Award Season Longlist: Critics Name Top Contenders for 2026
November 17, 2025 – Los Angeles, California — The annual awards season conversation is heating up, and critics have unveiled their highly anticipated longlist featuring the top contenders for the 2026 awards circuit. From gripping dramas to imaginative genre films and musicals, this year’s crop of potential award winners is remarkably diverse, showcasing industry veterans and rising talents alike.
The most talked-about film leading this season’s longlist is “Hamnet,” directed by Academy Award-winner Chloé Zhao. A historical drama adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, the film has been praised for its emotional depth and striking performances, particularly by Jessie Buckley. According to early predictions by AwardsDaily, Hamnet is a frontrunner in multiple categories, including Best Picture and Best Director. Screenshot: AwardsDaily’s Predictions –
Another heavyweight on the list is Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest cinematic offering, “One Battle After Another.” The film, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio and brings audiences back into the world of high-stakes personal drama, is expected to gain traction across the board, from acting nominations to technical awards. Critics point out the film’s innovative narrative and Anderson’s signature style as key reasons for its awards potential.
Genre films are also taking center stage. “Sinners,” a contemporary vampire thriller directed by Ryan Coogler, blends bold social commentary with genre innovation. It has already proven to be a hit with audiences and critics alike. While horror films traditionally face challenges during awards season, Sinners has managed to captivate the industry in a way that echoes past successes like Get Out. Jennifer Graves of AwardsWatch suggests that “Sinners could challenge the Academy’s traditional genre preferences this awards season.”
Read more at the AwardsWatch update on contenders –
On the musical side, the spotlight shines brightly on the highly anticipated sequel “Wicked: For Good.” Helmed by Jon M. Chu, the film is set to follow 2024’s Wicked and reprises the roles of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda. The production has garnered considerable buzz for its musical performances, lush visuals, and imaginative world-building. Several entertainment outlets, including Vogue, list it as a top awards contender in the musicals and technical categories.
Also making waves on the international scene is Brazil’s official submission, “The Secret Agent,” an adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s political espionage novel. Critics have lauded the film for its sinister atmosphere and precise direction, making it a strong candidate in the Best International Feature category.
Other films rounding out the longlist include:
- “Sentimental Value” by Joachim Trier – A poignant family drama that has earned standing ovations at major film festivals.
- “Frankenstein” by Guillermo del Toro – A bold reinterpretation of the Gothic classic.
- “Marty Supreme” – A biographical sports drama featuring Timothée Chalamet in what critics are calling one of his finest roles.
With almost two dozen films being discussed by critics and awards watchers, one thing is clear: the 2026 awards season will be defined by bold artistry, genre diversity, and renewed interest in adventurous storytelling.
However, industry experts caution that with such a wide-open race, predicting clear frontrunners is still premature. As one critic puts it, “there are no sure bets this year, just great cinema competing on multiple fronts.”
The complete longlist is expected to be revised as films roll out during the next few weeks, especially with the upcoming Critics’ Awards and the highly influential Golden Globes nominations. What remains to be seen is which of these films will sustain momentum and secure their place when the official nominations are announced early next year.
About the Awards Season
The annual awards season kicks off in late fall and spans several months, culminating with the Academy Awards. The early longlist, informed by film festival performances, critical reviews, and industry buzz, helps shape the narrative of which films are likely to dominate the awards circuit.
For regular updates on the 2026 awards season contenders, visit:
