The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards have officially arrived, and the 2026 Oscar race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With 14 films dominating six major categories, audiences now face the challenge of tracking down where to watch each contender and understanding why these movies are generating such strong momentum. From prestige dramas to bold genre experiments, this year’s nominees reflect both Hollywood’s creative ambition and the expanding reach of streaming platforms.
The film drawing the most attention is Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s dark period thriller starring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as twin brothers opening a 1930s juke joint. With 16 nominations, including best picture, directing, cinematography, and visual effects, it leads the field and has already become a streaming sensation on HBO Max. Its blend of supernatural horror and historical drama has sparked renewed interest in genre storytelling at awards ceremonies, pushing it into conversations alongside past boundary-breaking films.
Close behind is One Battle After Another, Paul Thomas Anderson’s action-driven psychological thriller featuring Leonardo DiCaprio as a haunted former revolutionary. Its 13 nominations reflect strong performances and technical mastery, with recognition across film editing, sound, and adapted screenplay. The film’s theatrical run continues to attract crowds, while its availability on HBO Max is expanding its audience reach far beyond cinema screens.
Best Picture Frontrunners and Where to Stream Them
Several contenders are shaping the best picture race, offering a mix of theatrical exclusives and streaming-first releases. Frankenstein, Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic, brings gothic spectacle to Netflix and has earned nine nominations for production design, makeup, and adapted screenplay. Its dark, atmospheric tone and meticulous craftsmanship have made it one of the most visually discussed films of the year.
Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet as a determined table tennis prodigy in the 1950s, continues its theatrical run while gaining buzz for its original screenplay and production design. Meanwhile, Sentimental Value, a family drama anchored by Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve, balances its awards presence with accessibility, as it is available for rental on Prime Video and Apple TV. These films illustrate how distribution strategies now play a crucial role in shaping awards-season visibility.
Bugonia, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone, pushes sci-fi satire into the awards spotlight. Streaming on Peacock, it has received nominations for best picture, original score, and adapted screenplay, demonstrating how unconventional narratives are finding broader acceptance among Academy voters.
International Recognition and Genre Diversity
This year’s nominees also highlight the Academy’s increasingly global and genre-inclusive outlook. The Secret Agent, set during Brazil’s military dictatorship and starring Wagner Moura, has earned nominations for best international feature film and best picture, cementing its position as one of the most politically resonant films of the year. Its theatrical release continues to draw international audiences seeking historically grounded storytelling.
Train Dreams, streaming on Netflix, offers a meditative portrait of early 20th-century America through Joel Edgerton’s performance as a logger navigating industrial change. Its nominations for cinematography and original song reflect the film’s understated yet emotionally rich approach to storytelling.
Blue Moon, directed by Richard Linklater and starring Ethan Hawke, revisits Broadway history with a deeply personal lens. Available on Prime Video and Apple TV, it has garnered attention for its original screenplay, underscoring the enduring appeal of character-driven narratives.
Performance Standouts and Streaming Accessibility
Beyond best picture contenders, several films are earning acclaim for standout performances. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You features Rose Byrne in a harrowing portrayal of a therapist overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities, while Song Sung Blue showcases Kate Hudson as a struggling musician forming a tribute band. Both films are accessible via Prime Video and Apple TV, making them easily discoverable for awards-season viewers.
Weapons, a chilling horror film about the mysterious disappearance of suburban children, has secured a supporting actress nomination and is currently streaming on HBO Max. Its eerie premise and restrained storytelling have attracted both genre fans and Academy voters.
As streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, and HBO Max continue to dominate film distribution, the 2026 Oscar nominees reflect a seismic shift in how audiences engage with award-worthy cinema. From high-budget spectacles to intimate character studies, this year’s lineup offers a diverse cinematic landscape that is more accessible than ever, ensuring that viewers worldwide can experience the stories shaping Hollywood’s most prestigious night.
