2026 Oscar Predictions: Early Frontrunners Emerge in Score, Song, and Sound Categories
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The Academy’s Oscar shortlists are in, revealing 20 contenders for Original Score, 15 for Original Song, and 10 for Sound. According to early predictions from AwardsWatch Editor-in-Chief Erik Anderson, several films are already establishing themselves as frontrunners, though some inclusions have raised eyebrows within the industry.
questionable Choices in the Mix
Anderson is singling out Truth & Treason and “Sweet Dreams of Joy” from Long Live Verdi! as potentially questionable choices. The latter, he points out, has limited distribution and a seemingly unusual release strategy, becoming available for free streaming on AARP.”I’m not saying we have another ‘Alone Yet Not Alone’ on our hands, but something seems…off.”
Original Score: Sinners and One Battle After Another Lead the Pack
Currently, Sinners, with a score by Ludwig Göransson, appears to be a strong contender for the Original Score Oscar.The film has already garnered recognition from the Critics Choice Association (CCA) and the Hollywood music in Media Awards (HMMA).Close behind is One Battle After Another,scored by Jonny Greenwood,also receiving accolades from the CCA and HMMA.
Other films predicted to be in contention include Hamnet (Max Richter), Frankenstein (Alexandre Desplat), and Sirāt (Kangding Ray). Notably, Hans Zimmer’s work on F1 and Nine Inch Nails’ score for Tron: Ares are also gaining momentum. New entries into the prediction list include Nuremberg (Brian Tyler),Diane Warren: Relentless (Lesley Barber),Wake Up Dead Man (Nathan Johnson),Captain America: brave New World (Laura Karpman),and Truth & Treason (Aaron Zigman).
Original Song: Sinners Dominates with Two Nominations
The Original song category sees Sinners leading with two nominated tracks: “I Lied to You” and “Last Time (I Seen The Sun).” Both songs have received recognition from the CCA and HMMA. “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters and “The Girl in the Bubble” from Wicked: For Good are also predicted to be strong contenders.
Several other songs are gaining traction,including “Drive” and “Lose My Mind” from F1,”Dream as One” from Avatar: Fire and Ash,and “Highest 2 Lowest” from Highest 2 Lowest. A notable newcomer is “Sweet Dreams Of Joy” from Viva verdi!, despite its unconventional release.
Sound: F1 and One Battle After Another Set the Standard
In the Sound category, F1 and One Battle After Another are currently predicted to be the frontrunners, both having received recognition from the CCA. Sinners and Frankenstein are also expected to be strong contenders. Wicked: For Good and Cry are also predicted to be in the running, while Avatar: Fire and Ash is expected to be a contender as well.
Anderson’s predictions offer an early glimpse into the potential nominees for the 2026 Oscars, highlighting a diverse range of films and composers. As the awards season progresses, these predictions will undoubtedly evolve, but the current landscape suggests a competitive and exciting race for Oscar gold.
