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- After the Hunt leads Best Picture at 6/1, followed by Sentimental Value and The Ballad of a Small Player.
- Big titles like Avatar and Wicked trail at 9/1, reflecting their blockbuster status but Oscar uncertainty.
- As nominations drop, expect dramatic shifts—perfect time to watch odds and score value bets.
After the Hunt Set as Favourite in Early Best Picture Betting
Betting odds are now given by UK Betting Sites on the 2026 Oscars with the early market pointing towards After the Hunt, the new thriller featuring Andrew Garfield and Julia Roberts, as the leading contender for the Best Picture award.
William Hill have it at 6/1, implying a 14.3% chance of victory in a competitive field where some big name movies feature.
Norwegian comedy-drama Sentimental Value sits behind After the Hunt as the second favourite in the latest market.
The 2026 Oscars nominations will not be released until early next year, with voting opening for members in January.
| Oscars 2026 Best Picture | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| After the Hunt | 6/1 | 14.3% |
| Sentimental Value | 7/1 | 12.5% |
| The Ballad of a Small Player | 8/1 | 11.1% |
| Avatar: Fire and Ash | 9/1 | 10.0% |
| F1 | 9/1 | 10.0% |
| Wicked: For Good | 9/1 | 10.0% |
Market Context & Film Insights
After the Hunt has quickly captured market attention with its star power and thriller narrative and its early odds reflect strong belief in both critical and academy member appeal.
Close behind are Sentimental Value (7/1) and The Ballad of a Small Player (8/1), each carrying significant buzz from festival circuits and early critic screenings.
Big franchise and musical titles like Avatar: Fire and Ash, F1, and Wicked: For Good are all positioned further back at 9/1, likely relying on broad pop culture appeal in a crowded field.
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Where to Bet on the 2026 Oscars
The Academy Awards market is now open across several platforms.
Use the best entertainment betting sites in the UK to access the biggest markets, including new betting offers and free bets, especially with major bookmakers such as William Hill.
