It’s awards season once again, a time to celebrate the standout films of 2025 as they garner accolades leading up to Oscar night this March. With the official nomination announcement set for January 22, the buzz is reaching a fever pitch.
Fans and critics alike are busy speculating on which films have the "Best Picture" momentum to go all the way. Here is our forecast for the 10 movies most likely to secure a spot on the Oscar ballot this year.
One Battle After Another
One Battle After Another has dominated the 2025 conversation, earning rave reviews for Paul Thomas Anderson’s visionary direction and the performances of the cast, led by Leonardo DiCaprio and Chase Infiniti.
With its sharp social commentary and a stellar ensemble cast, the film is a 100% lock for a Best Picture nod. Having led the race for months, it is currently the film to beat. It just needs to keep that frontrunner energy alive until Oscar night in March.
Sinners
Sinners proved that a movie can be both a massive commercial hit and a high-art masterpiece. Ryan Coogler’s unique take on vampire lore has captivated a wide audience, earning the film a groundswell of support that has only intensified over the last few months.
With its combination of technical brilliance and emotional resonance, the film is expected to rack up nominations across both the craft and above-the-line categories. It isn't just a horror movie; it’s a legitimate threat to win Best Picture.
Hamnet
Since its debut on the festival circuit, Hamnet has left a trail of moved audiences in its wake, fueled by its profoundly poignant narrative and Jessie Buckley’s devastating lead performance. The film is a safe bet for a Best Picture nomination, bolstered by a streak of Audience Award wins that underscore its deep resonance with viewers.
Given its consistent critical acclaim and undeniable emotional gravity, Hamnet remains a formidable contender for the Academy’s top honor.
It Was Just An Accident
It Was Just An Accident has parlayed its Palme d’Or triumph at the Cannes Film Festival into a dominant season-long campaign. As a visceral, political drama that has resonated deeply worldwide, it has become a staple of the critics' awards circuit.
All signs now point to a historic milestone: it is the frontrunner to become the first Iranian film ever nominated for Best Picture. Notably, it is achieving this success despite not being Iran's official submission for the Best International Feature category, proving its standalone strength as a cinematic masterpiece.
Sentimental Value
Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value has earned widespread acclaim for its exceptional ensemble performances and a narrative that resonates across generations and borders. This is exactly the kind of poignant, high-caliber drama that historically captures the Academy’s heart.
As Norway’s official submission for Best International Feature, the film enters the race with significant institutional backing, further solidifying its status as a top-tier contender for a Best Picture nomination.
Marty Supreme
Marty Supreme has surged in the awards conversation, fueled by Timothée Chalamet’s transformative performance and Josh Safdie’s razor-sharp direction. In a rare feat for an original property, the film became a definitive holiday box-office hit, proving its immense commercial and critical appeal.
This sustained momentum from both the public and the industry has cemented it as a serious Best Picture contender, with many noting that the protagonist's compelling journey resonates deeply with the Academy’s narrative sensibilities.
Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein has captivated critics and audiences alike, offering a profoundly compelling reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic novel. Defined by the director's trademark craftsmanship and a haunting, acclaimed performance by Jacob Elordi as the Creature, the film has maintained the momentum necessary to remain a top-tier Best Picture contender.
Given the Academy’s historical affinity for Del Toro’s visionary storytelling, a nomination for this gothic masterpiece feels like a natural progression of the season’s narrative.
The Secret Agent
Following the success of I’m Still Here, Brazil returns to the awards spotlight with The Secret Agent. Since its acclaimed Cannes debut, the film has garnered significant praise, particularly for Wagner Moura’s powerhouse performance, which is already being hailed as a career-best.
With consistent buzz and a strategic campaign from Neon, a distributor known for its Oscar-winning track record, The Secret Agent is well-positioned to secure a Best Picture nomination.
Wicked: For Good
While Wicked: For Good hasn’t quite matched the universal critical acclaim of its predecessor, it remains a formidable box-office powerhouse with deep audience resonance. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have once again been hailed for their captivating performances, anchoring the film’s emotional core.
With heavy support expected across the craft categories and a strong showing from industry guilds, the sequel appears well-positioned to defy gravity and secure a spot in the Best Picture lineup.
Bugonia
Despite its characteristically eccentric tone, Bugonia has proven to be a resilient force in the awards race. Driven by the audacious storytelling that has become Yorgos Lanthimos' hallmark, the film is anchored by exceptional performances from Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons.
Having maintained a steady presence throughout the season, it wouldn't be surprising to see this bold reimagining secure a Best Picture nomination, even if it ultimately serves more as a critical darling than the night's eventual winner.
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