This Sunday (15/03), the 98th Oscar ceremony takes place. The awards celebrate the best films and professionals in world cinema and, this year, it is especially historic for Brazil, with a record 5 nominations. With the country’s largest participation in the event, the moment is perfect to discover some of the productions most talked about by critics and the public and understand why they are among the favorites for the “Best Film” award.

Below, check out 5 films you need to watch before the 2026 Oscars!

1. Sinners

Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, “Sinners” is the nomination leader for the 2026 Oscars, setting an all-time record with 16 nominations. THE success It’s no surprise, as the production explores important themes, such as the end of slavery in the United States and the oppression of the Ku Klux Klan group.

Set against the backdrop of the Mississippi Delta region in 1932, the work tells the story of twin brothers Smoke and Stack, who try to leave their troubled lives behind and return to their hometown to start over from scratch. However, according to the official synopsis, “an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back”. The film combines history with supernatural elements and promises to surprise the audience with an intense and suspenseful narrative.

Where to watch: HBO Max, Prime Video, Apple TV, Mercado Play and Google Play Movies and TV.

2. One Battle After Another

Mixing drama, acid comedy and action, “One Battle After Another” was nominated for 13 categories at the 2026 Oscars, being the second film with the most nominations. The plot is based on history by Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a former revolutionary who comes out of retirement to rescue his daughter.

It all starts when an old and cruel enemy returns after 16 years and decides to kidnap the girl. Desperate to save it, Bob gathers a group of former revolutionaries and sets out on a mission full of intense chases and daring strategies, which gradually build the narrative of redemption and relentless challenges, which achieved 95% critical approval on Rotten Tomatoes.

Where to watch: HBO Max, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play Movies & TV.

3. Hamnet – A Life Before Hamlet

Based on the book by Maggie O’Farrell, “Hamnet – Life Before Hamlet” won the 2026 Golden Globe for “Best Drama Film”. It is also in the spotlight for the 2026 Oscars, with 8 nominations. In the drama, William Shakespeare faces a tragedy alongside his wife, Agnes Shakespeare, when they lose their 11-year-old son to one of the several plagues that ravaged the 16th century.

Agnes is the main narrator of the plot and details, according to the official synopsis, “the day to day life of a familythe joys and sadness of living in a small village in England in the past and the powerful love story that inspired the creation of the play Hamlet”, a success that spanned generations and is still performed today.

Where to watch: Prime Video and Apple TV.

4. The Secret Agent

Representing Brazil at the 2026 Oscars, “The Secret Agent” received 4 nominations: Best Cast, Best International Film, Best Film and Best Actor for Wagner Moura. Set in 1977, the film follows the story of Marcelo (Wagner Moura), a technology expert who moves from São Paulo to Recife in an attempt to escape government agents.

However, upon arriving at his new destination, he soon realizes that the refuge is not as safe as he imagined and “begins to distrust who is being spied on by his neighbors”, describes the official synopsis. The narrative has aroused great interest from the public and placed the film among the favorites for the 2026 “Best International Film” award.

Where to watch: Netflix.

5. F1: The Movie

A box office success, with revenues of around US$633 million worldwide, according to data from the Box Office Mojo website, “F1: The Movie” also received 4 Oscar nominations. The recognition, in the Best Film, Sound, Editing and Visual Effects categories, appears to be linked to the high technical level of the production.

In the film, Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) is the most promising phenomenon in Formula 1 in 1990, but leaves the tracks after suffering a failure. 30 years later, he is convinced to return to racing to save the ApexGP team, which is on the verge of collapse, and support Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), a new rookie. With this new chance, Sonny has the opportunity to regain his place among the best in the world and show that winning goes far beyond skill behind the wheel.

Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube and Google Play Movies & TV.