What is the current status of the 2026 Oscar race?

The 2026 Oscar race is led by Paul Thomas Anderson's film "One Battle After Another," which has been praised as the director's best work and a frontrunner for Best Picture. Chloé Zhao's "Hamnet" and the surprise hit "KPop Demon Hunters" are also generating significant buzz and could enter the Best Picture conversation.

Who is Jessie Buckley and why is her performance in "Hamnet" generating Oscar buzz?

Jessie Buckley is an acclaimed actress who delivers an "emotional powerhouse of a performance" as Agnes Shakespeare, the wife of William Shakespeare, in Chloé Zhao's "Hamnet." Her performance has been widely praised and she is considered a strong contender for the Best Actress award.

What is "KPop Demon Hunters" and why could it be a dark horse for the 2026 Oscars?

"KPop Demon Hunters" is a surprise pop culture phenomenon that debuted in August and has developed a passionate following. Some pundits believe it could garner enough support to secure a Best Picture nomination, despite being an unexpected contender.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / "One Battle After Another" Leads 2026 Oscar Race, KPop Demon Hunters Surprises

"One Battle After Another" Leads 2026 Oscar Race, KPop Demon Hunters Surprises

8 Oct

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Summary

Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" tipped as Oscars frontrunner
Chloé Zhao's "Hamnet" wins big at festivals, Jessie Buckley praised for performance
Unexpected pop culture hit "KPop Demon Hunters" could enter Best Picture conversation

"One Battle After Another" Leads 2026 Oscar Race, KPop Demon Hunters Surprises

As the 2026 Academy Awards approach, a clear frontrunner has emerged in the race for Best Picture. Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film, "One Battle After Another," has been widely acclaimed as the director's best work to date. Starring a powerhouse ensemble including Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn, the movie has been praised for its timely exploration of political themes and its appeal to multiple branches of the Academy.

Meanwhile, Chloé Zhao's "Hamnet" has also generated significant buzz after wowing audiences at the Telluride and Toronto Film Festivals earlier this year. Jessie Buckley's emotional performance as the wife of William Shakespeare has been tipped as a strong contender for the Best Actress award.