Oscar Season: How to Stream the Nominees and What the Warner Bros. Dominance Means for the Future of Film
With the 98th Academy Awards fast approaching on the night of March 15th to 16th, 2026, film fans are eager to catch up on the nominated masterpieces. This year, Warner Bros. Leads the pack with an impressive 30 nominations, signaling a potential shift in Hollywood’s power dynamics. Leading contenders include the critically acclaimed “Sinners,” “Hamnet,” and “One Battle After Another,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
The Warner Bros. Phenomenon: A Resurgence of Original Storytelling
Warner Bros.’ success, with “Sinners” garnering a record-breaking 16 nominations, demonstrates a powerful validation of their strategy: investing in original storytelling and the theatrical experience. This comes after a period of scrutiny in early 2025, highlighting a remarkable turnaround for the studio. “One Battle After Another” likewise contributed significantly, securing 13 nominations.
This dominance isn’t just about numbers; it’s about a bet on films that many in Hollywood considered commercially risky paying off. The success of these original films suggests a growing appetite for diverse and challenging content among audiences.
Where to Watch the Nominees: Streaming Options and Beyond
Fortunately, experiencing these cinematic achievements doesn’t necessarily require a trip to the cinema. Many nominated films are already available for streaming. Options include WOW, HBO Max, Apple TV, and Prime Video. For films not readily available in your region, utilizing a VPN service to access streaming libraries in other countries – such as Netflix Korea – can be a viable solution.
Nominee Streaming Guide
| Film | Nominations | Stream/Cinema |
|---|---|---|
| “Sinners” | Multiple, including Best Film, Best Director | WOW, HBO Max, Apple TV, Prime Video |
| “Hamnet” | Multiple, including Best Film, Best Director | Cinema, Apple TV (US) |
| “One Battle After Another” | Multiple, including Best Film, Best Director | HBO Max, Apple TV, Prime Video |
| “Bugonia” | Multiple, including Best Film, Best Actress | Netflix (South Korea) |
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The Future of Film Consumption: Streaming vs. Theatrical
The availability of Oscar-nominated films on streaming platforms reflects a broader trend in the film industry. Even as Warner Bros.’ success underscores the value of the theatrical experience, the convenience and accessibility of streaming services are undeniable. The balance between these two distribution models will likely continue to evolve.
The Academy Awards ceremony itself will likely be available on ProSieben and Disney+, offering viewers a chance to witness the celebration of cinematic excellence.
Who Votes for the Oscars?
The prestigious awards are voted on by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, comprised of over 10,000 voters from all areas of the film and entertainment industry.
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Don’t miss the 98th Academy Awards! Prepare for a night of glamour and celebration by streaming the nominated films and joining the conversation.
