalated following critical wins this month, particularly from the Hollywood actors’ guild, highlighting star Michael B. Jordan’s performance as twin gangsters returning to a supernatural Deep South in the 1930s.
While it’s uncommon for a horror film to achieve major success at the Oscars – can anything hinder this bold, genre-blending blockbuster?
‘The Secret Agent’
If “The Secret Agent” wins for best international film this Sunday, it would signify consecutive triumphs for Brazil, a rapidly ascending cinematic powerhouse.
Yet, could it go beyond that to snag best picture?
Unlikely, but this chaotic narrative set within the context of the country’s military dictatorship, which has its own folklore elements, is undeniably relevant and possesses passionate advocates.
‘Train Dreams’
Offering a historically rich view into the settlement of the U.S. Pacific Northwest, grounded in a sorrowful human narrative, “Train Dreams” represents a beautifully crafted piece of independent cinema.
Its chances received a significant boost when Netflix acquired it during the January 2025 Sundance festival, initiating a well-planned awards campaign.
A nomination itself is a win for “Train Dreams,” arguably the most modest film on the list.
Best picture Oscar winners of past 20 years
2025 – “Anora”
2024 – “Oppenheimer”
2023 – “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
2022 – “CODA”
2021 – “Nomadland”
2020 – “Parasite”
2019 – “Green Book”
2018 – “The Shape of Water”
2017 – “Moonlight”
2016 – “Spotlight”
2015 – “Birdman”
2014 – “12 Years A Slave”
2013 – “Argo”
2012 – “The Artist”
2011 – “The King’s Speech”
2010 – “The Hurt Locker”
2009 – “Slumdog Millionaire”
2008 – “No Country for Old Men”
2007 – “The Departed”
2006 – “Crash”
By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
