The Next Best Picture Podcast Episode 473 - Our Most Anticipated Films Of 2026, Critics Choice Award Winner & SAG/PGA/DGA Nomination Predictions
Jan 4, 2026
Lauren LaMagna, a film commentator with a keen eye for awards season, joins film critic Dan Bayer and film journalist Cody Derricks to discuss the upcoming Critics' Choice Awards. They share their predictions for SAG/PGA/DGA nominations and dive into their most anticipated films of 2026. The trio also reflects on the community poll revealing favorites from 2025. Their lively banter highlights controversies surrounding Best Actress and Actor races, along with potential dark horses in the awards landscape.
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Critics' Favorites May Diverge From Oscars
- Amy Madigan leads critics, but panelists expect Tiana Taylor to be the Oscar favorite despite Critics' Choice momentum.
- They stress regional critics' dominance can diverge from later awards outcomes.
Best Actor: Open Field, Precursors Matter
- Best actor race is wide open; Timothy Chalamet is a plausible front-runner while Ethan Hawke could become a sweep if he wins key precursors.
- Panelists note Hawke's performance is an 'actor's actor' pick and could perform better at SAG than Critics' Choice.
DGA Mirrors Picture Race With Limits
- DGA nominations typically mirror top Best Picture contenders but can exclude international auteurs like Jafar Panahi.
- The panel lists likely DGA nominees aligning with mainstream Best Picture front-runners.
