Published: December 20, 2025
The race for the 2026 Academy Awards just shifted into high gear. While Hollywood quiets down for the holiday break, the newly released Oscar shortlists have completely upended the Best Picture narrative. Massive technical hauls for “Wicked For Good” and “Sinners” signal a brutal fight ahead. Meanwhile, a small international underdog has officially entered the heavyweight conversation and shocked the industry.
Big Budget Films Take the Lead
The headline story of this shortlist announcement is the sheer dominance of blockbuster filmmaking. Warner Bros. and Universal have reasons to celebrate this week. Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked For Good” silenced any doubters by securing eight mentions across seven eligible categories.
This musical juggernaut landed two separate selections in Original Song. It is a best case scenario for the film. Many pundits wondered if the second chapter could repeat the magic of the first. These numbers confirm that the Academy is still very much under its spell.
Right on its heels is the Ryan Coogler thriller “Sinners.” This Warner Bros. breakout title matched “Wicked” with eight mentions of its own. It also secured two spots in the Original Song category. This performance suggests deep support across the craftsman branches.
Shortlist Leaderboard
| Film Title | Studio | Shortlist Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Wicked For Good | Universal | 8 |
| Sinners | Warner Bros. | 8 |
| Frankenstein | Netflix | 6 |
| One Battle After Another | Warner Bros. | 5 |
Golden Oscar statuette silhouette against dark dramatic background
Frontrunner Shows Signs of Weakness
The current Best Picture frontrunner had a decidedly more mixed day. “One Battle After Another” walked away with five mentions. This is a respectable number for most films. However, it is lower than its primary studio rival.
The war drama missed the cut for Visual Effects. This omission is notable. The studio has downplayed the loss. They argue the film is primarily an acting showcase.
Key Stat: “One Battle After Another” is still expected to land up to four acting nominations despite the shortlist stumble.
The industry is watching closely. “One Battle” relies heavily on the acting branch. This branch is the largest voting block in the Academy. If the film lands nominations for its cast, the technical misses may not matter. But for now, the door is open for other contenders.
International Movies Shake Up the Race
The biggest shock of the day came from an unexpected source. “Sirat” was widely predicted to make the International Feature list. It did much more than that. The Cannes prize winner appeared in Cinematography, Sound, and Original Score.
The most telling inclusion was in the Casting category. This is often the strongest indicator of Best Picture heat. The Casting branch has increasingly championed international cinema. They also recognized “Sentimental Value” and “The Secret Agent.”
Bernard Telsey is the casting director for “Wicked For Good.” We spoke to him earlier this week regarding the international surge.
“Well, of course,” Telsey noted regarding the global selections. He explained that casting directors scout festivals more aggressively than almost anyone else. They are seeing these films first.
This broad support for “Sirat” changes the math for NEON. The distributor is on the verge of history. They could land multiple Best Picture nominees. No studio has done this with three films since 1975. “Sirat” joins “Sentimental Value” and “It Was Just An Accident” in their stable. It is a high wire act that could redefine independent distribution.
Streaming Services Fight for Spots
Netflix is arguably having a quiet but effective year. Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” performed exceptionally well. The film earned six mentions. It trailed only the two blockbuster leaders.
There was skepticism about “Frankenstein” earlier in the season. Some voters viewed it as too close to a mini series structure. Del Toro has clearly won them over. He remains a beloved figure within the Academy.
Confirmed Streaming Contenders:
- Frankenstein: 6 Mentions (Netflix)
- Train Dreams: Multiple Mentions (Netflix)
- The Secret Agent: Casting Mention (Various)
The data suggests a shift in voter taste. The inclusion of genre films like “Sinners” and “Frankenstein” alongside musicals shows a desire for variety. The Academy is moving away from purely traditional Oscar bait. They are rewarding bold auteur visions.
We now look toward January 2nd. That is when the final sprint begins. The shortlists are just the appetizer. The main course is coming. If these lists are any indication, we are in for a chaotic and thrilling finish.
