The 2026 Oscar nominations are poised for announcement later today, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s politically-charged thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ anticipated to lead the pack, while British stars face a potential shutout for the first time in decades. The nominations, set to be revealed at 13:30 GMT by presenters Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, will set the stage for the 98th Academy Awards ceremony on March 15, hosted by Conan O’Brien.
‘One Battle After Another,’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, and Benicio Del Toro, is expected to secure multiple acting nominations and could earn Anderson Oscars for writing, directing, and producing. The film, about a former revolutionary battling a white supremacist group, has garnered critical acclaim despite box office challenges. Other strong contenders include the vampire horror ‘Sinners,’ with Wunmi Mosaku in supporting actress contention, and the adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s ‘Hamnet,’ featuring Irish actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.
In a softer year for blockbusters, major franchises like ‘Wicked: For Good’ and ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ may receive fewer nominations than their predecessors. ‘Wicked’s’ sequel faced mixed reviews, while James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ sequel has been less focused on Oscar campaigning. ‘A Minecraft Movie’ is also unlikely to break into the best picture race, highlighting a shift away from commercial giants in this awards season.
British talent is notably sparse, with only Wunmi Mosaku holding a realistic chance for a nomination in supporting actress for ‘Sinners.’ If no UK actors are nominated, it will mark the first time since 1986 without British representation in the acting categories. In contrast, Irish performers are thriving, with Buckley favored to win best actress and Mescal likely nominated for supporting actor, thanks to ‘Hamnet.’
The best actor race is crowded with A-listers, including frontrunner Timothée Chalamet for ‘Marty Supreme,’ alongside Michael B. Jordan for ‘Sinners,’ Ethan Hawke for ‘Blue Moon,’ and Jesse Plemons for ‘Bugonia.’ However, stars like Julia Roberts, George Clooney, and Dwayne Johnson are expected to miss out, reflecting the competitive field and shifting industry trends.
New this year is the introduction of a best casting category, recognizing the crucial role of actor selection in film success. From 2028, a best stunt design category will be added, though time constraints for the ceremony may ease when the Oscars move to YouTube in 2029. Additionally, the Academy has implemented a rule requiring voters to watch films via official streams or cinema screenings, aiming to ensure informed voting.
Potential first-time nominees include established actors like Adam Sandler for ‘Jay Kelly,’ who has never been Oscar-nominated despite a prolific career, and younger stars such as Chase Infiniti and Elle Fanning. Comeback stories are also in play, with Amy Madigan possibly nominated for ‘Weapons’ after 40 years, and Kate Hudson for ‘Song Sung Blue’ after 25 years.
The nominations will be streamed live on the Academy’s website and social media channels, as well as on the BBC News website. As Hollywood anticipates the reveal, the outcomes will shape the awards season narrative, with implications for industry recognition and future film trends. The ceremony on March 15 will ultimately celebrate cinematic achievements, but today’s announcements are the first critical step in that journey.
