The highly anticipated nominations for the 98th Academy Awards have been officially unveiled, setting the stage for a glittering ceremony scheduled for 15 March 2026. This year's list showcases a diverse array of cinematic achievements, with films spanning genres from intense dramas to innovative animations, all vying for the coveted golden statuettes.
Best Picture and Directing Contenders
In the prestigious Best Picture category, ten films have secured nominations, reflecting a mix of critical darlings and box office successes. The nominees include Bugonia, F1, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sinners, and Train Dreams. This selection highlights stories that explore human resilience, historical narratives, and contemporary issues, promising a competitive race for the top honour.
For Best Directing, the Academy has recognised five visionary filmmakers. Chloe Zhao is nominated for Hamnet, Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme, Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another, Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value, and Ryan Coogler for Sinners. Each director brings a unique artistic flair, from epic period pieces to gritty modern tales, underscoring the depth of talent in this year's lineup.
Acting and Screenplay Nominations
Lead and Supporting Performances
The acting categories feature a blend of established stars and rising talents. For Best Actor, Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent) are in contention. In Best Actress, Jessie Buckley (Hamnet), Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I'd Kick You), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value), and Emma Stone (Bugonia) have earned nods for their compelling portrayals.
Supporting roles are equally competitive, with Best Supporting Actor nominees including Benicio Del Toro and Sean Penn for One Battle After Another, Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein, Delroy Lindo for Sinners, and Stellan Skarsgard for Sentimental Value. For Best Supporting Actress, Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas are recognised for Sentimental Value, alongside Amy Madigan (Weapons), Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners), and Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another).
Original and Adapted Screenplays
The writing categories celebrate both fresh narratives and skilled adaptations. Best Original Screenplay nominees are Blue Moon, It Was Just an Accident, Marty Supreme, Sentimental Value, and Sinners. For Best Adapted Screenplay, the contenders include Bugonia, Frankenstein, Hamnet, One Battle After Another, and Train Dreams, showcasing how source material has been transformed for the silver screen.
International, Documentary, and Animated Films
Beyond the main categories, the Oscars honour global cinema and non-fiction works. Best International Feature Film nominees are The Secret Agent, It Was Just an Accident, Sentimental Value, Sirât, and The Voice of Hind Rajab, representing stories from around the world. Documentary features in the race include The Alabama Solution, Come See Me in the Good Light, Cutting Through Rocks, Mr Nobody Against Putin, and The Perfect Neighbor, highlighting impactful real-life tales.
In animation, Best Animated Feature Film sees Arco, Elio, KPop Demon Hunters, Little Amélie or the Character of Rain, and Zootopia 2 competing, offering family-friendly entertainment and artistic innovation.
Technical and Craft Categories
The Oscars also acknowledge the behind-the-scenes artistry that brings films to life. Key technical nominations include:
- Best Cinematography: Frankenstein, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sinners, Train Dreams
- Best Costume Design: Avatar: Fire and Ash, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, Sinners
- Best Original Score: Bugonia, Frankenstein, Hamnet, One Battle After Another, Sinners
- Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash, F1, Jurassic World Rebirth, The Lost Bus, Sinners
Other notable categories feature Best Casting, Film Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Production Design, Original Song, Sound, and short films in animated, documentary, and live-action formats, each contributing to the rich tapestry of this awards season.
As the film industry and fans worldwide await the ceremony, these nominations set the scene for a celebration of excellence in cinema, with Sinners and One Battle After Another emerging as frontrunners across multiple categories. The 98th Academy Awards promise to be a memorable event, honouring the creativity and dedication of filmmakers and artists in an ever-evolving landscape.
