Warner Bros. Bets Big on Oscar Hopefuls With Theatrical Comeback

Warner Bros. is doubling down on awards season by sending both One Battle After Another and Sinners back to the big screen this weekend. The studio’s decision to re-release these two films comes just as Oscar nominations are about to be announced, and it ’s a clear sign they’re banking on both titles making a splash with the Academy.

Industry buzz has put both movies at the top of the list for Best Picture consideration. Directors Paul Thomas Anderson and Ryan Coogler are also widely expected to land Best Director nominations when the Academy reveals its picks later today, January 22.

Golden Globes Success Sets the Stage

One Battle After Another made a major impression at this year’s Golden Globes, leading the pack with nine nominations and taking home four trophies. Among its wins were Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy ), Best Director, Best Screenplay, and a standout acting award for Teyana Taylor. Sinners also had a strong showing, earning six nominations and winning for Best Original Score and Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.

While the Oscars are known for their surprises, the strong performance of both films at the Globes gives a good indication of how things might shake out when the Academy votes. The momentum from these wins has only fueled speculation that both movies are poised for more recognition.

Stories That Captivate Audiences

One Battle After Another centers on Bob, a former revolutionary played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who is forced back into action when his past resurfaces and an old adversary threatens his teenage daughter, Willa, portrayed by Chase Infiniti. The film weaves together themes of redemption, family, and the inescapable pull of history.

Sinners, on the other hand, transports viewers to 1930s Mississippi, where twin brothers —both brought to life by Michael B. Jordan —return home after years in Chicago’s criminal underworld. They find themselves facing a supernatural evil that haunts their hometown, blending elements of horror and drama in a unique take on the vampire genre.

Anticipation Builds for Oscar Nominations

Both films are set to return to theaters on January 23, giving audiences another chance to experience these acclaimed stories on the big screen. With Oscar nominations just hours away, all eyes are on Warner Bros. and their two frontrunners as the awards race heats up.

For moviegoers looking ahead, there’s plenty more to come—2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for film, with a slate of highly anticipated releases on the horizon.