From Timothée Chalamet to Frankenstein: 10 Films and Performances to Watch for the 2026 Oscars

The 2026 Oscars season is shaping up to be a spectacular and unpredictable race. Timothée Chalamet, fresh off his Oscar-nominated turn as Bob Dylan, returns with “Marty Supreme,” playing a fictional 1950s ping-pong champion. He trained for eight years, even bringing a table to the Cannes Film Festival, and his quirky yet compelling performance could earn him another nomination.

Jessie Buckley is widely expected to sweep the best actress category for her emotionally charged role in “Hamnet,” while Ariana Grande could make history with a second consecutive nomination for playing Glinda in “Wicked: For Good.” Jacob Elordi’s performance as Frankenstein’s monster has also caught critics’ attention.

Ryan Coogler is finally in the Oscar conversation with “Sinners,” a bold and original take on vampire mythology, while Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” mixes comedy, drama, and political intrigue. Veterans like Stellan Skarsgård and Amy Madigan may surprise, and animated hits like “KPop Demon Hunters” could shake up the awards landscape.

Nominees will be announced on January 22, 2026, with the ceremony set for March 15. With stunning performances, controversies, and unexpected breakthroughs, the race promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.