Oscars 2026: who should win … and who actually will? – The Latest

In this episode, the hosts delve into the intricacies of the Oscars race, particularly the competition between two major films: 'Sinners' directed by Ryan Coogler and 'One Battle After Another' directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. They discuss the changes in voting rules, where Oscar voters must now prove they've watched nominated films, leading to a last-minute rush of votes. 'Sinners' has made a significant impact with 16 nominations, and its recent successes at the SAG and BAFTA awards have heightened its visibility.

Controversies play a crucial role in the nominations this year, with incidents like the outburst at the BAFTAs renewing public interest in 'Sinners.' The hosts express concerns about how public relations mishaps from stars like Timothee Chalamet could potentially affect his chances at the Oscars despite his popularity. The episode suggests that while 'Sinners' currently stands as a frontrunner, the industry’s biases and PR dynamics could lead to unexpected outcomes. The conversation also touches on overlooked performances this year and the tendency for the Oscars to favor industry moguls over deserving candidates. Ultimately, they reflect on how the Oscars have shifted from recognizing the best films to becoming a landscape driven by marketing and viewer relevance.