Oscars 2026: 25 Contenders to Watch and Where to Stream
Discover 25 Oscar frontrunners for 2026, from Marty Supreme to Hamnet, and learn where to watch them in the UK—from streaming to cinema releases as awards season heats up.
With awards season in full swing, studios are rolling out a lineup of potential Oscar winners. The year’s top contenders include Marty Supreme, Hamnet, and Wicked: For Good, among others, as studios aim to capture voters’ attention across platforms and theatres.
Below is a curated list of 25 major contenders and how you can watch them in the UK, including streaming services and cinema release dates.
A House of Dynamite — A high-stakes thriller about a missile heading toward Chicago, told from three character perspectives. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, with Idris Elba and Rebecca Ferguson in the lead roles.
Watch status: Now streaming on Netflix in the UK.
After The Hunt — A tense psychological drama about a college student who accuses a professor of assault, placing another teacher in a difficult position. Starring Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, and Andrew Garfield; directed by Luca Guadagnino.
Watch status: Available on Amazon Prime Video now.
Avatar: Fire and Ash — The epic third chapter in James Cameron’s sci‑fi saga, as a new hostile tribe challenges the Na’vi against the backdrop of a sprawling alien world.
Watch status: In UK cinemas from 19 December.
Blue Moon — A musical drama following lyricist Lorenz Hart as he grapples with personal demons ahead of a major Broadway revival.
Watch status: In UK cinemas now.
Bugonia — Two young conspiracy theorists kidnap a corporate CEO, convinced he is an alien. A collaboration between Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.
Watch status: In UK cinemas now and available to rent digitally from 1 December.
Christy — The true story of boxing icon Christy Martin’s rise in the 1990s and the violent attempt on her life in 2010. Starring Sydney Sweeney.
Watch status: In UK cinemas now.
Die My Love — A couple moves to a secluded home while facing mounting strain on the mother’s mental health. Starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson.
Watch status: In UK cinemas now.
F1 — A former racing driver makes a comeback decades after a career‑shaping accident. Starring Brad Pitt; directed by Joseph Kosinski.
Watch status: On Apple TV+ from 12 December.
Frankenstein — Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic, with Oscar Isaac among the cast.
Watch status: On Netflix now.
Hamnet — A 1590s drama inspired by Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, exploring a mother’s grief and Shakespeare’s creative process. Starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.
Watch status: UK release in cinemas from 9 January 2026.
Is This Thing On? — A parent turns to stand‑up to navigate divorce and family life. Starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern; directed by Bradley Cooper.
Watch status: UK cinemas 30 January 2026.
It Was Just An Accident — A chance encounter leads a man to pursue revenge against a former Iranian intelligence officer who harmed him in prison. Path by Jafar Panahi, winner at Cannes.
Watch status: UK cinemas from 5 December.
Jay Kelly — A veteran actor in his 60s seeks a quieter life in Europe with his daughters, stepping away from fame. Starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler; directed by Noah Baumbach.
Watch status: On Netflix from 15 December.
Kpop Demon Hunters — A popular girl group balances music with protecting fans from a demon‑threatening rival band. A Netflix fantasy‑comedy from Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans.
Watch status: On Netflix now.
Marty Supreme — The real‑life rise of table tennis player Marty Reisman in 1950s New York, chasing a dream few take seriously. Starring Timothée Chalamet; directed by Josh Safdie.
Watch status: UK cinemas from 1 January 2026.
One Battle After Another — A father reconnects with former revolutionaries after his daughter is kidnapped. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Chase Infiniti; directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
Watch status: In UK cinemas and available to rent digitally now.
The Secret Agent — A tech expert hunted by Brazil’s military dictatorship seeks refuge in his hometown, pursued by hired hitmen. Starring Wagner Moura; directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho.
Watch status: UK cinemas 20 February 2026.
Sentimental Value — After their mother’s death, two sisters reconnect with their distant father, a renowned Swedish filmmaker. Starring Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning.
Watch status: UK cinemas from 26 December 2026.
Sinners — Twin brothers return to the Mississippi Delta in 1932, only to encounter a looming dark force. A vampire drama starring Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo; directed by Ryan Coogler.
Watch status: Available for digital rental now.
The Smashing Machine — A profile of UFC fighter Mark Kerr amid the sport’s 1990s peak; stars Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.
Watch status: In UK cinemas now.
Song Sung Blue — Two performers who impersonate famous musicians form a Neil Diamond tribute duo, navigating love and a major accident. Starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson; directed by Craig Brewer.
Watch status: UK cinemas from 1 January 2026.
Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere — A portrait of Bruce Springsteen’s early career leading to his Nebraska era, featuring Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Strong.
Watch status: UK cinemas now.
Train Dreams — An American railroad worker’s quiet life is upended by tragedy and distance. Starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones; available on Netflix now.
Weapons — A town faces a spate of disappearances; a mystery that tests a community’s resolve. Starring Josh Brolin, Julia Garner and Amy Madigan; available for digital rental now.
Wicked: For Good — The continuing story of Oz’s witches, with Glinda enjoying fame while Elphaba navigates exile. Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo; in UK cinemas now.
Expert comment: Film critics say the 2026 lineup blends prestige dramas with high‑concept sequels, expanding audiences across streaming and cinema. This mix could broaden the awards race beyond traditional awards season usuals.
Short summary: The 2026 Oscar race features a diverse set of titles across genres, platforms, and release windows. Viewers can plan their watching around cinema runs and streaming drops in the coming months. For learners, following release dates helps build topic familiarity and listening practice around real cinema culture.
Key takeaway: The 2026 Oscars race demonstrates how streaming and cinema coexist, with major titles appearing across platforms and theatres. Source: BBC