This coming Sunday, 15 March, marks the 98th Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Awards, or Oscars, as they are familiarly known, reports BritPanorama.
The Oscars represent the pinnacle of a lengthy film awards season that kicks off in earnest with the Golden Globes in January and continues with the Baftas in mid-February. Uncertainty and unpredictability are critical elements that maintain interest year after year, yet certain contenders emerge as frontrunners. For instance, if Jessie Buckley doesn’t secure the Best Actress award for her emotionally charged performance in Hamnet, it would be a considerable upset in the film industry.
A devoted Oscars observer for over 30 years, I have engaged with the 2025-26 cinema season and screened every film nominated in the major categories this year. Below are seven notable films worthy of attention.
One Battle After Another
The anticipation of sitting through a two-and-three-quarter-hour film featuring Leonardo DiCaprio may deter some viewers, but Paul Thomas Anderson’s black comedy-cum-chase thriller proves otherwise. DiCaprio excels as an ex-revolutionary midlife stoner drawn back into action when his teenage daughter faces danger, prompting him to rely on his past skills once more.
Sean Penn delivers a compelling performance as Leo’s adversary, a staunch anti-immigration colonel named Steven J. Lockjaw. One Battle After Another has already claimed significant accolades at the Baftas, including Best Film and Best Director, making it a strong contender for the Oscars.
Marty Supreme
Timothée Chalamet is undeniably the standout performer of his generation and is a strong candidate for the Best Actor award for his role in Marty Supreme. His portrayal of a table tennis hustler from the 1950s, convinced of his superiority yet lacking the means to prove it, has garnered significant praise.
Directed by Josh Safdie, Chalamet delivers a rapid-fire performance as he navigates a romantic pursuit involving Gwyneth Paltrow’s character. Chalamet, overlooked for a Bafta, is favoured for the Oscar, especially as his closest competition lacks a nomination.
Sentimental Value
The Academy’s increasing openness to non-English language films, previously relegated to a “foreign” category, is a welcome trend in the past decade. This year, Sentimental Value, alongside The Secret Agent, has secured nominations for the prestigious Best Picture category.
Directed by Joachim Trier, the Norwegian drama explores family and art through the lens of theatre, with Renate Reinsve’s performance as a troubled actress at the forefront. The film’s narrative unfolds when she reconnects with her estranged father, adding layers of emotional depth.
The Secret Agent
Kleber Mendonça Filho’s Brazilian thriller The Secret Agent is set against the backdrop of a military dictatorship in the 1970s. The narrative centres on a father on the run, portrayed by Wagner Moura, whose complex entanglements with law enforcement and betrayal provide a gripping experience.
With a visually rich stylistic approach, the film merits a second viewing to appreciate its layered storytelling and the supporting characters, ensuring it captivates audiences throughout.
All the Empty Rooms
While attention often focuses on feature films during awards season, smaller productions can provide profound insights. All the Empty Rooms, a short documentary by Joshua Seftel, presents a poignant tribute to victims of school shootings, showcasing the empty bedrooms left behind. The personal stories shared within offer a sobering commentary on grief and societal desensitization.
Bugonia
Emma Stone, a two-time Academy Award winner, is once again nominated for her role in Bugonia, where she gives a nuanced performance as a corporate leader entwined in bizarre circumstances. Her portrayal embodies both physical and emotional complexity, engaging audiences throughout the film.
Sinners
This year, Sinners has significantly broken records with 16 nominations. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film blends genres to present a captivating narrative set in a 1932 juke joint, intricately weaving themes of race, music, and paranormal elements.
While the film’s critical reception remains mixed, its audacious approach continues to provoke discussion around its place in Oscar history.
