🏆 Oscars 2026 Predictions: Best Picture Contenders & Early Awards Buzz

The race for the 98th Academy Awards is heating up, with several films already making waves in the 2025 festival circuit and early screenings. Here are the top Best Picture contenders to watch as we approach the Oscars 2026.

🎬 Top Best Picture Contenders for the 2026 Oscars

1. Frankenstein

Director: Guillermo del Toro
Cast: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz
Release Date: October 17, 2025 (Theatrical), November 7, 2025 (Netflix)
Genre: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
Studio: Netflix
Why It’s Buzzing: Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel has garnered early acclaim for its emotional depth and visual storytelling. The film’s ensemble cast and del Toro’s direction position it as a strong contender for multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

2. One Battle After Another

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn
Release Date: TBA
Genre: Drama
Why It’s Buzzing: This film, inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland, has generated significant anticipation due to Anderson’s direction and the star power of DiCaprio and Penn. Early discussions suggest it could be a major player in the Best Picture category.

3. Sentimental Value

Director: Joachim Trier
Cast: Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Elle Fanning
Release Date: TBA
Genre: Drama
Why It’s Buzzing: Premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Sentimental Value won the Grand Prix and received excellent reviews. Its critical acclaim and emotional storytelling make it a strong contender for Best Picture.

4. After The Hunt

Director: Luca Guadagnino
Cast: Julia Roberts
Release Date: TBA
Genre: Thriller, Drama
Why It’s Buzzing: This dramatic thriller, featuring Julia Roberts as a college professor grappling with a serious accusation, has been highlighted as an early contender for Best Picture due to its compelling narrative and Roberts’ performance.

5. Mickey 17

Director: Bong Joon Ho
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo
Release Date: March 7, 2025
Genre: Sci-Fi, Black Comedy
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
Why It’s Buzzing: Bong Joon Ho’s latest film, based on the novel Mickey7, has received positive reviews for its innovative storytelling and strong performances. Its unique premise and critical acclaim position it as a potential Best Picture nominee.ats up with exclusive interviews, nominee reveals, and expert analysis.

📅 Key Dates for the 2026 Oscars

  • December 2025: Film release deadlines for eligibility
  • January 2026: Official Oscar nominations announced
  • March 2026: The 98th Academy Awards ceremony

🎬 KPop Demon Hunters: Netflix’s K-Pop Movie Crushes Box Office with $20M Debut

c/o Netflix

Netflix has done it again. Their latest animated film, KPop Demon Hunters, stunned Hollywood by raking in $18–20 million in its opening weekend—outperforming several traditional studio releases and proving once again the power of fandom and genre innovation.

🔍 What Is KPop Demon Hunters About?

KPop Demon Hunters is an animated musical action film that follows a fictional K-pop girl group who double as demon slayers while touring across Asia. The movie blends K-pop choreography, supernatural action, and musical performances into one eye-popping, high-energy experience.

What sets it apart? The animation is sharp, the soundtrack is original and catchy, and the sing-along theatrical release has become a viral fan event—especially among younger audiences and die-hard K-pop fans.

💥 A Record-Breaking Box Office for a Netflix Movie

Despite being known as a streaming-first platform, Netflix released KPop Demon Hunters in a limited theatrical run—and the results were phenomenal:

  • $18–20 million box office earnings in its debut weekend
  • Surpassing major competitors like Weapons and other summer releases
  • Setting a new benchmark for Netflix’s theatrical potential

This makes KPop Demon Hunters one of the highest-grossing Netflix-backed films to hit theaters, signaling a potential shift in how the platform handles future original content.

✅ Related: How K-pop Culture Is Reshaping Hollywood

🌐 K-Pop Fandom = Box Office Gold

What powered this success? One word: fandom.

K-pop fans are some of the most engaged audiences in the world, and Netflix tapped directly into that passion. With:

  • Viral TikTok dance challenges
  • Fan-made trailers and cosplay flooding social media
  • Global social campaigns in multiple languages

The buzz was unstoppable. KPop Demon Hunters didn’t just launch—it exploded across fan communities worldwide.

🔗 Read more: K-pop’s Growing Influence in Hollywood

📱 Netflix’s Strategy: Streaming Meets Theatrical

This release marks a key shift in Netflix’s strategy. Traditionally a streaming-only giant, Netflix has begun testing theatrical releases for certain titles—and KPop Demon Hunters proves it can work.

Francesca Beatriz Mclelland | Full Performance & Crowning Moment | Miss Grand Philippines 2025

Witness the full performance of Francesca Beatriz Mclelland as she is crowned Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2026 during the Miss Grand Philippines 2025 Grand Finals! 👑✨ Francesca Mclelland, who previously competed at Binibining Pilipinas 2025 where she reached the Top 14, returned to the stage stronger than ever. Known for her standout Q&A skills, she once again impressed the judges and pageant fans, proving her growth and consistency in the competition. Now, she carries the honor of representing the Philippines at Reina Hispanoamericana 2026 in Bolivia 🇵🇭✨ — with the challenge of continuing the winning streak after Dia Mate’s victory for the Philippines earlier this year.

🔥 Don’t miss her unforgettable performance, crowning moment, and inspiring journey!

Video courtesy of GrandTVPh

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Emma Tiglao of Pampanga | Full Performance & Crowning Moment as Miss Grand Philippines 2025

Relive the unforgettable journey of Emma Tiglao as she takes the stage for her full performance and crowning moment at the Miss Grand Philippines 2025 Grand Finals! 👑✨ Emma captivated the audience with her elegance, confidence, and undeniable queenly aura, proving why she is destined for the Miss Grand Philippines crown. From her show-stopping performance to the emotional moment she was crowned, this is a performance you won’t want to miss.

🔥 Witness history as Emma Tiglao becomes Miss Grand Philippines 2025!

Video courtesy of GrandTVPH

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Anita Rose Gomez | Full Performance for Miss Grand Philippines 2025 Grand Finals!

Watch the full performance of Anita Rose Gomez during the Miss Grand Philippines 2025 Grand Finals! 🌟 Representing with beauty, grace, and confidence, Anita Rose showcased why she is one of the strongest contenders for the crown. From her flawless stage presence to her captivating performance, she truly embodied what it means to be a Miss Grand Philippines queen.

Video courtesy of GrandTVPh

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Miss Grand Aklan Bea Mclelland’s Powerful Speech on Gaza | Miss Grand Philippines 2025 Finals

Miss Grand Aklan 2025, Bea Mclelland, delivered one of the most powerful and emotional speeches during the Miss Grand Philippines 2025 Coronation Night. Addressing the ongoing genocide in Gaza, she emphasized the need for leaders, nations, and individuals to stand for peace and to never remain silent in the face of injustice. Her heartfelt message moved the audience and reminded everyone of the true essence of pageantry — beauty with a purpose and a voice that matters.

✨ Watch Bea Mcleland’s full speech here and let her words inspire you to choose peace and courage over silence.

I contribute content to BeautyPOVPH and help write some of its features. Your support means a lot—please consider liking, commenting, or subscribing to our YouTube channel. It helps us continue bringing you the latest updates in the world of pageantry and beyond.

Praewwanich Ruangthong | Miss Universe Thailand 2025 1st Runner-Up — Full Performance Highlights

Meet Praewwanich Ruangthong, the resilient powerhouse who emerged as first runner-up at Miss Universe Thailand 2025, just behind Veena Praveenar Singh. Praew, hailing from Chumphon and a graduate of Prince of Songkla University’s School of Arts and Management, is no stranger to pageantry.

Her impressive track record includes: 1st Runner-Up at Miss Thailand World 2018, winning the Top Model fast-track award. Miss Supranational Thailand 2022, and top 2 at Miss Supranational 2022. Beyond titles, Praewwanich’s grace, stage presence, and advocacy—especially for mental health awareness—resonate deeply with pageant fans Pageant Empress In this video, relive her best moments — from her entrance walk and interview poise to her breathtaking evening gown presentation. Witness her journey of elegance, strength, and consistency unfold.

✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more pageant highlights, inspiring contestants, and behind-the-scenes features.

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Veena Praveenar Singh’s Full Performance | Miss Universe Thailand 2025 Winner on Her Fourth Attempt!

After three near-misses (2nd Runner-Up in 2018 and 2023, 1st Runner-Up in 2020), Veena Praveenar Singh finally claimed the crown as Miss Universe Thailand 2025 on her fourth attempt — a stunning victory on August 23, 2025. This video features her full finale performance — a powerful display of grace, resilience, and unwavering determination. Veena represents Saraburi province, and her inspiring journey adds rich layers to the story of this year’s competition.

By winning Miss Universe Thailand 2025, she became the first married contestant from Thailand to win after the rule change allowing married women to compete. Her academic and entrepreneurial background — with a liberal arts degree from Thammasat University, a managing partner role at Aura Media, and launching her own lip balm brand “Maharani” — adds inspirational depth.

Following this win, she’ll now represent Thailand — as host delegate — at Miss Universe 2025 in November, held right here in Thailand!

✨ Like, share, and subscribe for more full performances, behind-the-scenes pageant journeys, and updates on Veena’s path to Miss Universe 2025!

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Vice Ganda Wins Best Actor at FAMAS 2025 for And The Breadwinner Is…| Dedicates Award to Queer Kids

Vice Ganda has officially made history at the FAMAS Awards 2025, winning Best Actor for the film And The Breadwinner Is…. 🌟 In a heartfelt speech, Vice dedicated this milestone to queer kids everywhere — sending a powerful message of love, hope, and representation. 🏳️‍🌈 Watch this inspiring moment that proves why Vice Ganda continues to break barriers in Philippine cinema. ✨ Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more updates on the world of entertainment and pageantry!

Video courtesy of: fb/vice ganda

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Miss Philippines Cosmo Chelsea Fernandez at the Press Launch of Miss Cosmo 2025 in Vietnam!

Chelsea Fernandez proudly represents the Philippines as The Miss Philippines Cosmo 2025 during the official launch of Miss Cosmo 2025. ✨ Witness her grace, confidence, and elegance as she shines on the global stage, bringing pride to Filipino pageant fans. Don’t miss this moment from the launch of Miss Cosmo 2025, where Chelsea Fernandez shows why she is one of the Philippines’ strongest queens. 👑🇵🇭 👉 Subscribe for more Miss Cosmo 2025 updates, beauty queen performances, and pageant highlights!

I contribute content to BeautyPOVPH and help write some of its features. Your support means a lot—please consider liking, commenting, or subscribing to our YouTube channel. It helps us continue bringing you the latest updates in the world of pageantry and beyond.