98th Academy Awards Nominees 2026

The 98th Academy Awards nominees 2026 have taken Hollywood by storm since their announcement on January 22, 2026. With Sinners smashing records by earning a staggering 16 nominations—the most ever for a single film—this year’s list feels electric, packed with heavy-hitters, fresh faces, and bold storytelling from 2025’s standout movies.

Whether you’re betting on your favorites or just geeking out over the surprises, the 98th Academy Awards nominees 2026 set the stage for an unforgettable night. The ceremony happens Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre, hosted by Conan O’Brien. Before the trophies get handed out, let’s dive into the biggest categories, breakout stories, and what makes this year so special.

Don’t forget, the glamour kicks off early with the arrivals—check out our guide to Academy Awards red carpet events March 2026 for all the fashion buzz leading into the big show.

When and How Were the 98th Academy Awards Nominees 2026 Announced?

Nominations dropped bright and early on January 22, 2026, presented by Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. The livestream hit Oscars.org, ABC platforms, and more, building massive hype right away.

Voting wrapped up for finals between February 26 and March 5, 2026, so by now, the Academy members have cast their ballots. That means the winners are locked in—though we won’t know until the envelopes open on March 15.

This timeline keeps the excitement rolling: nominations spark debates, the nominee luncheon brings everyone together for that iconic class photo, and then the red carpet and ceremony deliver the payoff.

Top Contenders in the 98th Academy Awards Nominees 2026

Sinners dominates headlines with its historic 16 nods, including Best Picture, Best Director for Ryan Coogler, and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan (his first Oscar nomination!). The horror film set in 1930s Mississippi clearly struck a chord with voters.

Right behind it, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another grabbed 13 nominations, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio in a leading role and strong supporting turns.

Other heavyweights include Frankenstein (Guillermo del Toro’s take), Marty Supreme, and Sentimental Value, each pulling in nine nominations. Hamnet rounds out the top tier with eight.

These films showcase a mix of genres—horror, drama, biopics, and more—proving 2025 was a diverse year for cinema.

Best Picture Nominees at the 98th Academy Awards Nominees 2026

The ten films vying for Best Picture represent some of the year’s most talked-about releases:

• Bugonia (produced by Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone, Lars Knudsen)
• F1 (with Brad Pitt among producers)
• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• The Secret Agent
• Sentimental Value
• Sinners
• Train Dreams

Sinners and One Battle After Another lead the charge, but don’t count out visionary works like Frankenstein or the emotional depth of Hamnet. It’s anyone’s race.

Acting Categories Highlights from the 98th Academy Awards Nominees 2026

The acting races are stacked this year.

Best Actor in a Leading Role nominees:

• Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme
• Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another
• Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon
• Michael B. Jordan – Sinners
• Wagner Moura – The Secret Agent

Chalamet and DiCaprio bring star power, while Jordan’s dual role in Sinners feels like a breakthrough moment.

Best Actress in a Leading Role nominees:

• Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
• Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
• Kate Hudson – Song Sung Blue
• Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value
• Emma Stone – Bugonia

Buckley and Stone are perennial favorites, but Reinsve and Byrne could surprise.

Supporting categories feature exciting names too, like Benicio Del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Delroy Lindo, Sean Penn, Stellan Skarsgård for men, and Elle Fanning, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and others for women—many earning first-time nods.

Directing and Screenplay Standouts in the 98th Academy Awards Nominees 2026

Directors nominated include Ryan Coogler (Sinners), Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme), and more.

Screenplays highlight original voices in Sinners (Ryan Coogler) and adapted works drawing from rich source material.

These categories often predict bigger wins, so watch how they shake out.

Surprises and Snubs Among the 98th Academy Awards Nominees 2026

Every year brings shocks. Sinners breaking the nomination record feels like justice for a bold film. First-time nods for talents like Jacob Elordi and Teyana Taylor add fresh energy.

Some expected contenders might have missed out, but the diversity—international films like The Secret Agent and Sentimental Value, genre pushes in horror—shows the Academy evolving.

What to Expect on March 15, 2026

With voting done, anticipation builds for the live show. Conan O’Brien’s hosting promises sharp humor to balance the drama.

The night celebrates 2025’s cinema while spotlighting change—more inclusive stories, bold risks, and new faces.

And of course, the Academy Awards red carpet events March 2026 will set social media on fire hours before the first award.

Conclusion: Why the 98th Academy Awards Nominees 2026 Matter

The 98th Academy Awards nominees 2026 capture a thrilling snapshot of filmmaking—record-breaking hauls, powerhouse performances, and genre-blending creativity. From Sinners‘ dominance to emotional heavyweights like Hamnet, this year’s slate gives us plenty to debate and celebrate.

Mark your calendar for March 15, 2026. Tune in to ABC or Hulu, follow the Academy Awards red carpet events March 2026, and enjoy one of Hollywood’s biggest nights. Who will take home the gold? We can’t wait to find out.

For more details:

• Official Oscars Site
• Oscars Nominations Press Release
• Variety Oscars Coverage

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