The 98th Academy Awards nominations have been announced, setting up a dramatic showdown between Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’ and Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another,’ with both films leading the pack with record-breaking nods and defining this year’s awards race.
Nominations for the 2026 Oscars were revealed early Thursday, January 22, from Beverly Hills, marking a pivotal moment in Hollywood’s awards season. The announcements were made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with the ceremony scheduled for March 15, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, and broadcast live to audiences worldwide. This year’s list introduces a new category for Best Casting, recognizing casting directors for the first time in the Oscars’ 98-year history, reflecting evolving industry standards.
‘Sinners,’ a vampire drama set in the Jim Crow South directed by Ryan Coogler, shattered records by earning 16 nominations, the most ever for a single film. This surpasses the previous record of 14 nominations held by classics like ‘All About Eve,’ ‘Titanic,’ and ‘La La Land.’ The film is nominated for Best Picture, Best Director for Coogler, and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan, who plays dual roles as twins Smoke and Stack. Supporting actors from the film, including Teyana Taylor and Wunmi Mosaku, also received nods, highlighting its ensemble strength and critical acclaim.
Close on its heels is Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another,’ which garnered 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director for Anderson. The film features Leonardo DiCaprio in a leading role as a washed-up revolutionary, earning him a Best Actor nomination, while Sean Penn and Benicio del Toro are recognized in the supporting actor category. With its ragtag revolutionary saga, the film has been a box office success and a favorite among critics, positioning it as a formidable contender against ‘Sinners’ for the top awards.
Other films rounding out the Best Picture category include ‘Hamnet,’ ‘Marty Supreme,’ ‘Sentimental Value,’ ‘Frankenstein,’ ‘Train Dreams,’ ‘The Secret Agent,’ ‘Bugonia,’ and ‘F1,’ each with multiple nominations across various categories. For instance, ‘Marty Supreme’ received nine nominations, with Timothée Chalamet nominated for Best Actor for his role as a ping-pong whiz, while ‘Sentimental Value’ and ‘Frankenstein’ also earned significant attention with nine and eight nominations, respectively.
In the acting categories, the lead actress race features Jessie Buckley for ‘Hamnet,’ Rose Byrne for ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,’ and Emma Stone for ‘Bugonia,’ with Stone aiming for her third Oscar. Supporting roles saw nominations for actors like Delroy Lindo from ‘Sinners’ and Stellan Skarsgård from ‘Sentimental Value,’ showcasing a mix of veteran and emerging talents. Directing nominees include Chloe Zhao for ‘Hamnet’ and Josh Safdie for ‘Marty Supreme,’ alongside Coogler and Anderson, highlighting diverse storytelling approaches this season.
Surprises and snubs emerged, with films like ‘Jay Kelly,’ starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler, and the musical sequel ‘Wicked: For Good’ receiving no nominations, disappointing some fans and critics. Gwyneth Paltrow was overlooked for her role in ‘Marty Supreme,’ while the animated feature ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ earned a nomination for Best Original Song with ‘Golden,’ potentially adding a musical performance to the ceremony. These omissions underscore the competitive nature of this year’s field and the Academy’s selective preferences.
Looking ahead, the Oscars ceremony on March 15 will not only crown winners but also feature performances and celebrate the new casting category, adding fresh excitement to the event. With ‘Sinners’ and ‘One Battle After Another’ dominating the nominations, the stage is set for a historic showdown that could reshape Oscar legacies and influence future filmmaking trends. As the awards season progresses, industry watchers will closely monitor precursor events and public reception to gauge the final outcomes.
