The 2026 Academy Awards nominations have made history, with the film Sinners breaking a long-standing record by securing an impressive 16 nominations. This achievement marks the highest number of nods in the 98-year history of the Oscars, surpassing previous benchmarks and setting a new standard for cinematic recognition.
Record-Breaking Nominations Announced
The nominations were unveiled by The Colour Purple Oscar nominee Danielle Brooks and Top Gun: Maverick star Lewis Pullman, generating significant buzz in the film community. Sinners leads the pack, but it faces stiff competition from other acclaimed films such as One Battle After Another, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, Frankenstein, Bugonia, Sentimental Value, Train Dreams, and The Secret Agent.
Key Categories and Notable Nominees
In the Best Picture category, the lineup includes a diverse mix of genres and styles, reflecting a vibrant year for cinema. The Best Actor nominees feature Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, Michael B. Jordan for Sinners, and Wagner Moura for The Secret Agent.
For Best Actress, the contenders are Jessie Buckley for Hamnet, Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value, and Emma Stone for Bugonia. The supporting categories also boast high-profile names, with Elle Fanning earning her first Oscar nomination for Sentimental Value, alongside co-star Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Amy Madigan for Weapons, Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners, and Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another.
Snubs and Surprises
Despite the excitement, there were notable omissions, with Paul Mescal missing out on a nomination for his role as William Shakespeare in Hamnet. This snub has sparked discussion among critics and fans, given Mescal's previous Oscar nomination in 2023 for Aftersun.
Ceremony Details and Host Announcement
The Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with awards to be presented across 24 categories. Conan O'Brien will return as host, following his successful debut last year. In a recent interview with ABC, O'Brien hinted at an ambitious show, promising "a lot of magic", including explosions and CGI effects to elevate the experience.
Streaming Changes and Viewership Trends
In a significant shift, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a multi-year deal with YouTube, granting the platform exclusive global streaming rights for the Oscars until 2033. This move aims to expand access to a wider audience, particularly younger viewers who increasingly watch content on mobile devices and computers. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan praised the partnership, calling the Oscars "one of our essential cultural institutions" that will inspire future generations of film lovers.
While viewership has seen declines in recent years, 2025 witnessed a slight uptick, driven by digital engagement. The Academy hopes this new streaming arrangement will further boost numbers and reinvigorate interest in the awards.
Full List of Nominations Highlights
The nominations span various categories, with Sinners featuring prominently in Best Picture, Best Director for Ryan Coogler, and multiple technical awards. Other films like Frankenstein and One Battle After Another also received numerous nods, showcasing the depth of talent in this year's selections.
- Best Picture: Bugonia, F1, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sinners, Train Dreams
- Best Director: Chloe Zhao for Hamnet, Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme, Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another, Joacim Trier for Sentimental Value, Ryan Coogler for Sinners
- Best Supporting Actor: Benicio Del Toro for One Battle After Another, Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein, Delroy Lindo for Sinners, Sean Penn for One Battle After Another, Stellan Skarsgård for Sentimental Value
As the film industry prepares for this landmark event, all eyes will be on whether Sinners can convert its record-breaking nominations into wins, setting a new precedent for future Oscars ceremonies.
