Oscars 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the 98th Academy Awards
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is upon us, and Hollywood’s biggest night promises to be historic. With “Sinners” breaking the all-time nomination record with 16 nods and an impressive slate of talent across all categories, the 2026 Oscars are shaping up to be one of the most competitive ceremonies in recent memory.
A Record-Breaking Year
Ryan Coogler’s vampire epic “Sinners” has made Oscar history before a single winner is announced, earning 16 nominations—surpassing the previous record of 14 nominations held by “All About Eve” (1950), “Titanic” (1997), and “La La Land” (2016). The film stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers in 1930s Mississippi, blending horror, history, and social commentary in Coogler’s most ambitious work yet.
Hot on its heels is Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” with 13 nominations, a sprawling epic that continues Anderson’s tradition of complex character studies. The film features Leonardo DiCaprio in what many consider his finest performance since “The Revenant.”
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The Best Picture Race
This year’s Best Picture category features 10 nominees, representing the breadth of modern cinema:
- Sinners – Ryan Coogler’s genre-defying vampire drama
- One Battle After Another – Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic character study
- Frankenstein – Guillermo del Toro’s visionary reimagining of the classic
- Marty Supreme – Josh Safdie’s electrifying portrait of a ping-pong champion
- Sentimental Value – Joachim Trier’s intimate Norwegian drama
- Hamnet – Chloé Zhao’s Shakespeare-adjacent historical drama
- Bugonia – Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons in a sci-fi comedy
- F1 – Brad Pitt’s high-octane racing drama
- The Secret Agent – Wagner Moura shines in this espionage thriller
- Train Dreams – A lyrical adaptation of the Denis Johnson novella
The Acting Categories
Best Actor: A Battle of Heavyweights
The Best Actor race is stacked with incredible talent:
Timothée Chalamet delivers a transformative performance as real-life ping-pong champion Marty Reisman in Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme.” The role required Chalamet to master the sport while channeling Reisman’s larger-than-life personality.
Leonardo DiCaprio returns to Oscar contention with “One Battle After Another,” delivering what critics are calling a career-defining performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest masterpiece.
Michael B. Jordan plays dual roles in “Sinners,” showcasing his range in the record-breaking nominee. His collaboration with Ryan Coogler continues to produce Oscar-caliber work.
Ethan Hawke impresses in “Blue Moon,” while Wagner Moura commands attention in “The Secret Agent.”
Best Actress: Fresh Faces and Returning Champions
Emma Stone, seeking her third Oscar, leads “Bugonia” in another collaboration with Yorgos Lanthimos. Her chameleonic abilities continue to astound audiences and critics alike.
Jessie Buckley delivers a heartbreaking turn in “Hamnet” as Anne Hathaway (Shakespeare’s wife, not the actress). Rose Byrne shows dramatic depth in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” while Kate Hudson receives her first Oscar nomination for “Song Sung Blue.”
Best Supporting Actor: Rising Stars and Legends
Jacob Elordi transforms into the Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” proving his dramatic chops extend far beyond his “Euphoria” fame. The physical and emotional demands of the role have earned him his first Oscar nomination.
Sean Penn and Benicio del Toro compete for “One Battle After Another,” while Delroy Lindo anchors “Sinners” with gravitas. Stellan Skarsgård brings depth to “Sentimental Value.”
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan’s Moment
Amy Madigan has already claimed victory in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role as Aunt Gladys in “Weapons,” marking her first Oscar win in a career spanning four decades. Other nominees included Elle Fanning, Wunmi Mosaku, Teyana Taylor, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas.
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Best Director: A Diverse Field
This year’s directing nominees represent a thrilling mix of established masters and rising talents:
- Ryan Coogler (“Sinners”) – The “Black Panther” director continues to push boundaries
- Paul Thomas Anderson (“One Battle After Another”) – The auteur behind “There Will Be Blood” and “Phantom Thread”
- Josh Safdie (“Marty Supreme”) – One half of the Safdie Brothers, flying solo
- Chloé Zhao (“Hamnet”) – The “Nomadland” winner returns to period drama
- Joachim Trier (“Sentimental Value”) – The Norwegian master behind “The Worst Person in the World”
Making History: The Best Casting Award
For the first time since Best Animated Feature was introduced in 2001, the Academy is presenting a new competitive category. The Best Casting award honors the crucial work of casting directors, with Cassandra Kulukundis winning the inaugural award for “One Battle After Another.”
Technical Achievements
“Frankenstein” is dominating the craft categories, with wins for Best Costume Design (Kate Hawley) and Best Makeup and Hairstyling. The film’s stunning practical effects and gothic visuals have set a new standard for monster movies.
What to Watch For
As the ceremony continues, all eyes are on the major categories still to be announced:
- Will “Sinners” convert its record nominations into wins?
- Can Timothée Chalamet secure his first Oscar win?
- Will Leonardo DiCaprio add another golden statue to his collection?
- Can Ryan Coogler become the youngest Black director to win Best Director?
Conan O’Brien returns as host for his second consecutive year, promising his signature wit and warmth throughout the evening. With live performances, surprise presenters, and Hollywood’s elite in attendance, the 98th Academy Awards is must-see television.
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Net Worth of 2026 Oscar Nominees
Curious how much this year’s Oscar nominees are worth? Explore our in-depth profiles:
