Your "Casual Movie-Lover's" Guide to the Oscars

A quick guide to the Oscars, no “film bros” needed. 

By Nikki Lipner 

Graphic by Arrow Kempthorne

With the 98th Academy Awards show fast approaching, movie buffs and cinephiles await a night highlighting the year's best, riskiest, and most remarkable films. Whether you didn't get a chance to enjoy all of the nominated movies or need a refresher before the big night, here they are, broken down into your "casual movie-lover's" guide to the 2026 Oscars.

1. Bugonia (dir. Yorgos Lanthimos)

A dark satire, Bugonia follows two conspiracy theorists as they kidnap a pharmaceutical CEO, convinced she is an alien. The film is fun, witty, and a parody and critique of modern conspiracy culture and the longing to be understood.

2. F1 (dir. Joseph Kosinski)

There's not much to say. It's a movie about cars. F1's graphics are gorgeous (and so is Brad Pitt), but for a casual movie-lover, it's easy to cross this one off your list.

3. Frankenstein (dir. Guillermo del Toro)

A reimagined version of the story we all know and love, Frankenstein follows Dr. Victor Frankenstein as he builds a monster who, out of revenge, wreaks havoc. With an added backstory and beautiful visual elements (comparable to del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth), the film serves as a cautionary tale.

4. Hamnet (dir. Chloé Zhao)

The only film on this list directed by a woman, Hamnet, tells the story of the events that are believed to have influenced Hamlet. Even as a committed Shakespeare hater, it's worth a watch, and I volunteer to personally deliver the Oscar to Jessie Buckley for her beautiful and devastating performance as Agnes.

5. Marty Supreme (dir. Josh Safdie)

Directed by BU alum Josh Safdie (COM '07), the story of ping-pong hustler Marty Mauser comes to life. Marty Supreme is unpredictable and ambitious. The ending was disappointing, and while the film's cast is stacked, this film about the American Dream shot too high.

6. One Battle After Another (dir. Paul Thomas Anderson)

Spanning across two timelines, this film follows Bob as he confronts his past to save his missing daughter. This thriller is funny, action-packed, and very timely. It is absolutely a must-watch, and if Sinners doesn't sweep, my money is on DiCaprio.

7. The Secret Agent (dir. Kleber Mendonça Filho)

The Secret Agent, entirely in Portuguese, centers on Armando as he moves to Recife, Brazil, where his neighbors begin to spy on him. It gives shades of I'm Still Here (2024) and, harboring themes of memory, survival, and authoritarianism, is best watched with an understanding of Brazilian history.

8. Sentimental Value (dir. Joachim Trier)

A movie about movies is risky, but Sentimental Value did it perfectly. The film follows two sisters navigating their estranged father and the death of their mother. This is one of the more moving films of the year, and a must for anyone looking for a piece of the heart.

9. Sinners (dir. Ryan Coogler)

Sinners made history with a record 16 nominations. The movie follows a set of twins tasked with confronting a greater evil. This metaphorical, complex film explores life for Black Americans in the Jim Crow South. It is undoubtedly the most powerful film of the year and, if the sky is blue, it will win Best Picture.

10. Train Dreams (dir. Clint Bentley)

Another contender for the most moving film, Train Dreams, is dreamy, subdued, and for anyone who has a relationship with grief and time. It is unlikely to win best picture, but it will break your heart into a million pieces.

The 98th Academy Awards will air live on ABC at 7 pm EST on Sunday, March 15th.