August and September tend to be a slower season of movie releases. However, with the year quickly speeding by, and awards season approaching, we are about to see some of the (hopefully) best films of the year.  

Here are five movies that you should keep on your radar to stay in the loop not only for awards, but to see films predicted to be some of the best of this decade. 

1. “Bugonia” (dir. by Yorgos Lanthimos) – Set for a release date just before Halloween (October 24), this is the fourth feature film collaboration between Lanthimos and whom might be his muse, star Emma Stone. Stone, who just won an Oscar in 2024 for previous Lanthimos partnership Poor Things, does not shy away from receiving award nominations, with the potential for another this year. With the plot following a major CEO who was kidnapped by conspiracy theorists, the film’s potential to be provocative could stir up popularity with both critics, The Academy, and mass audiences alike. 

1. “Wicked: For Good” (dir. by Jon M. Chu) – With the first film in the Wicked franchise reaching widespread popularity, as well as numerous award nominations, the second movie is perhaps the most anticipated of this list. The film is set to premiere just before Thanksgiving (November 21), about a year after its predecessor. Continuing the story of Elphaba and Glinda after the cliffhanger that literally defied gravity, the film answers any lingering questions and further explores the leading ladies’ relationship and the world of Oz. With two new original songs added, this could be a contender not only in the main categories, but also in Best Music (Original Song). 

1. “Hamnet” (dir. by Chloé Zhao) – November 27, the week after Wicked: For Good, the film by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao hits the theaters. The film follows William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes as they deal with a tragedy that inspires his famous play, “Hamlet.” The film stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, and from the trailers and photos that have released thus far, this seems to be one of the more dramatic releases, with Buckley and Mescal potentially up in the running for acting nominations. Zhao has previously won an Oscar for her 2020 film Nomadland, making her no stranger to directing that stands out to the Academy. 

1. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” (dir. by James Cameron) – The holiday season proves to be a very important time for movies, as right before the Christmas crazies, the third installment of the “Avatar” franchise comes to theater December 19. This movie continues the conflict on Pandora, with even more sequels to follow in the coming years. The previous “Avatar” films have done incredibly well at the Academy Awards with “Avatar” (2009) garnering nine nominations, and “Avatar: The Way of Water” (2022) receiving four nominations. With the films continued success with triumphant visual effects and cinematography, expectations are high for “Avatar: Fire and Ash” to meet the standard set by the previous two. 

1. “Marty Supreme” (dir. by Josh Safdie) – Releasing on December 25, this movie may be an unexpected Christmas gift to moviegoers. A fictionalized story based on the life of Marty Reisman, the film follows a young table tennis player who is pursuing his dreams of becoming a champion. The film stars Timothée Chalamet, who has never won an Academy Award, despite numerous nominations. With the Oscars’ tendency to love their biographical films, this may be his year to secure the win.