The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce nominations for the 98th Oscars on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. This year brings 24 award categories including the brand new Best Casting award. A total of 317 films qualified for consideration with 201 eligible for Best Picture.
Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman will reveal the nominees live from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Brooks earned an Oscar nomination for “The Color Purple” while Pullman starred in the Oscar-winning “Top Gun: Maverick.” The announcement happens in two parts starting at 5:30 AM Pacific Time.
This year could break records. “Sinners” might receive 15 nominations while “One Battle After Another” could tie the all-time record of 14. The current record holders are “All About Eve” from 1950, “Titanic” from 1997 and “La La Land” from 2016.
NOTE: This article will be updated live with the official nominees on January 22, 2026 at 8:30 AM ET.
How to Watch the Oscar Nominations 2026
You can watch the nominations announcement live on multiple platforms. The Academy will stream it on Oscar.com and Oscars.org starting at 8:30 AM Eastern Time on January 22.
Social media fans can tune in on the Academy’s official YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook channels. ABC will carry the announcement on “Good Morning America” with streaming available on ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu. American Sign Language interpretation will be available on YouTube.
The announcement happens in two segments. The first part at 5:30 AM Pacific covers nine categories including Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress and both Screenplay awards. The second segment at 5:41 AM Pacific reveals the remaining 15 categories including Best Picture, Director and all four acting leads.
Best Picture
The Academy will announce 10 Best Picture nominees. Based on guild awards and critics groups, these films lead the race:
Expected Nominees:
“One Battle After Another” leads the pack as the frontrunner. Paul Thomas Anderson’s film won at Critics Choice and earned a record seven SAG nominations. The revolutionary epic stars Leonardo DiCaprio and features an ensemble cast.
“Sinners” from Ryan Coogler could make history with 15 nominations. This horror musical about vampires showcases Michael B. Jordan in dual roles. The film dominates technical categories and acting races.
“Hamnet” won the Golden Globe for Best Drama. Chloé Zhao directs this Shakespeare family story starring Jessie Buckley. The film earned strong reviews and nine predicted nominations.
“Marty Supreme” marks Josh Safdie’s latest directorial effort. Timothée Chalamet leads this character study that picked up momentum during awards season.
“Frankenstein” brings Guillermo del Toro back to the Oscars. His Netflix adaptation features Jacob Elordi and dominates technical category predictions with 12 expected nominations.
“Sentimental Value” swept the European Film Awards with six prizes. This Norwegian drama from Joachim Trier crosses over from Best International Feature.
“The Secret Agent” won two Golden Globes including Best Actor for Wagner Moura. This Brazilian political thriller builds strong international support.
“Bugonia” reunites Yorgos Lanthimos with Emma Stone. Their dark comedy appeared on both PGA and AFI lists.
The final two spots remain uncertain. “Train Dreams” from Richard Linklater builds late momentum. “Weapons” surprised with a PGA nomination and features Amy Madigan in a buzzed-about performance. “F1” and “It Was Just an Accident” also compete for those last slots.
Best Director
Five directors will earn nominations based on Directors Guild picks and critical support.
Paul Thomas Anderson leads for “One Battle After Another.” The DGA nominee could finally win his first directing Oscar after multiple past nominations.
Ryan Coogler earned a DGA nomination for “Sinners.” His technical mastery and genre-bending approach impress voters.
Chloé Zhao returns to the Oscars with “Hamnet.” She won Best Director for “Nomadland” in 2021 and the DGA recognized her work again this year.
Josh Safdie receives buzz for “Marty Supreme.” The DGA nominated him alongside his usual collaborator though this marks a solo directing effort.
Guillermo del Toro completes the DGA lineup with “Frankenstein.” His passion project showcases his visual storytelling abilities.
The DGA and Academy have not matched perfectly since 2009. At least one DGA nominee typically misses the Oscar lineup. Joachim Trier for “Sentimental Value” or Kleber Mendonça Filho for “The Secret Agent” could sneak in over one of the guild picks.
Best Actor
Timothée Chalamet won the Golden Globe for “Marty Supreme.” His performance marks a career-best turn according to many critics. He leads the race heading into nominations.
Leonardo DiCaprio earned a Golden Globe nomination for “One Battle After Another.” The film’s frontrunner status helps his chances.
Michael B. Jordan anchors “Sinners” in a dual role. His work in the horror genre could finally earn him a nomination.
Wagner Moura won the Golden Globe for “The Secret Agent.” His dramatic performance in the Brazilian thriller gains momentum.
Ethan Hawke rounds out predictions for “Blue Moon.” The Richard Linklater film builds quiet support among voters.
Best Actress
Jessie Buckley is considered the strongest lock in any category for “Hamnet.” Critics universally praise her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare. She could sweep the entire season.
Chase Infiniti makes her film debut in “One Battle After Another.” The newcomer campaigns in the lead actress category and could join the list of first-time nominees.
Emma Stone seeks her third Oscar with “Bugonia.” Her collaboration with Yorgos Lanthimos typically earns recognition.
Rose Byrne receives buzz for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.” The comedy showcases a different side of her talents.
Renate Reinsve from “Sentimental Value” could cross over from the international category. Her performance earned praise throughout festival circuits.
Best Supporting Actor
“One Battle After Another” could place two actors here. Benicio Del Toro leads predictions while Sean Penn also contends. Both veterans deliver acclaimed work in the ensemble cast.
Paul Mescal earned recognition for “Hamnet.” His supporting turn complements Jessie Buckley’s lead performance.
Jacob Elordi could become the first actor nominated for playing Frankenstein’s creature. His physical and emotional performance in del Toro’s film stands out.
Stellan Skarsgård rounds out predictions for “Sentimental Value.” The veteran Swedish actor continues his impressive career with another strong performance.
Best Supporting Actress
Teyana Taylor leads this category for “One Battle After Another.” Her breakthrough dramatic performance earns widespread acclaim.
Ariana Grande could earn her first Oscar nomination for “Wicked: For Good.” The pop star’s acting turn impressed critics.
Amy Madigan benefits from “Weapons” surprise support. Her work in the horror film generates strong buzz.
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas from “Sentimental Value” could join the international film crossover trend.
Writing Categories
“Sinners” dominates Original Screenplay predictions. Ryan Coogler’s script won at Critics Choice. “Marty Supreme” and “Sentimental Value” also contend here along with “It Was Just an Accident” and “Jay Kelly.”
“One Battle After Another” leads Adapted Screenplay predictions. The category includes “Hamnet,” “Frankenstein” and other literary adaptations.
Technical Categories
The technical races feature many of the Best Picture contenders. “Frankenstein” dominates predictions in Cinematography, Production Design, Costume Design and Makeup. The film’s visual splendor earns recognition across craft categories.
“Sinners” competes strongly in Sound, Visual Effects and Film Editing. The horror musical requires technical precision that voters appreciate.
“One Battle After Another” appears in most technical categories. The epic production showcases work from top craftspeople.
The Makeup and Hairstyling shortlist includes “Frankenstein,” “Sinners,” “Wicked: For Good,” “The Smashing Machine” and others. Five nominees will come from the 10-film shortlist.
Sound predictions draw from a 10-film shortlist featuring “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” “F1,” “Frankenstein,” “One Battle After Another,” “Sinners” and “Superman.”
Music Categories
Twenty scores made the Original Score shortlist from 132 eligible submissions. The Music Branch will select five nominees from this group. “Frankenstein,” “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” all contend here.
Original Song predictions remain fluid until the announcement. The shortlist includes songs from major contenders plus documentary entries.
Animated Feature
The Animated Feature race brings together studio releases and independent films. The category typically features five nominees from the eligible pool.
Documentary Categories
Documentary Feature draws from a shortlist that includes films like “Apocalypse in the Tropics” and “The Perfect Neighbor.” Five nominees will emerge from the preliminary voting.
Documentary Short Film also selects five from its shortlist. The category showcases important stories in compact format.
Short Film Categories
Animated Short Film narrowed to 15 finalists from 113 eligible entries. Academy members voted in the preliminary round to create this shortlist. Five nominees will be selected.
Live Action Short Film follows the same pattern with a shortlist leading to five final nominees.
International Feature Film
Fifteen films made the shortlist announced December 16. Five nominees will represent their countries in the final race.
“Sentimental Value” from Norway and “The Secret Agent” from Brazil lead predictions. Both films also contend for Best Picture. This marks the first time international films could dominate above-the-line categories.
Best Casting
The Academy introduces this new category for 2026. It marks the first new award since 2001. Ten films made the shortlist: “Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “One Battle After Another,” “The Secret Agent,” “Sentimental Value,” “Sinners,” “Sirât,” “Weapons” and “Wicked: For Good.”
Casting directors will vote to select five nominees from this group. The branch viewed special presentations featuring excerpts and interviews with the shortlisted casting teams.
Record-Breaking Potential
“Sinners” could break the all-time nomination record with 15 nods. The current record stands at 14 nominations. “One Battle After Another” might tie that record with 14 nominations of its own.
Warner Bros. could set a studio record with 32 total nominations across “Sinners,” “One Battle After Another,” “Weapons” and “F1.”
“One Battle After Another” might place six actors in nomination. That would set a new record for most acting nominations from a single film.
International films could appear in all eight above-the-line categories for the first time. “Sentimental Value” and “The Secret Agent” lead this historic possibility.
What Happens Next
The nominations announcement kicks off the final stretch to Oscar night. The ceremony takes place Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. Conan O’Brien returns as host for his second consecutive year. The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles hosts the event with ABC broadcasting live.
The Nominees Luncheon happens February 10. This traditional gathering brings all nominees together for the famous group photo.
Final voting runs from February 26 through March 5. Academy members must watch all nominated films in their voting categories. The Academy tracks viewing through its screening platform.
Major guild awards still ahead include the BAFTAs on February 22, SAG Awards on March 1 and WGA Awards on March 8. These ceremonies often predict Oscar winners.
FAQ About Oscar Nominations 2026
When are the Oscar nominations announced?
The nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 8:30 AM Eastern Time and 5:30 AM Pacific Time.
How many categories are at the 2026 Oscars?
There are 24 categories this year. The Academy added Best Casting as a new award. This marks the first new category since 2001.
How many Best Picture nominees are there?
The Academy will announce 10 Best Picture nominees. The category has used this expanded format since 2022.
Who is announcing the Oscar nominations?
Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman will present the nominations. Brooks earned an Oscar nomination for “The Color Purple.” Pullman starred in “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Which film is predicted to lead nominations?
“Sinners” could receive up to 15 nominations. “One Battle After Another” might earn 14 nominations. Both films lead the race heading into announcement day.
What is the current Oscar nomination record?
Three films share the record with 14 nominations each. “All About Eve” from 1950 set the mark. “Titanic” in 1997 and “La La Land” in 2016 matched it.
When are the 2026 Oscars ceremony?
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The ceremony starts at 7:00 PM Eastern Time and 4:00 PM Pacific Time.
What’s new for the 2026 Oscars?
The Academy introduces the Best Casting award. Casting directors finally receive recognition for their crucial work. This represents the first new category in 25 years.
Bookmark this page for live updates on January 22, 2026. The nominations announcement marks the official start of the final Oscar race. The ceremony on March 15 will crown the winners after a season of competition and celebration. Check back here for the complete list of nominees across all 24 categories as soon as the Academy makes them official.
