The Oscars 2026 nominations are out, with Sinners leading with a record 16 nods. See the full list, key contenders, and major talking points.
Hollywood Unveils Oscars 2026 Nominees
Hollywood has officially announced the nominations for the 2026 Academy Awards, setting the stage for one of the most competitive Oscar seasons in recent history. The ceremony, scheduled for 15 March 2026, will be hosted by U.S. comedian Conan O’Brien, marking his debut as Oscars host.
This year’s nominations spotlight a diverse mix of large-scale productions, intimate dramas, and international cinema, reflecting shifting industry trends and evolving audience tastes.
‘Sinners’ Makes Oscar History
The vampire horror epic Sinners has emerged as the biggest headline-maker, earning a record-breaking 16 nominations. This surpasses the long-standing record of 14 nominations previously shared by All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997), and La La Land (2016).
Industry analysts say the film’s success signals the Academy’s growing openness to genre films that combine strong storytelling with technical excellence.
Close behind is One Battle After Another with 13 nominations, while Marty Supreme, Frankenstein, and Sentimental Value follow with nine each. Hamnet secured eight nominations, further reinforcing its status as an awards-season favorite.
Best Picture Race: A Wide-Open Contest
The Best Picture category reflects a broad spectrum of filmmaking styles, from experimental narratives to mainstream cinema:
- Bugonia
- Frankenstein
- F1
- Hamnet
- Marty Supreme
- One Battle After Another
- The Secret Agent
- Sentimental Value
- Sinners
- Train Dreams
With no clear frontrunner yet, analysts expect campaigning and late-season momentum to play a crucial role in determining the winner.
Acting Categories Highlight Star Power and Breakout Performances
The acting nominations feature a blend of established stars and critically acclaimed performances:
- Best Actor contenders include Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, and Wagner Moura, reflecting both box-office appeal and critical depth.
- Best Actress sees strong competition from Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, Emma Stone, and Renate Reinsve, making it one of the season’s most closely watched races.
Supporting categories also drew attention, with Teyana Taylor earning praise for her nomination in One Battle After Another and Delroy Lindo receiving recognition for Sinners.
Directing, Writing, and Technical Categories Show Industry Shifts
The Best Director lineup highlights the Academy’s growing global outlook, with nominees ranging from Paul Thomas Anderson to Chloé Zhao and Joachim Trier.
Technical categories such as visual effects, cinematography, and production design are dominated by visually ambitious films like Frankenstein, Avatar: Fire and Ash, and F1, underscoring Hollywood’s continued investment in spectacle-driven storytelling.
International and Animated Films Gain Prominence
The Best International Feature category includes films from multiple regions, reflecting increased global participation in mainstream awards conversations. Meanwhile, Best Animated Feature sees strong competition between original concepts and franchise entries, including Zootopia 2.
Key Talking Points Ahead of Oscar Night
- Genre films gaining wider Academy acceptance
- Strong representation of international cinema
- A competitive Best Picture race with no clear favorite
- Record-setting nominations redefining Oscar history
As the countdown to Oscar night begins, industry watchers expect intense debate, shifting predictions, and high audience engagement leading up to the ceremony.