Oscars 2026 Nominations Are Out: Top Movies, Actors, Actresses & Everything Shaping the 98th Academy Awards
From Record-Breaking Films to Star Performances, Oscars 2026 Is Packed With Big Moments
January 22, 2026
Oscar season has officially entered its most exciting phase. The 98th Academy Awards nominations are out, and this year’s lineup is already being called one of the most competitive and conversation-starting in recent memory. With massive films dominating the race, powerhouse performances from A-list stars, and a few surprise nominations, the road to Oscar night on March 15, 2026 is officially underway.
The nominations were announced early this morning by Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, revealing contenders across all major categories and setting social media on fire almost instantly. From emotional reactions to heated debates over snubs, the film world wasted no time weighing in.
When and Where Are the Oscars 2026?
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The ceremony will air live on ABC, with streaming available on Hulu, making it accessible to audiences worldwide.
Who’s Hosting the Oscars This Year?
Returning as host is Conan O’Brien, back for a second consecutive year. His mix of smart humor, self-aware jokes, and genuine love for movies has made him a fan favorite, and expectations are high for another entertaining, smooth-running ceremony.
Top Oscar-Nominated Movies of 2026
This year’s nominations were dominated by a handful of films that clearly stood out to Academy voters.
Most Nominated Film
Amazon Prime
Sinners – Leading the pack with a record-breaking 16 nominations, this dark, ambitious vampire drama has emerged as the film to beat. It scored big across Best Picture, acting, directing, and technical categories.
Other Major Contenders
One Battle After Another– Close behind with 13 nominations, praised for its emotional storytelling and strong performances.
Image : Netflix
Frankenstein– A bold reimagining of the classic tale that earned major recognition in directing, acting, and visual categories.
Hamnet – A deeply emotional historical drama that resonated strongly with voters.
Image: YT/Focus Feature
Marty Supreme – A stylish, character-driven film that surprised many with its strong showing.
Image: The Flavel
Sentimental Value
Image: Fandomewire /Sentimental Value
Bugonia
Image: nexafeed
The Secret Agent
Image: YT/NEON
Train Dreams
Image: We Live Entertainment
F1
Image: formula1
Together, these films make up a highly competitive Best Picture race, with no clear runaway favorite — at least not yet.
Each performance brings something unique — from intense character transformations to emotionally layered portrayals — and the final outcome feels wide open.
Best Actress Nominees (Lead Role)
The Best Actress race is equally fierce, featuring a blend of industry favorites and critically acclaimed performances:
Emma Stone
Jessie Buckley
Rose Byrne
Kate Hudson
Renate Reinsve
These nominations celebrate performances that range from emotionally raw dramas to deeply personal character studies, making this one of the most exciting categories of the night.
Supporting Acting Categories to Watch
The supporting categories are packed with scene-stealers and breakout performances, often seen as dark horses capable of shaking up the awards night.
Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress nominations feature a mix of veteran performers and rising stars, many from films like Sinners, Frankenstein, and One Battle After Another.
These categories are expected to deliver some of the night’s biggest surprises.
A Historic First: Best Casting Category
For the first time ever, the Academy has introduced Best Casting as a competitive Oscar category. This marks a major milestone, recognizing the behind-the-scenes professionals responsible for assembling unforgettable ensembles and shaping iconic performances.
Adam Taylor/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
It’s a long-overdue acknowledgment — and one of the most celebrated changes in this year’s ceremony.
Why Oscars 2026 Feels So Competitive
What makes this year different is the balance. Big, crowd-pleasing films are competing directly with smaller, more artistic projects. International voices, genre storytelling, and risk-taking narratives all found space among the nominees.
There’s no single film dominating the conversation — which means Oscar night could be full of surprises.
Countdown to Oscar Night
With nominations locked in, campaigns heating up, and predictions already shifting daily, the countdown to March 15, 2026 has officially begun. From emotional acceptance speeches to unexpected wins, the 98th Academy Awards promise drama, celebration, and unforgettable cinematic moments.
One thing is clear: Oscars 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting ceremonies in years.
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