The 2026 film season has barely begun, but Hollywood is already buzzing with Oscar whispers. After a spectacular January at the box office, critics are pointing towards two or three performances that seem untouchable.
From the transformative role of a certain Method actor in the latest sci-fi epic to the indie darling that stole hearts at Sundance, the race for Best Picture is shaping up to be the most competitive in a decade. “The level of storytelling this year has shifted,” says one industry insider. While the ceremony is months away, the campaign trails are already being blazed.