Who could win the 2027 Oscars? Early predictions for the 99th Academy Awards

This is still the opening act. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has not announced any nominees yet, and several contenders have yet to face the festival circuit, critics or industry guilds. Early predictions show where the conversation stands now – not where it will finish.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

When and where are the 2027 Oscars?

The 99th Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The show starts at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, airs live on ABC and streams live on Hulu.

Conan O'Brien will return as host for a third consecutive year. Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan will return as executive producers.

The Academy has also published the main dates that will move the race from speculation to results.

• Preliminary voting runs from December 7–11, 2026.
• Oscars shortlists come out on December 15, 2026.
• Nominations voting runs from January 11–15, 2027.
• The Academy announces nominations on January 21, 2027.
• Final voting runs from February 25–March 4, 2027.
• The ceremony takes place on March 14, 2027.

Which films are eligible for the 2027 Oscars?

A feature film must have a qualifying theatrical release between January 1 and December 31, 2026, for general Academy Awards consideration.

A 2026 release date alone does not make a film eligible. Each entry must also meet the Academy's theatrical, submission and category-specific requirements.

The confirmed changes for the 99th Oscars include:

• A performer can receive more than one nomination in the same acting category if multiple performances place in the top five during voting.
• Acting contenders must be legally credited human performers, and they must have performed the work with their consent. (This is not ensure no AI actors get nominated)
• Screenplays must be human-authored to qualify in the writing categories. (Also fighting against AI)
• A non-English-language film can qualify for International Feature Film through a new route after winning a specified award at one of six qualifying festivals.
• Achievement in Casting can award up to three statuettes, up from two.

The Oscars currently have 24 competitive categories after adding Achievement in Casting for the 98th ceremony. Achievement in Stunt Design starts with the 100th Oscars in 2028.

What are the early Best Picture predictions?

Awards Daily, an independent film and awards-season publication, ranked the Best Picture contenders as follows:

1. The Odyssey.
2. Project Hail Mary.
3. La Bola Negra.
4. Wild Horse Nine.
5. Obsession.
6. The Adventures of Cliff Booth.
7. Fjord.
8. Dune: Part Three.
9. Digger.
10. The Invite

Their forecast puts The Odyssey in the favorite's position. Project Hail Mary, La Bola Negra, Obsession and Wild Horse Nine complete the analyst's possible top five. 

Likewise, traders on OG.com currently see The Odyssey as the clear favorite. As of August 20, 2026, it leads the Best Picture market at 59%. Dune: Part Three follows at 15%, The Black Ball – the English title used for La Bola Negra – at 12%, Wild Horse Nine at 9%, Digger at 8%, and Project Hail Mary at 5%. 

Market data as of 25 August. For up-to-date data, check OG.com platform. 

This gives The Odyssey a substantial early lead in current market sentiment. However, percentages can move as festival reactions, reviews, nominations and campaign developments bring new information into the race. 

Who are the early Best Director contenders?

Awards Daily's August forecast named five directors or directing teams:

• Christopher Nolan for The Odyssey.
• Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo, known as Los Javis, for La Bola Negra.
• David Fincher for The Adventures of Cliff Booth.
• Martin McDonagh for Wild Horse Nine.
• Curry Barker for Obsession.

The same forecast listed Cristian Mungiu for Fjord, Denis Villeneuve for Dune: Part Three, Olivia Wilde for The Invite and Danny Boyle for Ink as alternatives.

Nolan begins in front, but this category often changes once directors' groups and critics respond to the full field.

Who are the early Oscars acting contenders?

Awards Daily’s latest forecast names the following contenders:

What could change the 2027 Oscar race?

Despite the early predictions, a favorite rarely gets an uninterrupted walk to Oscar night. The Odyssey may dominate the conversation now, but the race can look very different a few months from now. 

The first plot twist may come during the September-October festivals. Venice, Telluride, Toronto and New York give new contenders their first big public test.

From January into February, Hollywood’s guilds take over. These professional organizations represent actors, directors, producers and other people working in the film industry. 

Their awards offer an early sign of which films and performances have support among the same industry communities represented within the Academy, and could be the ones to watch if you’re trading Oscar prediction markets. 

How does the OG.com Oscars prediction markets work?

OG.com prediction platform offers “Oscars: Best Picture Winner 2027” – an event contract. Traders can take a view on which film will win, and market prices can move as new information enters the race.

A market price reflects current trader sentiment. It does not guarantee the result, and it can change after a premiere, review, nomination or campaign development. Before opening a position, review the available outcomes, settlement rules, fees and risks.

How to trade 2027 Oscar prediction markets on OG.com

1. Create an account: Open an account and complete sign-up, including identity verification. You can use the web or mobile platforms.
2. Browse markets: Explore culture event contracts, including the Best Picture Winner 2027 market.
3. Review and trade: Compare the market price with your own view. Check the rules, fees and settlement details before opening a position.
4. Monitor your position: Your contract appears in your open positions after trading, where you can track market movement as new information comes in.

Discover culture prediction markets

• Oscars: Best Picture Winner 2027.
• All culture prediction markets.

Trading involves risk. Even a strong favorite can lose, and you can lose the cost of entering a transaction, including fees.

FAQs about who will will the 2027 Oscars

When are the 2027 Oscars?

The ceremony takes place on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.

Who is hosting the 2027 Oscars?

Conan O'Brien will host for a third consecutive year:

When will the Academy announce the nominations?

The Academy plans to announce nominations on January 21, 2027.

What is the eligibility period?

A feature film must receive a qualifying theatrical release between January 1 and December 31, 2026, and meet the applicable Academy rules.

Is The Odyssey the Best Picture favorite?

It leads the Awards Daily forecast published in August, and is favoured by OG.com prediction traders. However, it’s still early on in the Oscars race and the favourites may change. 

How many Oscar categories are there?

The Oscars currently have 24 competitive categories, including Achievement in Casting. Achievement in Stunt Design begins with the 100th Oscars in 2028. 

Did the Academy change the rules for the 99th Oscars?

Yes. The confirmed changes cover acting, writing, International Feature Film, cinematography and casting.

Important Information: Prediction is an event contract that is a derivatives product offered by North American Derivatives Exchange, Inc. (NADEX), a CFTC-regulated exchange, which does business under the brand OG.com Prediction Markets (OG) Crypto.com | Derivatives North America and uses a CFTC-regulated exchange that uses OG.com technology.

Trading on OG.com involves risk and may not be appropriate for all. By trading you risk losing your cost to enter any transaction, including fees. You should carefully consider whether trading on OG.com is appropriate for you in light of your investment experience and financial resources. Any trading decisions you make are solely your responsibility and at your own risk.