Jonathan Ross is set to host the 2026 Oscars this year and has tipped One Battle after Another to claim the best picture prize at this year’s ceremony, despite having a personal preference for its main rival.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s event, the host described the top category as a close contest between Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller Sinners and Paul Thomas Anderson’s immigration drama.
“It’s going to be a toss-up for best picture between Sinners, which I think will probably have more traction in the States than it had here, and One Battle after Another, which I suspect it will go to.”
Despite his prediction, Ross was quick to show how his vote would lean more towards Sinners and added: “I slightly preferred Sinners.
Jonathan Ross noted that Sinners was his favourite frontrunner to take home the win
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“It felt like they were taking that genre-movie idea and doing something really interesting with it,” he explained.
The TV host also wanted to make it clear that Anderson’s film, which has swept through the awards season already, is “solid filmmaking”, but he doesn’t think it’s an “important film”.
Anderson’s drama remains the marginal favourite heading into the ceremony, having already taken home a Bafta and an Actors Award.
Turning to the best actor category, the ITV host suggested two names stand out as potential winners.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s film has been cleaning up already throughout the award season
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Michael B Jordan could take home the prize for his performance in Sinners, which the presenter characterised as particularly showy work.
However, Leonardo DiCaprio may finally add another statuette to his collection.
Ross noted that many have a “slight ick” over DiCaprio’s personal life, which often causes people to forget what an “amazing” actor he is.
Both performers appear to be genuine contenders as voters prepare to cast their final ballots ahead of Sunday’s ceremony in Los Angeles.
The star is up for an award for her role in Hamnet
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BBC film critics have also weighed in on the remaining major categories, with Paul Thomas Anderson considered the overwhelming favourite for best director.
Despite a career spanning acclaimed works from Boogie Nights to Phantom Thread, Anderson has never won an Oscar across 14 previous nominations.
He has claimed every significant precursor award this season, including the Directors Guild honour, making his victory appear all but certain.
The best actress race looks equally settled, with Jessie Buckley widely expected to triumph for her portrayal of Shakespeare’s wife in Hamnet.
She has already taken an Actors Award for her role in Hamnet
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Since the film premiered at Telluride in August, no serious challenger has emerged to threaten her dominance.
Critics have praised her fierce embodiment of the role, describing her as a dazzlingly charismatic performer long destined for Academy recognition.
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