The countdown to the Oscars gala 2026 It's already underway and the calendar dictates: there's very little time left before the Hollywood Academy awards its statuettes at the 98th edition of the awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. For many viewers in Spain and Europe, these days leading up to the ceremony are the perfect time to organize a marathon with the Oscar nominated films and arrive at the big night with your homework done.
This year the race is especially tight: “The Sinners” has broken all records with 16 nominationsWhile “One Battle After Another” is hot on his heels with 13 applicationsFollowing in its wake are titles such as “Marty Supreme”, "Frankenstein", “Sentimental Value” y “Hamnet”, which together have between 8 and 9 mentions each, making it one of the most closely contested editions in recent years.
La European and Spanish presence It is also especially powerful thanks to “Sirat”, the film by Óliver Laxe that is competing for best international film y better sound and which has established itself as one of the year's biggest hits in Spanish cinemas and at festivals worldwide. To help you navigate the numerous nominations, below you'll find an organized overview of the main categories, with particular attention to Where to watch the 2026 Oscar-nominated films from Spain.
When and how to watch the 2026 Oscars ceremony from Spain
The ceremony of the 98th Academy Awards It will be held March 15. at the Dolby Theatre in HollywoodThe official time on the west coast of the United States is 19:00 PM, which in peninsular Spanish time translates to 02:00 a.m. on the morning of March 16For those who want to follow it live, it will be necessary to stay up late or rely on coffee.
In Spain, the broadcast is handled by Movistar Plus+, which will broadcast both the Red carpet as well as the full ceremony. The coverage includes a pre-show, discussions with critics, and live feeds from special correspondents in Los Angeles, plus replays and recaps in the following days for those who can't stay up all night.
The gala organizers are once again placing their trust in Conan O'Brien as master of ceremonies, which he will repeat as host of an evening in which the Academy will present awards in 24 categories, including new statuette for best cast, which is being added to the official list of winners for the first time.
The most nominated films at the 2026 Oscars
The nominations were announced at a ceremony held at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater from Los Angeles, presented by DanielleBrooks y Lewis PullmanSince then, the focus has narrowed to a handful of productions that concentrate a good part of the nominations in the main and technical categories.
“The Sinners” It's the year's biggest hit. The film by Ryan Coogler, an vampire horror thriller Set in early 20th-century Mississippi, it adds 16 nominationssurpassing the record held by “Titanic”, “La La Land” and “All About Eve”. It is nominated for best film, steer axle truck, Original screenplayTechnical categories such as photography, editing, sound, production design, visual effects, makeup and hairstyling, costume design and original soundtrack, in addition to appearing in lead and supporting performance and in the new category of best cast.
At the other major point of the race is located “One battle after another”, the dark comedy and political satire de Paul Thomas Anderson, which accumulates 13 nominationsIt is nominated for best film, director, adapted screenplay, editing, cinematography, sound, soundtrack and production design, and has several acting nominations. Leonardo DiCaprio as the protagonist, accompanied by, among others, Sean Penn, Benicio, the bull y Teyana Taylor.
In a second tier are three titles with 9 nominations each: “Marty Supreme”, "Frankenstein" y "Sentimental value"The sports biopic of Josh Safdie The news about ping-pong player Marty Reisman strengthens the candidacy of Timothée Chalamet Oscar nomination for Best Actor; the vision of Guillermo del Toro The adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic once again captivates voters with its blend of Gothic, existential horror, and visual spectacleand the family drama of Joachim Trier This reinforces the good run of Norwegian cinema, with a presence in both categories of interpretation and script as in international film.
“Hamnet”Directed by Chloe ZhaoIt comes very close with 8 nominationsThe adaptation of the novel by Maggie O'Farrell which explores the emotional origins of “Hamlet” puts Zhao back in contention for the Oscar for best director, Jessie Buckley among the favorites for best actress for her portrayal of Agnes, Shakespeare's wife marked by loss.
The 10 nominees for best film and where to watch them
The category of best film is again composed of a maximum of ten titlesThis opens up a wide range of productions from diverse genres and origins. For viewers in Spain, many of these films are already available on [platform name missing]. streaming platforms or in billboard, and only a few still lack a clear release date on digital services.
“The Sinners”
The big phenomenon of the year is a mix of racial drama, vampire film and musical Set in 30s Mississippi, the story follows brothers Smoke and Stack, played by Michael B. JordanThey return to the South to open a music and liquor club away from racist violence, but end up trapped in a demonic pact with vampires that unleashes both supernatural terror and a metaphor for oppression.
The film has swept previous awards, including several Golden Globesand has cemented Ryan Coogler as one of the most influential directors of his generation. In addition to its narrative strength, it features a much-discussed musical number, an exuberant production design and makeup, costume and visual effects work that have placed it in almost every technical prediction.
Where to watch it in Spain: available in HBO Max y Movistar Plus+, and available for digital rental or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Rakuten TV or Filmin.
“One Battle After Another”
This year seems to be the one Paul Thomas Anderson at the Academy. His new film combines action, dark comedy and political commentary to narrate the reunion of a group of former revolutionaries sixteen years later, when they must face the consequences of their past and rescue the daughter of one of them from an old enemy.
With Leonardo DiCaprio y Sean Penn In a state of grace and with a script that mixes hilarious moments with sequences of genuine tension, the film has been gaining traction in the betting odds, becoming for many analysts the leading contender for the Oscar for best picture, even above “The Sinners”.
Where to watch it in Spain: available in HBO Max and in the catalogue of Movistar Plus+ within its fiction package, as well as for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Filmin, Rakuten TV and other platforms.
“Marty Supreme”
The biopic directed by Josh Safdie It focuses on the figure of Marty Reisman, a hustler who turns his talent for the table tennis in a form of social climbing. At a breakneck pace, the film explores underground tournaments, scams, debts, and romances, and takes the opportunity to talk about ambition, survival and shadows of the American dream.
Timothée Chalamet He delivers one of the most acclaimed performances of his career, which has earned him nominations in virtually every major award and places him as a direct rival to Michael B. Jordan and other Oscar contenders for best actor.
Where to watch it in Spain: follow in cinemas in much of Europe and has not yet arrived on streaming; for the moment, it is one of the candidates that can only be seen in theaters.
"Frankenstein"
After decades of dreaming about this adaptation, Guillermo del Toro has finally managed to bring his version of "Frankenstein"The Mexican director moves away from a purely fantastical interpretation to emphasize the dimension scientific, emotional and philosophical of the story, with a creature transformed into a symbol of abandonment, identity and the search for meaning.
With a cast headed by Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi y Mia GothThe film stands out for its careful art direction, gothic-style photography, top-notch makeup and hairstyling, and a soundtrack by Alexandre DesplatIt's not only one of Netflix's big bets for awards season, but also one of the most nominated productions in technical categories.
Where to watch it in Spain: available in Netflix.
“Sentimental Value”
The new job of Joachim Trier It confirms the Norwegian director as one of the most solid European filmmakers of the moment. The film follows two sisters, Nora and AgnesThey reunite with their father, a veteran filmmaker of international renown, after their mother's death. The father's attempt to make a film inspired by his own family reopens old wounds.
With echoes of Ingmar Bergman and a cast in top form, led by Renate Reinve, Elle Fanning y Stellan SkarsgardThe film addresses with great sensitivity the conflicts between parents and children, grief, and the weight of memoryIts 9 nominations include best film, director, original screenplay, editing, supporting actor and actress, and best international film.
Where to watch it in Spain: still in cinemasIts arrival on streaming platforms is planned for platforms such as The film y Movistar Plus+ throughout the spring.
“Hamnet”
With 8 nominations“Hamnet” has established itself as one of the key titles of the season. Directed by Chloe Zhao based on the novel by Maggie O'FarrellIt tells the story of love and loss that would have inspired the writing of "Hamlet"The film focuses on the relationship between a young Will Shakespeare and Agnes, and how the death of their son shakes the foundations of the family.
Jessie Buckley She delivers a much-discussed performance in the role of Agnes, accompanied by Paul Mescaland the film combines a intimate and poetic tone with a meticulously crafted historical setting. In addition to its nominations for best film, director, and adapted screenplay, it also received accolades in categories such as production design, costume design, soundtrack, and cast.
Where to watch it in Spain: follow in cinemas throughout the country and is available to digital rental or purchase on services such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Filmin or Rakuten TV.
"Bougou"
The alliance between Yorgos Lanthimos y Emma Stone She's back in action with "Bugonia", a science fiction satire It blends dark humor, conspiracy theories, and a critique of corporate power. The plot follows two young people obsessed with conspiracy theories who kidnap the CEO of a large company, convinced that she is a conspirator. infiltrated alien willing to destroy the planet.
With his usual style—meticulously planned shots, awkward dialogue, and situations as absurd as they are unsettling—Lanthimos has delivered a film that has managed 4 nominations, including best film, actress (for Emma Stone), adapted screenplay and original soundtrack.
Where to watch it in Spain: en cinemas and in mode rent/buy on Apple TV, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video and other platforms.
“F1: The Movie” (“F1”)
The raid of the F1 In big-budget cinematic fiction, it has arrived thanks to Joseph Kosinski y Brad Pitt“F1: The Movie” follows the fictional veteran driver Sonny Hayes, a former championship promise who returns to the tracks decades later to help a struggling team and mentor a young talent.
Filmed with unprecedented access to real circuits and equipment, the film aims for a highly immersive staging And it has unexpectedly made it into the nominees for best film, in addition to competing in sound, editing and visual effects.
Where to watch it in Spain: available in Apple TV and for rent on other digital platforms.
“Train Dreams”
Based on the novel by Denis johnson, the movie of Clint Bentley It's one of the list's great, understated surprises. It tells the story of... Robert Grainier, a lumberjack and railroad worker in the American West of the early 20th century, and follows him over several decades.
More than for its plot, the film shines for its contemplative photographyits unhurried pace and the way it condenses universal themes such as love, grief, identity, or the passage of timeIt has received nominations for best film, original song and several mentions in technical categories.
Where to watch it in Spain: available in Netflix, both with the original title and with its translation into Spanish.
“The Secret Agent”
This closes the list of nominees for best film Brazilian political thriller directed by Kleber Mendonça SonSet during the military dictatorship in the late seventies, the story follows Marcelo —whose real name is Armando—, a widowed professor in his forties who arrives in Recife trying to start over with his son while fleeing from a powerful businessman linked to the regime.
The film alternates the An intimate portrait of a father marked by fear with a very powerful description of the repression, surveillance, and paranoia of the time. 4 nominations include best picture, lead actor for Wagner MouraBest Cast and Best International Film
Where to watch it in Spain: can still be found in cinemas from various cities and is scheduled to premiere in The film and Movistar Plus+ in the coming months.
Spanish and European presence: the phenomenon of “Sirat” and the power of international cinema
In a year with so much American production, the presence of Europe, and in particular Spain It is especially significant. The great national standard-bearer is “Sirat” (or “Sirât”), directed by Oliver Laxe, What have you achieved two Oscar nominations: best international film and best sound, where it competes with a sound team made up entirely of women (Amanda Villavieja, Laia Casanovas and Yasmina Praderas).
The film tells the story of a father and his son who travel to southern Morocco in search of MarA daughter and sister disappeared at a rave. From that premise, the film becomes a physical and spiritual journey through the desert, tinged with electronic music, dust and exhaustion, which reduces the plot to its essentials: family, guilt, faith and the possibility (or not) of return.
“Sirat” arrives at the ceremony with the endorsement of having won the Jury Prize at Cannes and a very solid run at the box office and festivals. In Spain, it is still showing in numerous theaters—from Madrid to Barcelona, passing through Burgos and Oviedo—and, at the same time, is available on Movistar Plus+This makes it easier for viewers who want to discover it before the gala to access it.
The category of best international film It is complemented by titles such as “A simple accident” (France), "Sentimental value" (Norway), “The Secret Agent” (Brazil) and “The voice of Hind Rajab” (Tunisia). Together with “Sirat”, they make up a selection where the European and Latin American cinema It addresses everything from political and prison memory to loss, family, and contemporary violence.
Major categories: directing, acting, and new casts
Beyond best film, the directing and performing categories They confirm the dominance of the same productions that garnered the majority of nominations. The nominees for best director are... Ryan Coogler (“The Sinners”), Paul Thomas Anderson (“One battle after another”), Chloe Zhao (“Hamnet”), Joachim Trier (“Sentimental value”) and Josh Safdie (“Marty Supreme”).
In the section Best Actorthe pulse is between Michael B. Jordan (“The Sinners”), Timothée Chalamet (“Marty Supreme”), Leonardo DiCaprio (“One battle after another”), Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”) and Wagner Moura (“The Secret Agent”). The nominated actresses are Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”), Rose Byrne (“If I could, I’d kick you”), Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”), Renate Reinve (“Sentimental value”) and Emma Stone (“Bugonia”).
En female cast highlights Wunmi Mosaku (“The Sinners”), Elle Fanning e Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (“Sentimental value”), Amy Madigan (“Weapons”) and Teyana Taylor (“One battle after another”). In male castThe nominations are for Benicio, the bull y Sean Penn (“One battle after another”), Jacob Elordi (“Frankenstein”), Stellan Skarsgard (“Sentimental value”) and Cute Delroy (“The sinners”).
This year, the Academy has also launched the category of best castwhich recognizes the work of casting directors. The nominated productions are “Hamnet” (Nina Gold), “Marty Supreme” (Jennifer Venditti), “One battle after another” (Cassandra Kulukundis), “The Secret Agent” (Gabriel Domingues) and “The sinners” (Francine Maisler). It's a way of highlighting the importance of casting decisions in the artistic success of these films.
Script, music and technical aspects: the other pulse of the race
The categories of original and adapted screenplay They strengthen the presence of the top favorites. The nominees for best original screenplay are: “Blue Moon” (Robert Kaplow), “Marty Supreme” (Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie), "Sentimental value" (Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt), “The sinners” (Ryan Coogler) and “A simple accident” (Jafar Panahi and co-writers). In adapted script they compete "Bougou" (Will Tracy), "Frankenstein" (Guillermo del Toro), “Hamnet” (Zhao and O'Farrell), “One battle after another” (Paul Thomas Anderson) and “Train Dreams” (Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar).
In the field of music, the original soundtrack will have to decide between Jerskin Fendrix (“Bugonia”), Alexandre Desplat (“Frankenstein”), Max Richter (“Hamnet”), Jonny Greenwood (“One battle after another”) and Ludwig Göransson (“The sinners”). Meanwhile, the category of original song It blends themes from documentaries, animation, and big dramas: “Dear Me” (from “Diane Warren: Relentless”), “Golden” (from “The K-pop Warriors”), “I Lied to You” (from “The Sinners”), “Sweet Dreams of Joy” (from “Viva Verdi”) and the eponymous piece by “Train Dreams”, Signed by Nick Cave y Bryce Dessner.
En photographyThe competition is of a very high level: "Frankenstein" (Dan Laustsen), “Marty Supreme” (Darius Khondji), “One battle after another” (Michael Bauman), “The sinners” (Autumn Durald Arkapaw) and “Train Dreams” (Adolpho Veloso). In editingThe nominees are “F1: The Movie” (Stephen Mirrione), “Marty Supreme”, “One battle after another”, "Sentimental value" y “The sinners”, with special attention to how these films balance pace, spectacle, and dramatic depth.
Awards production and costume design They refocus on “Frankenstein”, “Hamnet”, “Marty Supreme”, “The Sinners”, “Battle After Battle” and “Avatar: Fire and Ashes”, while in makeup and hairdresser The works of "Frankenstein", “The sinners”, the Japanese drama "Kokuho", the wrestling film “The Smashing Machine” and the Norwegian horror comedy “The Ugly Stepsister”.
Animation, visual effects and documentary: beyond live-action fiction
The category of best animated feature film It comes loaded with very different proposals. "Bow" It presents a science fiction story about time travel and childhood friendship; “Elio”Pixar's film follows a boy abducted by an intergalactic organization that mistakes him for Earth's representative; “The K-pop warriors” She alternates between the musical success of an idol group and her secret role as demon hunters; “Little Amélie” It recreates the Japanese childhood of the writer Amélie Nothomb; and “Zootopia 2” expands the universe of the animal city with a new police case.
En visual effects Big-budget productions like “Avatar: Fire and Ashes”, "F1", “Jurassic World: Reborn”, “Through Fire” y “The sinners”which combine digital work and very demanding shoots. And in the more realistic part of the night, the documentaries nominees —among them “The Alabama Solution”, “Cutting Through Rocks”, "Come See Me in the Good Light", "Mr. Nobody Against Putin" y “The Perfect Neighbor”— They address everything from the conditions of the American prison system to political repression and contemporary violence.
The documentary and fiction short films and animated shorts They complete the picture with titles such as “All the Empty Rooms”, “Armed Only With a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud”, “The Devil Is Busy”, "Butterfly", "The Girl Who Cried Pearls" o “Two People Exchanging Saliva”which may not have as much media attention but are often a good gateway to new voices.
With this map of the movies nominated for the 2026 OscarsGiven the platforms on which to watch them and the weight each one carries in the race, any viewer in Spain or Europe can organize a tailor-made marathon: from the favorites "Los pecadores" and "Una batalla tras otra" to the Spanish perspective of "Sirat," the gothic "Frankenstein," the intimacy of "Sueños de trenes," or the animation of "Las guerreras K-pop" and "Zootrópolis 2." It remains to be seen what the Academy will ultimately decide, but at least, with all this offering available in theaters and on streaming services, the hard part will be not finding something to suit every type of audience.
