2025 was an exciting year for movies as it saw the release of many acclaimed features from beloved and well-respected auteur filmmakers. However, the biggest question now is which films are likely to compete for the Best Picture prize at the Oscars and, most importantly, which film has the best odds to take home the trophy?
Let's explore all the movie contenders that are likely to win Best Picture at the Oscars.
One Battle After Another
Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another follows a group of ex-revolutionaries who reunite to rescue the daughter of one of their own after their evil enemy resurfaces after 16 years.
The film has been hailed by critics as one of this year's best and Anderson's gateway to finally win an overdue Oscar for Best Director. It's also already winning a lot of critics' awards across the United States, making it the current frontrunner to win Best Picture in March. Will they be able to sustain the momentum? Let's wait and see.
Hamnet
Based on a novel by Maggie O'Farrell, Chloe Zhao's Hamnet explores the powerful story of love and loss that inspired the creation of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.
This marks Zhao's comeback years after the release of the Best Picture winner Nomadland and her MCU effort Eternals. The film has won a lot of audience awards across different film festivals around the world, making it competitive for the Best Picture prize this Oscar season.
Marty Supreme
Josh Safdie's Marty Supreme follows Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, who goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.
While it's not yet out in theaters until this Christmas Day, the film is already receiving a lot of awards buzz from critics who have seen it in advance. Timothee Chalamet's performance has also been highly praised and is considered to be one of the frontrunners for Best Actor.
Sinners
Ryan Coogler's Sinners follows twin brothers who return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.
Since its release last April, the film has been hailed by critics and audiences as one of this year's best due to Coogler's direction, cast, and its unique take on the vampire genre. Its critical reception has helped turn this into a major awards contender this season, making it competitive in the Best Picture category.
Sentimental Value
Joachim Trier's Sentimental Value is described as an intimate exploration of family, memories, and the reconciliatory power of art.
Since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last May, the film has sustained its momentum as one of this year's best, and that paves the way for its competitive status in the Best Picture race. Parasite's victory in early 2020 proved that an international film can be competitive in this category. Will this film follow those footsteps?
It Was Just an Accident
Acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi's It Was Just an Accident explores a small mishap that triggers a chain reaction of ever-growing problems.
The film won the Palm d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival last May, elevating its status in the awards race. No Persian-language film has ever received an Oscar nomination in Best Picture (let alone a win), and now, it looks like this film might turn that record around. Panahi has also been actively campaigning across the United States.
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