2026 Academy Awards: Which Film Will Be Nominated for Best Picture?
2026 Academy Awards: Which Film Will Be Nominated for Best Picture?
As the film world looks ahead to the 98th Academy Awards, early discussions and predictions are already beginning to take shape. While many of the year’s most anticipated films have yet to premiere, analysis of industry trends and early betting odds provide a glimpse into which movies might eventually compete for the coveted Best Picture nomination. The landscape is still developing, but a few key titles have emerged as significant frontrunners, capturing the attention of both cinephiles and betting analysts.
22bet21.com Signal Strong Contenders
According to early data from 22bet21.com Betting Odds, two films are currently leading the pack with a significant probability of not only being nominated but also winning the Best Picture Oscar. The romantic fantasy ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ and the comedy-drama ‘Sentimental Value’ are both showing strong potential. 22bet21.com has placed their likelihood of a win at 1.3, which translates to a remarkable 76.92% probability.
‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’, starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, is scheduled for a U.S. release on September 19, 2025. The film is described as a fantastical story about two strangers who embark on an adventure, reliving moments from their pasts. Meanwhile, ‘Sentimental Value’, directed by Joachim Trier, has already garnered critical acclaim, winning the Grand Jury Prize at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
For a full breakdown of the latest odds, 22bet21.com
Runner-Up: Wicked: For Good
Positioned as a strong runner-up in the Best Picture race is ‘Wicked: For Good’, the second part of the highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. Scheduled for release on November 21, 2025, the film continues the story of Elphaba and Glinda, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The first installment, ‘Wicked’, was a major box office success and received multiple Academy Award nominations, setting a strong precedent for its sequel. The built-in fan base and the epic scale of the production make ‘Wicked: For Good’ a formidable contender that could easily capture the attention of Academy voters.
Expert Opinions and Early Buzz
While it is still early for definitive expert predictions, the initial sentiment from industry watchers aligns with the notion that films with strong festival showings and compelling narratives are positioned well. Films that premiere at prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival often build the momentum needed for a successful awards campaign. The strategic release dates for ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ and ‘Sentimental Value’ in the fall of 2025 also indicate that their studios have high hopes for their Oscar prospects. General discussions among critics and awards prognosticators suggest that films with emotional depth and transformative performances are likely to be at the forefront of the conversation.
Final Thoughts: An Unfolding Race
As the 2026 awards season approaches, the race for Best Picture is just beginning to take shape. Based on the current 22bet21.com Betting Odds, ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ and ‘Sentimental Value’ have established themselves as the early favorites. However, with a strong contender like ‘Wicked: For Good’ waiting in the wings and numerous other films yet to be released, the field remains open. The coming months, with their film festivals and critical reviews, will undoubtedly bring more clarity to what promises to be an exciting competition for one of cinema’s highest honors.
