The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced this year’s Oscar nominations on Jan. 22. They will present awards on March 15.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences nominated both mainstream and lesser-known films for the 2026 Oscar Awards. Notably, some of this year’s best work was snubbed entirely. Regardless, film enthusiasts can look forward to celebrating an incredible slate of artists and their art on March 15.
The common consensus among awards ceremony enthusiasts is that the most prestigious award is Best Picture. This year, the most surprising nomination in that category is Joseph Kosinski’s blockbuster, “F1.” However, I don’t expect it to win. I predict Best Picture to be a race between “Hamnet” and “One Battle After Another.”
Paul Thomas Anderson, for “One Battle After Another,” Chloé Zhao, for “Hamnet”and Ryan Coogler, for “Sinners” are all nominated for Best Director.
Best Actress will likely go to Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”). While Emma Stone was excellent in “Bugonia,” Buckley won at this year’s Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe Awards, and another accolade might be in store.
The Best Actor category, on the other hand, presents a tougher race. Timothée Chalamet appears to be the favorite for his performance in “Marty Supreme,” but Hollywood’s love for “One Battle After Another” could push Leonardo DiCaprio into the conversation. Also, keep an eye out for Wagner Moura, who won a Golden Globe for “The Secret Agent.”
Best Supporting Actor will be a difficult choice. I would give it to Jacob Elordi for his turn as “The Creature” in “Frankenstein,” but Sean Penn and Benicio del Toro, both for “One Battle After Another,” Delroy Lindo, for“Sinners,” and Stellan Skarsgard, for“Sentimental Value,” are fair competition.
Best Supporting Actress presents the same issue. Teyana Taylor is the favorite for her “One Battle After Another” performance, but Wunmi Mosaku’s performance in “Sinners” also has a shot.
There are historically very few shockers in the technical categories. Most of the Best Picture heavyweights make an appearance, whether or not they excelled. Such is the way of the Oscars. As for the handful of surprises: “Train Dreams” ought to win for Cinematography and “F1” is a sleeper pick for Editing. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” should be thankful it even got a nomination in Costume Design, as the film features scant traditional costuming. “Sinners” should win for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.
The full list of nominations is available on the Academy’s website. To see whether your favorite movie wins, tune in to the awards ceremony on March 15.
