The 98th Academy Awards nominations have been announced, setting the stage for one of Hollywood’s most anticipated events. Actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman revealed the contenders for the Oscars 2026, with a live stream featuring ASL interpreters to ensure accessibility. The nominations ceremony, held at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles, marks the beginning of the awards season frenzy, as films and performances vie for the industry’s highest honors.
Among the films generating buzz are “One Battle After Another,” “Sinners,” and “Hamnet,” each expected to secure multiple nominations across major categories. Meanwhile, the international film category continues to grow in prominence, with entries like “Sentimental Value” and “The Secret Agent” poised to make significant impacts.
Major Contenders and Potential Surprises
Leading the pack is Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” a film that has captivated audiences and critics alike. The action-thriller is a frontrunner for Best Picture, with Leonardo DiCaprio expected to receive a Best Actor nod. The film’s potential to break the record for most nominations in Oscar history is a topic of much speculation.
Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” a vampire epic, is another strong contender, anticipated to secure nominations in Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan. Its success reflects a growing trend of genre films gaining recognition from the Academy.
“Sinners is a shoo-in for a Best Picture nom, and Coogler will almost certainly appear in the Best Director field.”
Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet” is also expected to perform well, particularly in the Best Actress category, where Jessie Buckley is a favorite. Zhao’s previous success with “Nomadland” positions her latest work as a critical favorite.
International Films and Emerging Trends
The international film category continues to garner attention, with several strong contenders this year. “Sentimental Value” and “The Secret Agent” are among the frontrunners, with the former also vying for a Best Picture nomination. This reflects a broader trend of international films gaining recognition beyond their designated category.
“Parasite was the first film not in the English language to win Best Picture back in 2020, setting a precedent for international films.”
Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just an Accident” is another film to watch, with potential nominations in both Best Director and Best International Feature Film. Panahi’s work, often marked by its political undertones, continues to challenge and inspire.
Notable Absences and Industry Shifts
Despite its box office success, “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is not expected to replicate the Oscar success of its predecessors. While a Visual Effects nomination is likely, the film’s chances in major categories appear slim.
Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly,” a film about the movie industry itself, surprisingly lacks momentum in the awards race. Despite initial expectations, it may struggle to secure nominations beyond Best Original Screenplay.
“Traditionally, the Academy loves recognizing movies that are about making movies, but ‘Jay Kelly’ never managed to get the wind in its sails.”
Netflix, a major player in the streaming wars, has two films in contention: “Frankenstein” and “Train Dreams.” While both are vying for Best Picture nominations, neither is predicted to be a favorite for the win.
Looking Ahead to the Ceremony
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is set for March 15, 2026, with Conan O’Brien returning as host. This year’s event will continue the trend of streaming availability, a shift that began with last year’s broadcast on Hulu. The Academy’s decision to move exclusively to YouTube by 2029 marks a significant change in how audiences will engage with the Oscars.
As the nominations are now set, all eyes turn to the upcoming ceremony, where the winners will be revealed. The Oscars 2026 promise to be a celebration of cinematic achievements, with a few surprises likely along the way.
