Martin Scorsese Calls This 2026 Oscar Darling With 94% on RT an "Epic American Anthem"
And it is hard to argue with his words.
As the excitement builds for the 2026 Oscars, one movie has received support from one of the most influential voices in contemporary cinema.
Martin Scorsese Has Nothing but Praise for Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another'
Martin Scorsese gave a passionate speech about Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another. The director elevated it to the level of a national treasure, securing its place in history before the awards ceremony even took place.
At the National Board of Review ceremony, Scorsese said:
“Epic American anthem. Big cinematic canvas. Vast. And you get what? You get a portrait of the country that hits the target at exactly the right moment. It's a picture that has so much in it, it contains so much that it can't be narrowed down to one genre, or one catchphrase, or one element.
Like all great films, it can't be compared to anything else because it stands alone. It's a great American film.”
What Is 'One Battle After Another' About?
The plot revolves around Bob, a former member of the radical activist group French 75. Following an affair with Perfidia, another activist, and a failed mission that results in the group's dissolution, Bob is forced into hiding.
Many years later, he lives in hiding with his adult daughter, Willa, and suffers from paranoia. His past catches up with him when Willa's life is threatened by Colonel Steven Lockjaw's actions.
To save her, Bob must turn to the surviving members of his old organization for help once again.
'One Battle After Another' Will Undoubtedly Walk Away From the 2026 Oscars With Numerous Awards
Having received unanimous critical acclaim, Anderson's movie is a top favorite for the upcoming ceremony. Despite facing serious competition from Ryan Coogler's Sinners, One Battle After Another has several undeniable advantages.
First, it features the masterful direction of Paul Thomas Anderson, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest modern filmmakers but has yet to win an Oscar.
Second, it features a powerful ensemble cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, whose performance is already being hailed as one of the best of his career.
Predicted nominations include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'One Battle After Another'?
-
One Battle After Another has 94% from critics and 85% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
-
On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.7/10.
-
On Letterboxd, One Battle After Another scored 4.2/5.0.
Where to Watch 'One Battle After Another'?
One Battle After Another is available to stream on HBO Max.
