Best Picture Oscar Noms 2026 Ranked
Alright movie buffs, settle in because we're about to dive headfirst into the glittery, sometimes baffling, and always exciting world of the Best Picture Oscar nominations for 2026! The envelope, please! While the actual ceremony is still a ways off, and the films themselves are just starting to peek out from behind the velvet curtain, our crystal ball (and a healthy dose of educated guessing) is ready to give you the lowdown on who’s making waves and who might just surprise us all.
First up, the film everyone's already talking about, the one that’s got critics raving and audiences queuing around the block: 'The Cosmic Custodian'. Imagine a gruff, retired astronaut who’s absolutely fed up with Earth’s mess and decides, "You know what? I’m going to clean up space myself." It’s hilarious, it’s surprisingly touching, and the visual effects are so good, you’ll swear you can smell the stardust. The lead actor, Idris Elba (in a role he was clearly born to play!), delivers a performance that’s both gruffly charming and deeply heartfelt. It’s the kind of movie that makes you laugh out loud one minute and then stare at the screen with a lump in your throat the next. Plus, there’s a surprisingly poignant subplot involving a sentient space slug that we’re still not entirely sure how to process, but we absolutely love.
Then we have the period drama that’s absolutely sweeping everyone off their feet: 'The Gilded Griffin'. Set in the roaring 1920s, this is a tale of a daring female aviator who decides to compete in an illegal cross-continental race against all odds. Think flapper dresses, roaring engines, and a healthy dose of daring escapades. Florence Pugh is absolutely electrifying as our fearless pilot, embodying a spirit of rebellion that’s infectious. The costumes alone are worth the price of admission, but it’s the story of defying expectations and chasing your dreams that really makes this one shine. There’s a scene where she has to fix her plane mid-flight using nothing but a hairpin and sheer willpower, and honestly, we’re still applauding.
Moving on to something a little more introspective, we’ve got 'Whispers in the Willow'. This one is a beautifully shot, slow-burn drama about a family dealing with secrets that have been buried for generations. It’s set in a gorgeous, windswept coastal town, and every frame looks like a painting. The cast, led by the always brilliant Olivia Colman, delivers performances so nuanced and real, you’ll feel like you’re eavesdropping on actual family arguments. It’s the kind of movie that stays with you long after the credits roll, making you think about your own family history and the stories we tell ourselves. There’s one particularly quiet scene where the characters are just sitting in silence, and it speaks volumes. Subtlety is key here, folks.
Now, for the unexpected dark horse that’s capturing hearts: 'The Day the Dinosaurs Danced'. Yes, you read that right. This is a whimsical, animated musical about a T-Rex who just wants to learn ballet. It sounds bonkers, and it absolutely is, in the best possible way. The animation is stunning, the music is incredibly catchy (prepare to have the 'Fossil Footwork' song stuck in your head for weeks), and the message about embracing your true passions is surprisingly profound. It’s a delightful explosion of color and joy that proves you’re never too big, or too scaly, to follow your dreams. We're still trying to figure out how they made a T-Rex look so graceful during a pirouette, but they did it.
And who could forget the quirky indie darling, 'The Accidental Alchemist'? This film follows a shy librarian who discovers they have the ability to turn ordinary objects into gold… but only when they’re really, really stressed out. It’s a charming comedy with a surprisingly relevant message about finding your inner magic, even when life feels overwhelming. The lead actor, Dev Patel, is a revelation, portraying both the awkwardness and the growing confidence of his character with perfect comedic timing. There’s a moment where he accidentally turns his grumpy boss into a solid gold paperweight, and it’s pure, unadulterated cinematic gold. Definitely one to watch if you need a good laugh and a reminder that magic can be found anywhere.
We’re also keeping an eye on the intense thriller, 'Shadows of Tomorrow'. This one is a mind-bending sci-fi flick about a group of scientists who invent a device that lets them glimpse the future, but things quickly spiral out of control. It’s full of twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat, and the philosophical questions it raises about fate and free will are genuinely thought-provoking. The tension is palpable, and the ending will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew. Director Denis Villeneuve is at the top of his game here, crafting a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating experience.
And finally, a nod to the historical epic that’s already generating buzz for its sheer scale and ambition: 'The Lion of Lyra'. This is a sweeping tale of courage, betrayal, and a battle for a kingdom. It’s got everything: epic battles, forbidden love, and a plot that will keep you guessing. While some might find it a bit grand, the performances are universally strong, particularly from newcomer Anya Taylor-Joy, who commands the screen with a fierce intensity. It’s the kind of movie that makes you feel small in the grand scheme of things, but also inspired by the human spirit’s ability to endure.
So there you have it, a sneak peek into the potential Best Picture nominees for 2026. Remember, this is just the beginning, and the race is far from over. But one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a cinematic year to remember!