The Must-See Movies of This Awards Season
The Must-See Movies of This Awards Season
By Madeleine New — March 11, 2026
The past year has been full of groundbreaking films. A-list stars, new names, remakes, brand new stories, and more have graced our screens. So before the Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15, here are some of the most nominated, must-see films of this season.
Hamnet
This historical fiction directed by Chloé Zhao is a poignant tale of grief. It is a fresh take on a Shakespearean story, pushing William Shakespeare to the side and focusing on his wife, Agnes, played by Jessie Buckley. Buckley is garnering all the praise—and awards—for her heartwrenching performance.
Marty Supreme
Timothée Chalamet excelled in yet another lead role, generating much Oscar buzz. In this fast-paced and engaging film from Josh Safdie, Chalamet plays the flawed, eccentric, and conceited table tennis star Marty Mauser. The supporting cast includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyler, the Creator, Kevin O’Leary, and everyone’s new favorite it-girl, Odessa A’zion, in this ping-pong hustler drama.
Bugonia
Yorgos Lanthimos directed this 2025 remake of the 2003 South Korean film Save the Green Planet! Bugonia is about two men who kidnap a CEO while under the assumption that she is an alien trying to destroy Earth. The film is as thrilling as it sounds, thanks in large part to Emma Stone, who earned her seventh Academy Award nomination for her role as the CEO. Jesse Plemons, who stands out in his supporting role, has also received much praise.
Sentimental Value
Sentimental Value is a beautiful, emotional, family affair, as well as one of the few foreign films nominated for Best Picture. This Norwegian movie explores two adult sisters and their strained relationship with their father. While Stellan Skarsgård delivers an exceptional performance as the father, and has quickly become an Oscar favorite, the three women—Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning—truly carry the film.
One Battle After Another
From Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another is led by a star-studded cast with Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, and Teyana Taylor. DiCaprio plays a father and former political revolutionary on an epic journey to save his daughter, played by Chase Infiniti. One Battle After Another is an action-packed comedy and thriller, and Infiniti shines in her film debut
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