{"id":25318,"date":"2026-03-14T17:55:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-14T15:55:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=25318"},"modified":"2026-03-14T17:55:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T15:55:20","slug":"best-picture-contenders-a-countdown-of-this-years-oscar-nominees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/best-picture-contenders-a-countdown-of-this-years-oscar-nominees\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Picture Contenders: A Countdown of This Year\u2019s Oscar Nominees"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s Oscars<\/strong> season, and 10<\/strong> films are vying for the prestigious title of best picture \u2013 the crown of Hollywood.<\/p>\n

Experts speculate that either \u201cSinners\u201d or \u201cOne Battle After Another\u201d may emerge victorious, but could surprises like \u201cHamnet\u201d or \u201cThe Secret Agent\u201d challenge that expectation?<\/p>\n

Here are the 10 contenders for best picture at this year\u2019s 98th Academy Awards happening on Sunday:<\/p>\n

\u2018Bugonia\u2019<\/h2>\n

This latest dark, absurdist creation from Yorgos Lanthimos, who also directed \u201cPoor Things\u201d and \u201cThe Favourite,\u201d plunges into the chaotic realm of conspiracy enthusiasts.<\/p>\n

In this film, Jesse Plemons\u2019 character Teddy is adamant that Emma Stone\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Is there any truth to his claims? And why do we find ourselves cheering for him?<\/p>\n

Lanthimos keeps the audience in suspense until the shocking finale. However, this film might not resonate well with Academy voters, as \u201cBugonia\u201d was deemed somewhat unconventional for their tastes.<\/p>\n

\u2018F1: The Movie\u2019<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

This season, \u201cF1: The Movie\u201d \u2013 helmed by the director of \u201cTop Gun: Maverick\u201d \u2013 snagged its place among the best picture nominees ahead of \u201cAvatar: Fire and Ash.\u201d<\/p>\n

Featuring Brad Pitt as an unyielding racing driver, this film combines traditional filmmaking with modern technology \u2013 along with a great deal of Formula One branding.<\/p>\n

Its nomination was unexpected, and while \u201cF1\u201d \u2013 earning $630 million at the global box office \u2013 is a strong contender, it is unlikely to top the podium.<\/p>\n

\u2018Frankenstein\u2019<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Oscars voters have long admired Guillermo del Toro, awarding him numerous accolades for \u201cThe Shape of Water\u201d and his animated adaptation of \u201cPinocchio.\u201d \u201cFrankenstein\u201d represents a labor of love for the Mexican filmmaker, years in the making.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The film\u2019s exceptional costumes, makeup, and sets are poised to win awards, but best picture seems like a long shot.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hamnet\u2019<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If any film stands as a legitimate dark horse beyond the two frontrunners, it has to be \u201cHamnet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adapted from a novel that explores the bleak, plague-stricken lives of William Shakespeare and his spouse, \u201cHamnet\u201d checks many boxes \u2013 stunning visuals, deeply emotional storytelling, and a notable Academy Award-winning director in Chloe Zhao (\u201cNomadland\u201d).<\/p>\n

It won the prestigious top prize at the influential Toronto Film Festival.<\/p>\n

However, decades after \u201cShakespeare in Love\u201d memorably clinched best picture, it seems unlikely that this time the Bard will disrupt the ceremony.<\/p>\n

\u2018Marty Supreme\u2019<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The semi-autobiographical story of an international ping-pong champion, \u201cMarty Supreme\u201d relies heavily on Timothee Chalamet\u2019s performance as its arrogant lead.<\/p>\n

This makes its chances at the Oscars somewhat reflective of that.<\/p>\n

Chalamet still has a solid opportunity for best actor, notwithstanding recent controversies, but the film itself may not take home the top prize.<\/p>\n

\u2018One Battle After Another\u2019<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Paul Thomas Anderson\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u2018Sentimental Value\u2019<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Danish-Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier caught the Academy\u2019s eye with his poignant romantic drama \u201cThe Worst Person in the World.\u201d<\/p>\n

He re-teams with the same lead actress, Renate Reinsve, while adding Hollywood star power with Elle Fanning\u2019s casting, once again impressing Oscars voters with his first best picture nomination.<\/p>\n

\u201cSentimental Value\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\u2018Sinners\u2019<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With its wild fusion of voracious vampires and bigotry, blended with blues music and aspects of Black folklore, \u201cSinners\u201d has gained momentum late in the Oscars race, positioning itself as a strong candidate for best picture.<\/p>\n

Ryan Coogler\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Momentum has escalated following critical wins this month, particularly from the Hollywood actors\u2019 guild, highlighting star Michael B. Jordan’s performance as twin gangsters returning to a supernatural Deep South in the 1930s.<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s uncommon for a horror film to achieve major success at the Oscars \u2013 can anything hinder this bold, genre-blending blockbuster?<\/p>\n

\u2018The Secret Agent\u2019<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If \u201cThe Secret Agent\u201d wins for best international film this Sunday, it would signify consecutive triumphs for Brazil, a rapidly ascending cinematic powerhouse.<\/p>\n

Yet, could it go beyond that to snag best picture?<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u2018Train Dreams\u2019<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Offering a historically rich view into the settlement of the U.S. Pacific Northwest, grounded in a sorrowful human narrative, \u201cTrain Dreams\u201d represents a beautifully crafted piece of independent cinema.<\/p>\n

Its chances received a significant boost when Netflix acquired it during the January 2025 Sundance festival, initiating a well-planned awards campaign.<\/p>\n

A nomination itself is a win for \u201cTrain Dreams,\u201d arguably the most modest film on the list.<\/p>\n

Best picture Oscar winners of past 20 years<\/strong><\/h3>\n

2025 \u2013 \u201cAnora\u201d<\/p>\n

2024 \u2013 \u201cOppenheimer\u201d<\/p>\n

2023 \u2013 \u201cEverything Everywhere All at Once\u201d<\/p>\n

2022 \u2013 \u201cCODA\u201d<\/p>\n

2021 \u2013 \u201cNomadland\u201d<\/p>\n

2020 \u2013 \u201cParasite\u201d<\/p>\n

2019 \u2013 \u201cGreen Book\u201d<\/p>\n

2018 \u2013 \u201cThe Shape of Water\u201d<\/p>\n

2017 \u2013 \u201cMoonlight\u201d<\/p>\n

2016 \u2013 \u201cSpotlight\u201d<\/p>\n

2015 \u2013 \u201cBirdman\u201d<\/p>\n

2014 \u2013 \u201c12 Years A Slave\u201d<\/p>\n

2013 \u2013 \u201cArgo\u201d<\/p>\n

2012 \u2013 \u201cThe Artist\u201d<\/p>\n

2011 \u2013 \u201cThe King\u2019s Speech\u201d<\/p>\n

2010 \u2013 \u201cThe Hurt Locker\u201d<\/p>\n

2009 \u2013 \u201cSlumdog Millionaire\u201d<\/p>\n

2008 \u2013 \u201cNo Country for Old Men\u201d<\/p>\n

2007 \u2013 \u201cThe Departed\u201d<\/p>\n

2006 \u2013 \u201cCrash\u201d<\/p>\n

By Garrin Lambley \u00a9 Agence France-Presse<\/p>\n<\/div>\n