Oscar Winners 2026 Final Predictions & Critic Picks The 98th Annual Academy Awards are approaching, and experts are offering their insights on which films and performers are likely to win and which should be recognized for their artistic merit. Scott Feinberg and David Rooney, THR’s awards analyst and chief film critic, break down the key categories, highlighting the most probable outcomes and the films that deserve attention. In the Best Director category, One Battle After Another is considered the safest bet, having dominated precursor awards such as the Directors Guild, Producers Guild, Globes, Critics Choice, and BAFTAs. However, Sinners’ Ryan Coogler is seen as a strong contender, particularly as the first Black filmmaker to win this honor. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another is also highlighted for its bold storytelling and relevance to current political themes, though its chances of replicating Parasite’s success are deemed slim. For Best Actor, Jessie Buckley’s performance in Hamnet is expected to secure her the win, as she has swept major televised awards shows. Meanwhile, Renate Reinsve’s role in Sentimental Value is praised for its emotional depth, and Wagner Moura’s subdued yet powerful portrayal in The Secret Agent is noted as a compelling alternative. Michael B. Jordan’s performance in Sinners is also lauded, though his co-star’s recognition may influence the outcome. Best Supporting Actor sees Sean Penn’s work in One Battle After Another as the frontrunner, despite his reluctance to campaign. Stellan Skarsgard’s nuanced performance in Sentimental Value and Delroy Lindo’s portrayal of a blues musician in Sinners are also highlighted as strong contenders.#one_battle_after_another #oscar_winners_2026 #thr #scott_feinberg #david_rooney
