2026 Oscar Contenders: Where to Stream Sinners, Bugonia, Jay Kelly

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It used to be that if you didn’t see an Oscar-nominated movie in theaters, you’d likely miss it. But now, thanks to the rise of streaming services, you can usually watch the most talked-about films from home. While most of the major contenders for the 2026 awards first played in cinemas, they’re now available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, Paramount+, and Peacock.

Here’s a rundown of all the Oscar contenders you can stream at home now and where to find them.

Ryan Coogler’s popular horror film was a rare success story, generating awards talk for months after its April 2025 release – almost a year before the 2026 Oscars. Coogler has been nominated for his original screenplay and directing, and Wunmi Mosaku, who played two characters, has been recognized for her acting. Coogler is widely expected to be nominated for Best Director, and the film is a strong contender for Best Picture.

If you missed Sinners in theaters, you can watch it now on HBO Max.

Jacob Elordi appeared genuinely surprised when he won Best Supporting Actor at the Critics’ Choice Awards, but his incredible portrayal of the Creature in Frankenstein truly earned the recognition. He’s now a strong candidate for the same award at the Oscars. The film’s writer-director, known for the critically acclaimed The Shape of Water (which received the most nominations at the 90th Academy Awards), is also expected to be nominated for Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The people behind the scenes who created the film’s amazing visuals deserve recognition, especially Mike Hill and the team responsible for the special effects makeup.

Frankenstein is streaming on Netflix.

As a huge movie fan, I’ve always thought Joel Edgerton was incredibly talented but didn’t get the recognition he deserved. So, I’m thrilled to see everyone finally praising his performance in ! People are saying it’s the best work he’s ever done, and he’s already getting Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice nominations – fingers crossed for an Oscar nod too! The movie itself is getting rave reviews – it was even named one of the best of the year by the AFI – but it feels like it needs a little extra push to get nominations in other categories. Hopefully, the buzz keeps building!

Train Dreams is streaming on Netflix.

Emma Stone is a two-time Oscar winner for her roles in La La Land and Poor Things. Her newest film, directed by frequent collaborator Yorgos Lanthimos, is likely to earn her another Oscar nomination. The darkly comedic movie, based on a popular South Korean film, features Stone as a CEO who is kidnapped by two men who believe she’s an alien intent on destroying the planet.

Bugonia is streaming on Peacock.

Paul Thomas Anderson’s newest film, and his first collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio, is already receiving widespread acclaim as a potential frontrunner for best film of 2025—and even one of the best of the decade. This clever blend of genres is a black comedy action thriller centered around a former revolutionary (DiCaprio) and his teenage daughter (Chase Infiniti) as they’re chased by a dishonest military officer (Sean Penn). The acting is superb across the board, especially from DiCaprio, Infiniti, and Penn. However, Teyana Taylor, transitioning from music to acting, delivers a truly unforgettable performance despite limited screen time.

One Battle After Another is streaming on HBO Max.

I’m a little reluctant to share details, in case you haven’t heard about it yet. Zach Cregger’s new horror film is a truly bizarre and captivating story about an entire first-grade class that mysteriously disappears overnight. It’s a fantastic follow-up to his previous unpredictable work. Amy Madigan delivers a phenomenal performance as Aunt Gladys, and she’s sure to be remembered as one of the most iconic horror villains ever – she might even win an award for Best Supporting Actress!

Weapons is streaming on HBO Max.

Noah Baumbach’s film, Jay Kelly, is a thoughtful comedy-drama about a well-known actor taking a journey of self-discovery across Europe. While it wasn’t a major awards contender, the lead actor is often recognized by the Academy and delivers a strong performance in the title role. The film also features a fantastic supporting cast, including Adam Sandler as Jay’s manager. Sandler’s performance is strong enough that he could potentially earn his first-ever Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, possibly taking the place of another predicted nominee.

Jay Kelly is streaming on Netflix.

The impact of this movie has been huge. In 2025, it was everywhere – people talked about it constantly, it was the most-watched film on Netflix, and it even inspired Halloween costumes. With almost 100 award nominations already – including wins for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the Critics’ Choice Awards – it’s expected to be a major contender at the Oscars, likely winning those same categories again. The movie’s hit song, “Golden,” is already being compared to “Let It Go” from Frozen, becoming the most memorable song from an animated film in years.

KPop Demon Hunters is streaming on Netflix.

Pixar’s newest film, a heartwarming story about a lonely boy unexpectedly caught up in a space adventure, didn’t perform well in theaters and hasn’t sparked much conversation, despite receiving positive reviews from critics. Being a Pixar movie almost ensures it will be considered for the Best Animated Feature Oscar, but it’s unlikely to win against KPop Demon Hunters.

Elio is streaming on Disney+.

As a huge movie fan, I’m already marking my calendar! The Oscars – the 98th Academy Awards, to be exact – are happening on March 15th at 7 p.m. Eastern. You can watch them live on ABC, or if you’ve cut the cord, you can stream them through services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV.

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2026-01-11 01:13