The Los Angeles Times focuses on artistic merit, cultural impact, and the evolving tastes of the Academy. Their predictions reflect a blend of mainstream contenders and internationally recognized films gaining momentum.
All the winner predictions on this page are as of January 20, 2026, as per the buzzmeter by LA Times. The lists below include their nominee picks.
Embedded Files
Category: Best Picture
Category: Best Picture
The highest honor of the Oscars, Best Picture is awarded to the film that represents outstanding achievement in all aspects of filmmaking, including storytelling, acting, directing, and technical execution. It’s the award that celebrates the overall excellence of a film.
Bugonia
Frankenstein
Hamnet
It Was Just an Accident
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
(Predicted Winner)
The Secret Agent
Sentimental Value
Sinners
Train Dreams
Category: Best Director
Category: Best Director
This award honors the filmmaker who demonstrates the most skill, vision, and creativity in guiding the production of a film. The director’s work shapes the performances, visual style, pacing, and overall storytelling of the movie.
Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another
(Predicted Winner)
Ryan Coogler for Sinners
Jafar Panahi for It Was Just an Accident
Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme
Chloé Zhao for Hamnet
Category: Best Actor
Category: Best Actor
Given to the male performer who delivers the most compelling and memorable lead performance in a film. Judges consider range, emotional depth, and the actor’s ability to bring a character to life convincingly.
Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme
(Predicted Winner)
Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another
Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon
Michael B. Jordan for Sinners
Wagner Moura for The Secret Agent
Category: Best Actress
Category: Best Actress
Awarded to the female performer who delivers the most outstanding lead performance. This category recognizes exceptional talent, character portrayal, and the ability to engage audiences throughout the film.
Jessie Buckley for Hamnet
(Predicted Winner)
Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another
Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value
Emma Stone for Bugonia
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actor
Honors a male performer in a secondary or supporting role who contributes significantly to the film. These performances often enhance the story or lead characters and can be scene-stealing.
Benicio Del Toro for One Battle After Another
Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein
Paul Mescal for Hamnet
Sean Penn for One Battle After Another
Stellan Skarsgård for Sentimental Value
(Predicted Winner)
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actress
This award recognizes a female performer in a supporting role who adds depth, emotion, or humor to a film. Strong supporting roles often leave a lasting impact despite less screen time.
Odessa A’zion for Marty Supreme
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for Sentimental Value
Amy Madigan for Weapons
Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners
Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another
(Predicted Winner)
These selections underscore the Academy’s growing openness to global cinema and bold storytelling. While surprises remain possible, the LATimes picks highlight the season’s most respected achievements.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse