Awards season is heating up. A handful of films — from globe-trotting festival winners to star-studded dramas — are already dominating the Oscar conversation. Below are the must-watch contenders, why they matter, and when you can catch them.
Read time: 3 min
Top 5 to Watch:
- Sinners — Michael B. Jordan’s dual performance is a showstopper
- Hamnet — Jessie Buckley’s Best Actress campaign is heating up
- Frankenstein — Guillermo del Toro’s gothic revival
- It Was Just an Accident — Cannes Palme d’Or winner
- Sentimental Value — Norway’s acclaimed family drama
Sinners — Ryan Coogler’s Gritty Horror-Drama
Quick take: A genre-bending film with powerhouse performances from Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld.
Why it matters: Oscar voters love when horror and history blend, and Coogler delivers both.
Key facts:
- Premiered: April 3, 2025 | US Release: April 18, 2025
- Cast: Michael B. Jordan (dual roles), Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo
- Awards: 4 Critics’ Choice wins, 2 Golden Globes, 5 SAG noms (incl. Outstanding Cast)
One Battle After Another — Paul Thomas Anderson’s Epic
Quick take: A star-packed revolution story meets Mad Max energy.
Why it matters: Nine Golden Globe noms. DiCaprio and Sean Penn are frontrunners.
Key facts:
- Premiered: TIFF | US Release: Sept 26, 2025
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Regina Hall
- Awards: 4 Golden Globe wins, 7 SAG noms (record)
Hamnet — Chloé Zhao’s Shakespearean Drama
Quick take: A moving story of Shakespeare’s family, led by Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.
Why it matters: Buckley is a Best Actress favorite. Zhao could grab Best Director again.
Key facts:
- Premiered: Telluride (Aug 29, 2025)
- US Release: Limited Nov 26, Wide Dec 5, 2025
- Awards: Golden Globe for Best Picture (Drama) + Best Actress; AFI Top 10
Frankenstein — Guillermo del Toro’s Gothic Epic
Quick take: A visually rich, emotionally layered retelling of the horror classic.
Why it matters: Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi stun; del Toro is Oscar royalty.
Key facts:
- Premiere: Venice 2025 | Global Release (Netflix): Nov 7, 2025
- Cast: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi
- Awards: 5 Golden Globe noms; NBR + AFI Top 10; VFX shortlist
It Was Just an Accident — Jafar Panahi’s Cannes Winner
Quick take: A tense political thriller that shocked Cannes.
Why it matters: Palme d’Or winner; major Golden Globe breakout for Iran.
Key facts:
- Country: France/Iran/Luxembourg co-production
- Release: France Oct 1, 2025
- Awards: Palme d’Or, Globe noms for Best Picture, Director, Screenplay + Intl Feature
Sentimental Value — Joachim Trier’s Family Saga
Quick take: Witty, elegant drama about memory, art, and legacy.
Why it matters: Grand Prix winner. Renate Reinsve’s Best Actress buzz is rising.
Key facts:
- Premiere: Cannes 2025 | US Release: Nov 7, 2025
- Awards: Cannes Grand Prix, multiple Globe noms, AFI Top 10
No Other Choice — Park Chan-wook’s Dark Comedy
Quick take: Black comedy meets thriller with Venice festival praise.
Why it matters: A strong showing in Asia + acting nods for Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin.
Key facts:
- Premiere: Venice 2025 | Korea Release: Sept 24, 2025
- Awards: Golden Lion nom, Toronto tribute award, Globe nods
All That’s Left of You — A Palestinian Family Epic
Quick take: 70 years of family history told through one gripping saga.
Why it matters: A rare Palestinian Oscar hopeful on the Intl shortlist.
Key facts:
- Premiere: Toronto 2025
- Country: Jordan (Oscar submission)
- Awards: Intl Feature shortlist; festival acclaim
What to Watch Next
- SAG & Oscar noms drop Jan 2026
- Sundance 2026 could add surprise indies
- Films like Sinners, Hamnet, Sentimental Value, and Frankenstein are already locks
Which of these will make your watchlist?
Written for TrendMowgli. Discover-optimized. Updated January 2026.
