Jake is a Football and Entertainment betting expert, with a Man City season ticket and a deep knowledge of reality TV betting angles
- Sentimental Value is now 6/1 favourite to win Best Picture at the 2026 Oscars
- After the Hunt drifts to 9/1, behind The Ballad of a Small Player
- Oscar betting markets active now with value in emerging contenders
Sentimental Value Becomes New Oscars 2026 Favourite for Best Picture
The race for the 2026 Academy Award for Best Picture is heating up and there’s a new front-runner in the market with betting sites.
According to the latest odds from William Hill, comedy-drama Sentimental Value is now the 6/1 favourite to take home the Oscar, leaping ahead of early leader After the Hunt.
Buzz around Sentimental Value has grown steadily following its successful early screenings and positive festival whispers.
With award season still months away, the betting market is already moving and punters are clearly taking notice.
| Oscars 2026 Best Picture | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Sentimental Value | 6/1 | 14.3% |
| The Ballad of a Small Player | 8/1 | 11.1% |
| After the Hunt | 9/1 | 10.0% |
| Hamnet | 9/1 | 10.0% |
| Avatar: Fire and Ash | 10/1 | 9.1% |
What the expert says...
After the Hunt Drifts as New Contenders Emerge
Originally tipped as the early Best Picture frontrunner, After the Hunt has now slipped to 9/1, joint third in the market alongside Hamnet.
Meanwhile, The Ballad of a Small Player has made a strong move into 8/1 second-favourite, bolstered by its star-studded cast and early awards buzz.
James Cameron’s Avatar sequel, Fire and Ash, sits at 10/1, appealing more to blockbuster backers than traditional Oscar voters.
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Where to Bet on the Oscars
If you're looking to get involved in the awards season early, several betting sites including William Hill are offering Best Picture odds and other Oscars specials.
You can also grab free bets from the best entertainment betting sites, with markets expected to evolve as the fall festivals and official Academy campaign season kicks off.
