13 of the Biggest Oscar Contenders for 2027

1. The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan’s epic adaptation of Homer’s classic is an early favourite. Its scale, star-studded cast and technical ambition could put it in contention for best picture, best director, acting honours and a wide range of craft awards.

2. Wild Horse Nine

Martin McDonagh’s politically charged tragicomedy follows two CIA officers, played by John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, on Easter Island in the 1970s. Its screenplay, performances, direction and distinctive visual style could make it a major contender.

3. The Invite

Olivia Wilde’s intimate comedy is a potential dark horse. Its ensemble cast, sharp humour and adapted screenplay could earn recognition, while Wilde herself may compete for acting and directing nominations.

4. Project Hail Mary

This science-fiction adventure combines a huge box-office performance with an emotional story about an astronaut on a seemingly impossible mission. It could compete for best picture and adapted screenplay, alongside sound, cinematography and visual-effects awards.

5. La Bola Negra

This time-spanning drama explores interconnected queer histories. After strong festival momentum, it looks like a possible international-feature contender, with additional opportunities in directing, screenplay, cinematography, costume design and production design.

6. The Debut

Jesse Eisenberg’s surreal musical comedy centres on a New Jersey housewife whose life changes after she joins a community theatre production. Julianne Moore is emerging as a serious best-actress possibility, with Paul Giamatti also in the supporting-actor conversation.

7. Artificial

Luca Guadagnino’s technology-world drama, featuring Andrew Garfield, examines the volatile contemporary AI landscape. Its topical story and unsettling atmosphere could earn nominations for best picture, original screenplay, score and supporting acting.

8. You Can See Everything

This unusual documentary project follows Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes in the period before her imprisonment. Its unconventional approach and enthusiastic critical response have prompted speculation that it could break through into the best-picture race.

9. Dune: Part Three

Denis Villeneuve’s concluding chapter could give the Academy an opportunity to recognise the science-fiction franchise on an even larger scale. If it delivers on expectations, it could compete for best picture, directing, screenplay and numerous technical awards.

10. Fjord

Cristian Mungiu’s morally complex drama follows a conservative Romanian family settling in Norway, where tensions develop with their new community. Its challenging themes may limit its mainstream awards appeal, but international-feature recognition and acting nominations remain possible.

11. Elsinore

Andrew Scott stars in a Shakespeare-inspired drama about actor Ian Charleson performing Hamlet while living with AIDS. Scott’s emotionally powerful performance could put him among the leading best-actor contenders, potentially bringing the film into the best-picture conversation too.

12. Obsession

Curry Barker’s horror hit has become a breakout success, earning enormous box-office returns on a reported budget of less than $1 million. Inde Navarrette’s frightening performance has placed her in the best-actress discussion, although the Academy’s history with horror may make wider recognition harder to secure.

13. Club Kid

Jordan Firstman makes his feature-directing debut in this warm-hearted comedy about a party-loving man forced to care for a son he never knew he had. After a strong festival reception, it could emerge as a word-of-mouth favourite and a contender for original screenplay.