Odyssey Tops the 2026–27 Oscar Race in Feinberg's First Read

THR’s Scott Feinberg kicks off the 2026–27 Oscar season with the First Read of the Race, laying out frontrunners, threats and possibilities across all 24 categories. The Odyssey is the Best Picture frontrunner, joined by Project Hail Mary, Wild Horse Nine, La Bola Negra and Fjord among the top contenders; Nolan is favored for Best Director, with a slate that spans English- and non‑English-language filmmakers. The piece maps a crowded field for acting, screenplay and technical categories, notes standout festival debuts at Venice, Telluride, TIFF and NYFF, and underscores the growing importance of Academy Screening Room access as voters begin to watch in earnest. Feinberg also reminds readers that these are earned predictions, not wish lists.