The NewsWorthy Special Edition: What to Watch (or Skip) this Awards Season
Feb 14, 2026
Nick Schager, entertainment critic at The Daily Beast known for sharp film analysis, walks through awards-season buzz and standout Best Picture contenders. He highlights surprising snubs, foreign-language momentum, and how streaming trends and release strategies are reshaping what we watch. He also flags underrated TV and previews big films to watch in 2026.
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Episode notes
Wicked For Good's Big Snub
- Schager calls Wicked for Good's complete snub a major surprise given the first film's earlier nominations.
- He finds its exclusion almost inexplicable given the sequel's popularity.
Foreign Films Making Big Strides
- Foreign films like The Secret Agent and Sentimental Value are earning major Best Picture attention this year.
- Schager sees a real chance for foreign actors like Wagner Moura to win major acting awards.
Oscars Balance Art And Stardom
- The Academy now balances celebrating critical excellence with honoring recognizable stars to stay relevant.
- Schager notes at least one or two nominees each year tend to be broadly popular to attract viewers.