The 2026 awards season is set to honor outstanding achievements in film and television. The 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards kicks off on January 4 in Santa Monica, California. This is followed by the 83rd Annual Golden Globes on January 11 in Beverly Hills, California. For the first time, a series of events will lead to the Golden Globes during a week-long celebration known as “Golden Week.”
Major Nominations and Contenders
This year, Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, “One Battle After Another,” leads the pack with nine nominations, while “Sentimental Value” closely follows with eight. Below is a list of notable nominees and their respective release platforms.
Critically Acclaimed Films to Watch
- One Battle After Another
This dramedy stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson. It was released on September 26 and is currently available for streaming on HBO Max. - Sinners
Directed by Ryan Coogler and released on April 18, this horror film features Michael B. Jordan and is available on HBO Max after generating awards buzz. - Frankenstein
A new take on the classic tale by Guillermo del Toro, it stars Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, and is streaming on Netflix. - Jay Kelly
This Netflix film stars George Clooney and Adam Sandler. It follows a journey of self-discovery and is nominated for several awards. - Train Dreams
Clint Bentley’s adaptation of Denis Johnson’s novella has Joel Edgerton in the lead role and is streaming on Netflix. - Bugonia
This black comedy featuring Emma Stone is available on Peacock and showcases stellar performances among its cast. - Nouvelle Vague
Richard Linklater’s film about the French New Wave is now streaming on Netflix. - KPop Demon Hunters
This animated feature is nominated for best animated feature at the Critics Choice Awards and is available on Netflix. - Elio
A Pixar animated sci-fi film, “Elio,” features Zoe Saldaña and is currently available on Disney+. - Blue Moon
This film starring Ethan Hawke is available for rent on various digital platforms. - It Was Just An Accident
The film from Jafar Panahi explores complex themes and is available for rent.
In Theaters Now
- Sentimental Value
This emotional drama hit theaters on November 7 and is available for rent on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. - Hamnet
Directed by Chloé Zhao, this film premiered on November 26 and portrays a family’s tragedy. - Marty Supreme
Starring Timothée Chalamet, it has generated significant buzz and is currently in theaters. - Avatar: Fire and Ash
Released on December 19, this film opened with $345 million globally and is continuing to draw audiences. - Wicked: For Good
The film’s second part is now available in theaters and has several Golden Globe nominations. - The Secret Agent
This drama set in 1977 is nominated for three Golden Globes and is still being shown in select theaters. - No Other Choice
This film is currently in select theaters and features a strong cast with multiple award nominations.
As the awards season progresses, audiences will have various opportunities to watch these nominated films. Stay tuned to El-Balad for more updates on the 2026 awards season.
