The global film industry is closely watching the ongoing awards season as major precursor awards begin to indicate possible contenders for the Academy Awards 2026. Several films and performances have gained early recognition during ceremonies that traditionally influence the direction of the Oscar race.
Among the films receiving strong attention this year are One Battle After Another, Hamnet and Sinners. These projects have performed well in early award ceremonies and critics groups, which are often considered important indicators during the awards season.
The awards season for 2026 began in January with the presentation of the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. During the ceremony, Hamnet received the award for Best Motion Picture in the Drama category, while One Battle After Another won Best Motion Picture in the Musical or Comedy category. These honours provided early momentum for the films as they moved forward in the awards cycle.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson also received the Best Director award at the Golden Globes for his work on One Battle After Another. The recognition further strengthened the film’s position as one of the leading contenders in the upcoming awards.
In the acting categories, Jessie Buckley earned the Best Actress award for her performance in Hamnet. Her performance has continued to receive praise across multiple award ceremonies, leading to what industry observers describe as a strong run throughout the awards season.
Other acting awards at the Golden Globes included Best Actor in the Drama category for Wagner Moura for his role in The Secret Agent. Meanwhile Timothée Chalamet received Best Actor in the Musical or Comedy category for his performance in Marty Supreme.
Award ceremonies that take place before the Oscars are commonly referred to as precursor awards. These include events such as the Golden Globes, the BAFTA Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. While each organisation has its own voting body and criteria, the results often provide insight into which films and performances are gaining widespread industry support.
However, film analysts note that precursor awards do not always predict the final outcome of the Oscars. For example, the Golden Globes divide many categories between Drama and Musical or Comedy films. This structure allows multiple winners in similar categories and sometimes prevents a single clear favourite from emerging early in the season.
Despite this, early wins play a crucial role in increasing the visibility of films and performances. Recognition at major award ceremonies helps generate media coverage, attract audience interest and influence voters as the awards season progresses.
As the industry moves closer to the Academy Awards ceremony, additional precursor events and critics awards will continue to shape the competitive landscape. The results of these events may strengthen the chances of certain films or introduce new contenders into the race.
With strong performances from films such as One Battle After Another and Hamnet and continued recognition for actors like Jessie Buckley, the 2026 awards season is developing into a closely watched competition across the international film community.
