As mid-2025 unfolds, the cinematic landscape is already buzzing with whispers and predictions for what promises to be an exhilarating award season. From festival darlings that have garnered critical acclaim to highly anticipated blockbusters from visionary directors, the race for the coveted golden statues is officially underway. For film enthusiasts in Peshawar, across Pakistan, and around the globe, understanding the early contenders for the best films for award season 2025-2026 is key to fully appreciating the journey towards Oscar night.
Early Frontrunners: Festival Darlings and Critical Acclaim
The major international film festivals, especially the Cannes Film Festival, have historically served as crucial launchpads for Oscar-worthy films. The 78th Cannes Film Festival, which concluded earlier this year, has already unveiled several potential heavyweights.
One of the standout films, already being touted as a strong contender for Best Picture and Best International Feature Film, is Jafar Panahi’s Palme d'Or winner, “It Was Just an Accident.” Distributed by NEON, a studio known for its prowess in securing Oscar wins for international films, Panahi's latest work from Iran brings profound storytelling that resonates deeply. Source: 2026 Oscar Predictions: BEST PICTURE and BEST DIRECTOR (June) – AwardsWatch
Another film making waves from Cannes is Joachim Trier’s Norwegian drama, “Sentimental Value.” Also acquired by NEON, this film, with its deeply personal narrative and strong acting performances, is poised to be a major player, particularly given Trier's previous Oscar nominations. Kleber Mendonça Filho’s Brazilian film, “The Secret Agent,” which earned Best Director at Cannes, is another international feature that could see significant traction, potentially building on Brazil's recent successes in the international category. Source: 2026 Oscar Predictions: BEST PICTURE and BEST DIRECTOR (June) – AwardsWatch
Other notable festival highlights from earlier in 2025 that are generating award predictions include:
- “Sound of Falling” (Germany), sharing the Jury Prize at Cannes, and distributed by MUBI, hints at a compelling artistic vision that could translate into nominations for its unique style.
- “The Brutalist” from Brady Corbet, an A24 production, earned accolades at earlier festivals like Berlinale for its directing and period setting, positioning it as an early strong contender for multiple categories. Source: 40 Films to Watch for the 2025 Oscars – Scriptophile
- “Anora,” directed by Sean Baker and starring Mikey Madison, has already made significant waves, securing an Oscar nomination for Best Actress earlier in the 2025 season (for the 97th Academy Awards), making it a must-watch Oscar contender as it gains wider release. Source: The 2025 awards season's biggest movies and TV shows and where to watch them | The Spinoff
Anticipated Releases: The Power Players Yet to Unfold
While festivals provide an early glimpse, much of the award season excitement will build with the release of major films later in 2025. Studios like Warner Bros., Universal, Apple, Amazon MGM, Focus Features, and Netflix have a slate of high-profile projects that are expected to enter the fray.
- “Avatar: Fire and Ash” (20th Century Studios): James Cameron’s third installment in the Avatar saga is a perennial Oscar-worthy films contender due to its groundbreaking technical achievements. It’s almost a sure bet for technical nominations, and with a compelling story, could again challenge for Best Picture.
- “Frankenstein” (Netflix): Guillermo del Toro’s unique take on the classic monster, featuring an all-star cast, is expected to bring his signature blend of artistry and genre-bending storytelling, making it a strong contender for directing, acting, and design categories.
- “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros.): Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film is always an Oscar-worthy event. His projects consistently deliver powerful narratives and exceptional acting performances.
- “Marty Supreme” (A24): Josh Safdie’s first solo feature, a sports biopic with Timothée Chalamet, is highly anticipated, especially given A24's track record of producing critically adored films that resonate with Academy voters.
- “Bugonia” (Focus Features): Yorgos Lanthimos's latest collaboration with Emma Stone promises another eccentric, critically acclaimed film following their previous Oscar success.
- “The Smashing Machine” (A24): Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson takes a dramatic turn in this biopic, a bold move that could see him earn significant nominations if the film lives up to its dramatic potential.
- “Hamnet” (Focus Features): Chloé Zhao's follow-up to “Nomadland” (a Best Picture winner), starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, will undoubtedly be a magnet for award predictions in acting and directing categories.
- “Deliver Me From Nowhere” (20th Century Studios): A Bruce Springsteen biopic starring Jeremy Allen White, this film has the potential for strong acting performances and a compelling narrative, often favored by the Academy.
The Anatomy of an Oscar-worthy Film
What truly defines an Oscar-worthy film? It’s a complex alchemy of elements:
- Compelling Storytelling: A narrative that is original, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant.
- Exceptional Craftsmanship: Masterful directing, cinematography, editing, production design, costume design, and sound.
- Powerful Acting Performances: Characters that leap off the screen and performances that embody depth and nuance.
- **Resonant Screenplays: Whether original or adapted, the script provides the foundation for the film's success.
- Cultural Impact: Films that spark conversations, reflect the zeitgeist, or offer new perspectives.
The award season is not just about glamour; it’s a celebration of cinematic excellence that pushes the boundaries of the art form.
Navigating the Award Season Journey
For those eager to follow the award predictions and film analysis, now is the time to start. Industry publications like AwardsWatch and Awards Daily provide comprehensive coverage, continually updating their lists of contenders. These resources offer deep dives into behind the scenes insights, movie review roundups, and detailed breakdowns of potential nominations across all categories. Keeping an eye on the major fall festivals like Venice and Toronto will also reveal more contenders as the award season heats up.
Accessing Cinematic Excellence in Pakistan
For film lovers in Peshawar and across Pakistan cinema, accessing these Oscar-worthy films can sometimes be a challenge, but opportunities are growing. Many international features gain limited theatrical releases in major Pakistani cities, so keep an eye on your local cinema listings. Additionally, global streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are increasingly securing rights to stream award-winning movies, making them available directly to your screens.
For example, some Oscar contenders from earlier in the 2025 season, like “Frankenstein” and “Jay Kelly,” are set to be Netflix releases. When you want to watch Oscar contenders, checking these platforms or reputable VOD services to buy movie tickets digitally for rental is a great starting point. Stay tuned to film news portals for release dates and availability.
The Grand Unveiling Awaits
The 2025-2026 award season promises a thrilling ride for cinephiles. With a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting new voices, films covering diverse genres and themes are vying for the industry's highest honors. From the early festival highlights to the highly anticipated releases, each film contributes to the rich tapestry of world cinema. So, settle in, prepare your watchlist, and get ready to experience the very best that cinema has to offer this award season.
2025 has already delivered cinematic gold, with box office hits that combine spectacle, emotion, and strong storytelling. Whether you're an action junkie or an animation fan, there's something for everyone.
Want more big-screen brilliance? Read our blog on the top-grossing movies of 2025 here. https://trendimint.com/2025/05/28/top-grossing-movies-2025/
What’s been your favorite movie of 2025 so far? Drop your pick in the comments below!
