98th Academy Awards: Here Are the Best Picture Nominees

The 98th Academy Awards represent the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, honoring the most impactful films released throughout the previous calendar year. As the film industry continues to evolve with diverse storytelling and technological advancements, the Best Picture category serves as a definitive list of cultural milestones. This year’s projected contenders include a mix of visionary genre pieces, intimate historical dramas, and highly anticipated adaptations from world-renowned directors. Each of these films has garnered significant attention for their production quality, narrative depth, and technical execution. The following selections highlight the diverse range of projects expected to lead the conversation during the upcoming awards season.

‘Bugonia’ (2025)

‘Bugonia’ is a science fiction comedy directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons. The story is an English-language remake of the South Korean cult classic ‘Save the Green Planet!’. The plot involves two conspiracy theorists who kidnap a powerful CEO they believe is an extraterrestrial threat to Earth. Produced by Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen, the film marks another collaboration between the director and his recurring lead actors. It blends elements of dark humor and surrealism to explore contemporary anxieties through a genre-bending lens.

‘F1’ (2025)

‘F1’ is a high-stakes sports drama directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. The film stars Brad Pitt as a retired racing veteran who returns to the track to mentor a rising young driver. Filming utilized real Formula 1 cars and events to provide an authentic depiction of the sport’s speed and danger. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton served as a producer to ensure technical accuracy within the narrative. The project aims to capture the visceral experience of the racing world for a global audience.

‘Frankenstein’ (2025)

‘Frankenstein’ is a gothic horror adaptation written and directed by Academy Award winner Guillermo del Toro. The film stars Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as his monstrous creation. This version returns to the original themes of Mary Shelley’s novel while incorporating the director’s signature visual style. The production features a notable supporting cast including Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and Felix Kammerer. It represents a long-gestating passion project for the filmmaker within the classic monster movie genre.

‘Hamnet’ (2025)

‘Hamnet’ is a historical drama directed by Chloé Zhao and based on the best-selling novel by Maggie O’Farrell. The story centers on Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, as she navigates the tragic loss of her young son. Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley portray the central couple in this exploration of domestic life and maternal grief. The film is produced by a prestigious team including Steven Spielberg, Sam Mendes, and Liza Marshall. It provides a fictionalized look at the personal experiences that potentially influenced the writing of ‘Hamlet’.

‘Marty Supreme’ (2025)

‘Marty Supreme’ is a biographical sports drama directed by Josh Safdie and produced by A24. Timothée Chalamet stars as Marty Reisman, a legendary American table tennis player known for his distinct personality and style. The narrative explores the competitive world of professional ping pong during the middle of the 20th century. The supporting cast includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyler, the Creator, and Odessa A’zion. This film marks Safdie’s return to the director’s chair for a solo project after his previous successes with his brother.

‘One Battle After Another’ (2025)

‘One Battle After Another’ is a black comedy action thriller written, co-produced, and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film is loosely inspired by the 1990 novel ‘Vineland’ by author Thomas Pynchon. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as an ex-revolutionary who is forced back into a combative lifestyle to protect his daughter. The production features a high-profile ensemble cast including Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, and Regina Hall. This project marks a significant departure for the director into the action-thriller genre.

‘The Secret Agent’ (2025)

‘The Secret Agent’ is a neo-noir historical political thriller written and directed by Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho. The narrative follows Armando, played by Wagner Moura, a professor caught in the political turmoil of the Brazilian military dictatorship. As he attempts to flee persecution, he must resist the pressures of an increasingly authoritarian regime. The supporting cast includes Maria Fernanda Cândido and Udo Kier in his final film role. The film explores themes of resistance and survival within a specific historical and cultural context.

‘Sentimental Value’ (2025)

‘Sentimental Value’ is a comedy-drama directed by Joachim Trier and co-written by Eskil Vogt. The film features Renate Reinsve as an actress who deals with the return of her estranged father after her mother’s death. It explores the intricate relationships within a family as they confront past trauma and current professional struggles. The production follows the critical success of ‘The Worst Person in the World’ and reunites the director with his lead actress. The narrative blends humor and melancholy to examine the lasting impact of family legacies.

‘Sinners’ (2025)

‘Sinners’ is a supernatural horror film written, directed, and produced by Ryan Coogler. Michael B. Jordan stars in a dual role as twin brothers who return to their hometown in the Jim Crow-era South. The plot involves the brothers encountering a mysterious evil that has taken hold of their community. Produced by Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian, the project combines historical settings with high-concept thriller elements. It marks a significant reunion between the director and his long-time leading man for a genre-specific story.

‘Train Dreams’ (2025)

‘Train Dreams’ is a period drama directed by Andrew Haigh and based on the novella by Denis Johnson. The film stars Joel Edgerton as Robert Grainier, a laborer living in the American West during the early 1900s. It depicts the protagonist’s life of hardship, isolation, and the loss of his family amidst the expansion of the railroad. The narrative serves as a meditative reflection on the vanishing wilderness and the quiet resilience of a single man. Through its intimate storytelling, the film captures the shifting landscape of American history.

Please share your thoughts on which of these films you believe will take home the top prize in the comments.