Oscars 2026: Will Frankenstein Receive a Best Picture Nomination?

Oscars 2026: Will Frankenstein Receive a Best Picture Nomination?
Mary Shelley’s 1818 Gothic novel Frankenstein is one of the most iconic works in English literature and has heavily influenced popular culture.
The famous character of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster have been depicted in countless short stories, plays, and horror films internationally.
Therefore, it was almost inevitable that the literary classic would receive a modern adaptation, and many fans of the novel and horror genre are excited for the upcoming flick to arrive in movie theaters internationally.
The 2025 film has a visionary director on board and a stellar cast to help bring the much-loved story to life on the silver screen. As a result, Oscar buzz is building for the movie, with many believing it could earn a Best Picture nod.
Keep reading to learn if Frankenstein (2025) is likely to receive a Best Picture nomination at the 2026 Academy Awards.
LEADERBOARD
Oscars 2026: Early Best Picture Contenders to Watch
# | Bet Options | Chance to Win | Trend |
---|---|---|---|
Implied Projected Winner Avatar: Fire and Ash - Yes | 38.08% | ||
Implied Projected Winner Wicked: For Good - Yes | 36.14% | ||
Implied Projected Winner Sinners - Yes | 34.84% |
BEO Betting odds are showing that Avatar: Fire and Ash is most likely to receive a Best Picture nomination at the 2026 Oscars ::: Discover the latest Bet Entertainment Odds predictions for this market.
Frankenstein Could Prove a Hit with the Academy
Frankenstein has all the ingredients of a Best Picture nominee. As the film is based on the literary classic, it could intellectually stimulate the Academy, especially if it heavily features its themes of humanity and morality.
The upcoming film is a passion project for acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro, as he has expressed his desire to make the movie for many decades. As a result, he likely had a clear vision for the project, which could wow audiences and critics internationally.
The filmmaker has a strong track record at the Academy Awards, too, as he won Best Director and Best Picture for the 2017 film The Shape of Water, and he won Best Animated Feature for his adaptation of Pinocchio (2022).
Also, he received a Best Picture nomination for Nightmare Alley (2021). The awards and nominations prove his popularity among the Academy, which stands Frankenstein in good stead for a nod at the 2026 Oscars.
The film has a phenomenal cast to bring del Toro’s vision for the movie to life, too. For instance, Oscar Isaac (Dune) plays the lead role of Victor Frankenstein, and Jacob Elordi (Saltburn) takes on the challenging portrayal of Frankenstein. Also, two-time Academy Award winner Christopher Waltz (Inglorious Basterds) plays Harlander.
The Odds Are in Other Movies’ Favor
Frankenstein has many elements that could blow the Academy away ahead of award season; however, it will need to receive many glowing reviews from top critics to stand a good chance of receiving a Best Picture nomination.
The 2026 category looks set to be competitive, as many upcoming films are generating a buzz ahead of their release, and some appear more likely to secure a nod than others.
As the first two films from the Avatar film series were nominated for Best Picture, many suspect Avatar: Fire and Ash will pick up a nod in 2026.
It is widely believed that Wicked: For Good will earn another nomination, as Wicked secured a spot in the category at the 2025 Academy Awards.
Many critics have stated that Sinners will earn a nomination for the upcoming ceremony, as it received much acclaim, despite its release outside of the awards window.
Also, One Battle After Another, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, and After the Hunt, starring Julia Roberts, have been tipped to receive a nod due to the actors’ track records at the Oscars, the acclaimed directors on board, and the unique plots.