The upcoming 98th Academy Awards, set for Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. The Oscars are an event that mobilizes many people, even if only to make predictions, and more and more people are betting on the possible award winners. In this regard, to follow the latest trends and predictions in real time, take a look at the Oscar odds and predictions, which contain all the latest odds for the most anticipated evening in the world of cinema. With the final nominations set to be revealed on January 22nd, shortlists and box office results are already giving a little insight into what could happen on Oscars night.
Shortlisted movies and possible outcomes
Shortlists made known in December are one of the key indicators of Oscar potential. These lists don’t guarantee Oscar nominations, but they highlight the films that have caught the Academy’s attention this season. Among the most frequently mentioned titles across multiple shortlists are:
- Sinners. A favorite among both audiences and critics for the casting, score and visual effects quality.
- Wicked: For Good. Another fan favorite that has captured critics for the exceptional performances and many technical wonders.
- One Battle After Another. A drama starring Leonardo Di Caprio that’s shaping up as a Best Picture contender.
- Frankenstein. Guillermo del Toro’s ambitious reimagining that appeared on several technical shortlists.
- F1. The high-octane racing film that made it onto the Visual Effects list.
Predictions for the actors categories
The shortlists also feature prominent performances by both seasoned stars and newcomers, as has happened in the last decades of the coveted awards. This year, possible winners are among:
- Leonardo Di Caprio who won a decade ago and will most probably be nominated for One Battle After Another.
- Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for their spectacular acting, dancing and singing work in the second part of Wicked.
- Timothée Chalamet who has been praised for his work for many years now and yet hasn’t received his first big prize. Marty Supreme could be the role that cements his career.
- Jessie Buckley for her transformative and highly difficult role in Hamnet, which could bring her first nomination and first win in the same year.
Who will be the best director?
As happens each year, Golden Globes nominations are a clue into the next big prize: the Oscars. This year they nodded both veterans like Paul Thomas Anderson and Guillermo Del Toro and less famous directors like Jafar Panahi and Joachim Trier. Best director’s nominations usually also indicate what films will be acknowledged, even if this is not always the case.
Best picture possible winners
In the most recent years, the Academy has widened the category to include more titles, acknowledging both indie films and blockbuster, critically acclaimed and box office successes. This year is set to be the same, including movies like Wicked: For Good (an incredible box office success) and Frankenstein (that had the whole internet talking when it came out first in selected cinemas and then on Netflix). Other interesting names are Sinners, Marty Supreme, Bugonia and One Battle After Another, considered to be the possible winner.
Why the Oscars are a monumental event in cinema and beyond
This is not only the night when the most talented cast and crews are celebrated for their accomplishments and actors scrutinized in search of fresh gossip or fashion faux-pax. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for people to be entertained and playfully compete with each other. Families and friends reunite to bet on their favorite movie, support their actor darling and comment on jokes, gowns and speeches. A moment to share and cherish all over the world.