2026 Oscar Predictions
Updated January 2nd, 2026
1. Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
The story of Agnes - the wife of William Shakespeare - as she struggles to come to terms with the loss of her only son, Hamnet. A human and heart-stopping story as the backdrop to the creation of Shakespeare's most famous play, Hamlet.
2. Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
With her life literally crashing down around her, Linda attempts to navigate her child's mysterious illness, her absent husband, a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her therapist.
3. Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value
Sisters Nora and Agnes reunite with their estranged father, Gustav, a once-renowned director who offers Nora a role in what he hopes will be his comeback film. Nora turns it down, but soon discovers he's given the part to an eager young Hollywood star.
4. Emma Stone – Bugonia
Two conspiracy-obsessed men kidnap the CEO of a major company when they become convinced that she's an alien who wants to destroy Earth.
5. Chase Infiniti – One Battle After Another
When their evil enemy resurfaces after 16 years, a group of ex-revolutionaries reunites to rescue one of their own's daughter.
Next In Line:
6. Cynthia Erivo – Wicked: For Good
Follows Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. The second of a two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical.
7. Amanda Seyfried – The Testament of Ann Lee
Ann Lee, the founding leader of the Shaker Movement, proclaimed as the female Christ by her followers. Depicts her establishment of a utopian society and the Shakers' worship through song and dance, based on real events.
8. Kate Hudson – Song Sung Blue
Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together.
9. Tessa Thompson – Hedda
Henrik Ibsen's renowned stage drama from 1891 is reimagined in an epic and emotional way in this production, Hedda Gabler.
10. Jennifer Lawrence – Die My Love
In a remote forgotten rural area, a mother struggles to maintain her sanity as she battles with psychosis.
Also Consider:
11. Eva Victor – Sorry, Baby
Something bad happened to Agnes. But life goes on - for everyone around her, at least.
12. Sydney Sweeney – Christy
Tells the story of Christy Martin, the most successful female boxer of the 90s.
13. Julia Roberts – After the Hunt
A college professor finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star pupil levels an accusation against one of her colleagues and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come to light.
14. Jodie Foster – A Private Life
The renowned psychiatrist Lilian Steiner mounts a private investigation into the death of one of her patients, whom she is convinced has been murdered.
15. Laura Dern – Is This Thing On?
A couple's marriage crumbles as they pursue separate paths - he explores stand-up comedy in NYC while she rediscovers herself. Together, they learn to redefine their relationship and family dynamics amid major life changes.
16. June Squibb – Eleanor the Great
After seventy years with best friend, Eleanor moves to New York City for a fresh start. Making new friends at ninety proves difficult. Longing for connection, she befriends a 19-year-old student
17. Imogen Poots – The Chronology of Water
A woman becomes a competitive swimmer after surviving an abusive childhood.
18. Claire Foy – H is for Hawk
After losing her beloved father, Helen finds herself saved by an unlikely friendship with a stubborn hawk named Mabel.
19. Julia Garner – Weapons
When all but one child from the same classroom mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.
20. Emma Mackey – Ella McCay
An idealistic young woman juggles her family and work life in a comedy about the people you love and how to survive them.
