The Most Talked About Films Heading to the Oscars
As the film industry gears up for awards season, several films are already generating significant buzz. From literary adaptations to original stories, these titles are vying for recognition at the Oscars. This article explores 12 of the most talked-about contenders for the prestigious awards, covering a range of genres and themes.
Oscar Frontrunners: Early Favorites
Several films have already made waves at festivals like Venice, Telluride, and Toronto, positioning them as potential Oscar nominees. Let's delve into some of the most prominent titles.
- Hamnet: Based on Maggie O'Farrell's award-winning novel, starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, this film explores the death of William Shakespeare's son and its impact on his writing of Hamlet. It won the People’s Choice award at the Toronto Film Festival. It is slated to release in UK cinemas January 9, 2026 (February 6th in Turkey).
- One Battle After Another: Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this film follows a group of former revolutionaries reuniting to rescue a kidnapped member's daughter. Critics praise its engaging story and pacing. The film will be available in the UK from September 26th (October 3rd in Turkey).
- Sinners: Ryan Coogler's vampire film, starring Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers who return to Mississippi.
- Bugonia: Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone, this film features Stone as a CEO kidnapped by conspiracy theorists who believe she is an alien. It explores themes of identity and reality. It will premiere November 7th in the UK (October 31st in Turkey).
- Christy: A sports biopic directed by David Michôd starring Sydney Sweeney as boxer Christy Martin, chronicling her rise to fame in the 1990s and her husband's attempt to murder her in 2010. The film will be released on November 28 in UK cinemas.
- Anemone: Marks the return of Daniel Day-Lewis, directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, after his retirement in 2017. The film tells the story of a former soldier reuniting with his brother after 20 years of isolation.
- The Smashing Machine: Starring Dwayne Johnson as UFC fighter Mark Kerr, directed by Benny Safdie, this film is a potential Oscar contender for Johnson. It is slated to release on October 17th in Turkey.
- Sentimental Value: Winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes, directed by Joachim Trier and starring Renate Reinsve, this film focuses on two sisters reconnecting with their estranged father after their mother's death. The film is scheduled for release on December 26th in Turkey.
- After the Hunt: Directed by Luca Guadagnino, starring Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri, this film explores a college student's accusation of rape against a professor.
- It Was Just An Accident: Directed by Jafar Panahi, this film won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and tells the story of a man who recognizes his former tormentor.
- Marty Supreme: Starring Timothée Chalamet, this film is inspired by the life of ping pong star Marty Reisman. It is expected to premiere on January 2nd in Turkey.
- Wicked: For Good and Avatar 3: These tentpole releases are likely to be box office hits and potential Oscar contenders, aiming to attract younger audiences. Wicked: For Good (November 21st in Turkey) delves into the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West. Avatar: Fire and Ash (December 19th in Turkey) sees the Na'vi encountering a new, aggressive tribe.
Other Potential Contenders
Several other films are also in the running for nominations, including A House of Dynamite, a thriller directed by Kathryn Bigelow starring Rebecca Ferguson.
