The 2026 Oscar Nominations Reveal Record Breakers, New Faces and a Stunning Field of Contenders

22 January 2026

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards on January 22, 2026, with Hollywood once again gathering around a slate of films that reflect the breadth and ambition of contemporary cinema. The nominations were announced in a live presentation from the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles by actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, and the lineup sets the stage for what promises to be one of the most competitive Oscars seasons in years.

Films like Sinners, One Battle After Another, Hamnet, Marty Supreme and Frankenstein led the conversation, earning nominations across major categories that span acting, directing, screenplay, music, animation and technical achievement. Numerous international feature contenders and animated films also made the cut, underscoring the global scope of filmmaking being recognised this year. The awards ceremony itself is scheduled for March 15, 2026 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

At the center of the nominations narrative is Sinners, the supernatural drama directed by Ryan Coogler, which made history by earning an unprecedented 16 nominations, the most ever for a single film, surpassing classics such as Titanic and La La Land that previously shared the record. This astonishing number of nods reflects recognition across numerous categories, including Best Picture, Best Director for Coogler, and multiple acting nominations for stars such as Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku.

Not far behind is Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, which secured 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio and several supporting acting nods. The film’s presence across acting and technical categories demonstrates its broad appeal and the strength of its ensemble performances.

Other films making a significant impact include Marty Supreme, which earned nine nominations and sees Timothée Chalamet nominated for Best Actor for his role as Marty Mauser, a table-tennis prodigy with an unforgettable journey. Chalamet’s nomination also cements a unique moment in his career as the youngest male actor since Marlon Brando to receive three Best Actor Oscar nominations. Hamnet, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, secured eight nominations and follows closely with strong recognition for its direction, acting and creative achievements.

Other Best Picture contenders include Bugonia, an imaginative narrative that captured critical attention; F1, a racing spectacle with unexpected acclaim; Frankenstein, a bold reinterpretation of the classic tale; Sentimental Value, an international favorite with strong character work; The Secret Agent and Train Dreams, both of which expanded the Oscars field with diverse storytelling.

In acting categories, the field reflects both seasoned artists and fresh voices. Jessie Buckley received a Best Actress nomination for her role in Hamnet, joining fellow nominees Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Renate Reinsve and Emma Stone, all recognized for performances that ranged from intensely dramatic to emotionally nuanced. In the Best Actor category, alongside Chalamet and DiCaprio, veterans such as Ethan Hawke and Wagner Moura stood alongside Jordan in a lineup that blends genre storytelling with powerful individual performances.

Supporting acting categories likewise showcased a rich mix of talent. Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku were among those honored for Sinners, while the ensemble casts of One Battle After Another and Sentimental Value also earned nominations, highlighting the depth and range of contemporary ensemble filmmaking.

The 2026 nominees also reflect the Academy’s evolving recognition of behind-the-scenes contributions. A newly introduced Best Casting category celebrates the essential work of casting directors, with films such as Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent and Sinners all entering the race. In addition, nominations in cinematography, costume design, film editing, production design and original score underscore the creative teams whose contributions elevate the art and craft of filmmaking.

Animated films continued to make their mark, with titles such as Zootopia 2, Arco, Elio, Little Amélie or the Character of Rain and KPop Demon Hunters earning spots in the Best Animated Feature category. The latter title also garnered a nomination for Best Original Song, alongside other celebrated musical compositions from films including Train Dreams and Sinners.

International features also earned substantial recognition, bringing global stories into the Oscars spotlight. The Secret Agent (Brazil), It Was Just an Accident (France), Sentimental Value (Norway), Sirāt (Spain) and The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia) each secured nominations in the Best International Feature category, reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to diverse cinematic voices.

Documentary categories brought further depth to the nominations, with films such as The Alabama Solution, Come See Me in the Good Light, Cutting Through Rocks, Mr. Nobody Against Putin and The Perfect Neighbor all recognized for their compelling storytelling and social relevance. Short film categories likewise honored inventive storytelling across animated and live-action formats, spotlighting emerging talent and bold creative approaches.

With such a wide array of films and performers represented, the 98th Academy Awards promise a night of celebration that reflects the global and artistic diversity of modern cinema. The Oscars remain a cultural touchstone in the entertainment industry, bringing together audiences and artists to recognize the stories that move, challenge and inspire. As anticipation builds for the March 15 ceremony, film lovers and industry insiders alike are already debating favorites and predicting which nominees will walk away with the coveted gold statuettes.