The Revenant (20th Century Fox)

Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson

Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu

Without a doubt the most ambitious film of the Oscar season and even the year as a whole. Iñárritu is back in the awards race after last year’s Birdman, which won best picture as well as best director, and will likely be in the forefront throughout most of his competition. This is a shoe-in for best picture and will hopefully, just hopefully, get DiCaprio his first Oscar after all these years.

Spotlight (Open Road)

Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams

Directed by Tom McCarthy

An all-star cast tackles a highly intriguing, controversial topic under the direction/writing of a talented filmmaker. This is this year’s Oscar-bait that plays its cards correctly and delivers an all-around terrific product, as opposed to the kind of overbearing Oscar-bait whose sole purpose is to attract awards notice.

Steve Jobs (Universal Pictures)

Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen

Directed by Danny Boyle

One of the most critically acclaimed films of the year, featuring top-notch performances all across the board that are bound to get some attention. Sorkin’s sharp screenplay and Boyle’s stylish direction also have high chances of getting recognized.

Brooklyn (Fox Searchlight)

Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson, Jim Broadbent

Directed by John Crowley

Fox’s second aim at hitting a nomination for best picture comes in the form of an independent romantic drama, rather than a brutal revenge thriller. Generating great word of mouth from the festival circuit, it would be no surprise for this little gem to slide its way into the running.

Carol (The Weinstein Company)

Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson

Directed by Todd Haynes

With two powerhouse actresses in the lead, particularly Blanchett who may be looking at her second trophy, and an experienced director at the helm, this tale of two lesbian lovers has established itself as a force to be reckoned with.

Inside Out (Walt Disney Pictures)

Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader

Directed by Pete Docter

It’s almost guaranteed to snag best animated film, but perhaps the Academy will honor Pixar’s latest with a best picture nod. Though taking home the gold is quite unlikely, seeing this family flick alongside all these mature dramas would be nice to see, especially since the film is entirely worthy of such recognition.

Bridge of Spies (Walt Disney Pictures)

Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda

Directed by Steven Spielberg
A safe choice for a best picture nomination. It follows the kind of formula the Academy loves: a widely appealing actor working with a legendary director on a period piece based on a true story. Not a risky move by the studio whatsoever, but one that’ll likely pay off for them in some way.