On this episode of THE FILM SITUATION, Zef sits down with intern Cole Howard to react to the 2026 Academy Award nominations (announced January 22, 2026) and talk through what the Best Picture lineup says about where cinema is right now. They get into the love hate relationship filmmakers have with awards season, how the “race” can feel like sports, and why it still matters even when it drives you crazy.
Zef and Cole run through the big titles in the conversation, including SINNERS, MARTY SUPREME, TRAIN DREAMS, HAMNET, SENTIMENTAL VALUE, FRANKENSTEIN, BEGONIA, THE SECRET AGENT, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, and the eyebrow raising Best Picture nominee F1. Expect a mix of real film geek insight, a few laughs, and plenty of honest takes about what feels deserved, what feels surprising, and what they are most excited to watch next. If you are following the Oscar season too, hit follow and send this episode to a film friend who loves debating Best Picture.
Hosted by Zef Cota & Cole Howard of The Film Situation
