The Best Picture race at the 98th Academy Awards spans genres, continents, and styles of filmmaking.
This year’s nominees include a gothic literary adaptation, a Formula One blockbuster, a political satire from Paul Thomas Anderson, and a supernatural drama from Ryan Coogler. Together, they reflect the Academy’s increasingly wide definition of what a prestige film can be.
For viewers hoping to catch up before Oscar night, many of the nominees are already available in theaters or on streaming platforms.
Below is a guide to the films — what they’re about, where to watch them, and how awards observers see the race unfolding.
“Bugonia”
What it’s about: Director Yorgos Lanthimos delivers a darkly comic science-fiction satire about two conspiracy theorists who kidnap a corporate executive they believe is secretly an alien bent on destroying Earth.
Where to watch: In theaters. After its theatrical run, the film is expected to be available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Vudu.
Awards outlook: Praised for its originality, but generally considered a long shot for Best Picture.
“F1”
What it’s about: Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the racing drama stars Brad Pitt as a retired Formula One driver who returns to mentor a younger competitor.
Where to watch: In theaters now. After its theatrical run, the film is expected to stream on Apple TV+, with digital rentals on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Vudu.
Awards outlook: Expected to compete strongly in technical categories such as sound and editing.
What it’s about: Director Guillermo del Toro reimagines Mary Shelley’s classic novel as a tragic story about creation, responsibility and loneliness.
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix.
Awards outlook: A potential upset contender thanks to del Toro’s strong standing with Academy voters.
“Hamnet”
What it’s about: Directed by Chloé Zhao, the film explores the grief experienced by William Shakespeare and his family after the death of his son Hamnet.
Where to watch: In theaters. After its theatrical run, the film is expected to be available digitally on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Vudu.
Awards outlook: Frequently cited by critics as one of the strongest dramatic contenders in the race.
What it’s about: Director Josh Safdie tells the story of an eccentric international table-tennis champion navigating fame and ambition.
Where to watch: In theaters and available for digital rental on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Vudu.
Awards outlook: A respected nominee, but not widely predicted to win Best Picture.
What it’s about: Director Paul Thomas Anderson blends political satire and drama in a sweeping story about activism and generational conflict. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, and Benicio del Toro.
Where to watch: In theaters. Following its theatrical release, the film is expected to stream on Max, with digital rentals on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Vudu.
Awards outlook: One of the most frequently predicted contenders for Best Picture.
What it’s about: Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho directs this political thriller set during the country’s military dictatorship.
Where to watch: In limited theatrical release and available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Vudu.
Awards outlook: Critically admired but considered an outside contender.
What it’s about: Norwegian director Joachim Trier explores the strained relationship between a filmmaker and his daughter in this intimate family drama.
Where to watch: In theaters and available digitally on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Vudu.
Awards outlook: A critics’ favorite, though not widely expected to take the top prize.
“Sinners”
What it’s about: Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo, this supernatural drama follows twin brothers who return to their hometown and confront a dark force tied to their past.
Where to watch: In theaters now and expected to stream on Max after its theatrical run.
Awards outlook: One of the strongest contenders. The film leads the field with 16 Oscar nominations, the most of any film this year — or ever.
What it’s about: Based on Denis Johnson’s novella, this quiet drama follows the life of a railroad worker in the early twentieth-century American West.
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix.
Awards outlook: A respected literary adaptation but not widely predicted to win.
The Best Picture Race
Awards analysts suggest the race may ultimately come down to “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another.”
“Sinners” arrives with the most nominations, often a sign of strong momentum. At the same time, critics’ prediction lists frequently place “One Battle After Another” at the top of the field. With several strong contenders, the outcome remains one of the more unpredictable in recent Oscar history.
How to Watch the 2026 Oscars
The 98th Academy Awards will take place Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles.
The ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Eastern Time / 4 p.m. Pacific Time.
The Oscars will be broadcast live on ABC, streamed on Hulu, and available through live-TV streaming services including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, Sling TV and DirecTV Stream
Audiences can follow coverage through the Academy’s official platforms:
Instagram: instagram.com/theacademy
YouTube: youtube.com/user/Oscars
TikTok: tiktok.com/@theacademy
Facebook: facebook.com/TheAcademy
Additional coverage is available at Oscars.org.