The excitement for the 98th Academy Awards is palpable, but the entertainment industry is already looking ahead to Oscar 2026. With a remarkable slate of films released in 2025, ranging from groundbreaking dramas to critically acclaimed independent productions, the competition for the golden statue is expected to be exceptionally thrilling. Let us explore the potential nominees who could secure a coveted spot on the Oscar 2026 nomination list.
Best Picture Frontrunners
The Best Picture category is traditionally the most fiercely contested. This year, several films have already captured significant attention, positioning them as strong contenders for a nomination. The frontrunners include:
- Bugonia
- F1
- Frankenstein
- Hamnet
- Marty Supreme
- One Battle After Another
- The Secret Agent
- Sentimental Value
- Sinners
- Train Dreams
Best Director Predictions
The visionary directors behind these cinematic achievements are equally celebrated. The Best Director category often mirrors the Best Picture nominations, though surprises are always possible. Notable contenders are:
- Chloé Zhao for Hamnet
- Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme
- Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another
- Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value
- Ryan Coogler for Sinners
Acting Categories: Leading Performances
The individual performance categories are always a highlight of the Oscars. Here are some of the actors and actresses generating significant Oscar buzz:
Leading Actress
- Jessie Buckley in Hamnet
- Rose Byrne in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
- Kate Hudson in Song Sung Blue
- Renate Reinsve in Sentimental Value
- Emma Stone in Bugonia
Leading Actor
- Timothée Chalamet in Marty Supreme
- Leonardo DiCaprio in One Battle After Another
- Ethan Hawke in Blue Moon
- Michael B. Jordan in Sinners
- Wagner Moura in The Secret Agent
Best Supporting Actress
- Elle Fanning in Sentimental Value
- Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas in Sentimental Value
- Amy Madigan in Weapons
- Wunmi Mosaku in Sinners
- Teyana Taylor in One Battle After Another
Best Supporting Actor
- Benicio del Toro in One Battle After Another
- Jacob Elordi in Frankenstein
- Delroy Lindo in Sinners
- Sean Penn in One Battle After Another
- Stellan Skarsgård in Sentimental Value
Writing and Technical Categories
The screenplay and technical categories are crucial for recognizing cinematic excellence. Key predictions include:
Best Original Screenplay
- Blue Moon by Robert Kaplow
- It Was Just an Accident by Jafar Panahi
- Marty Supreme by Josh Safdie and Ronald Bronstein
- Sentimental Value by Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt
- Sinners by Ryan Coogler
Best Adapted Screenplay
- Bugonia by Will Tracy
- Frankenstein by Guillermo del Toro
- Hamnet by Chloé Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell
- One Battle After Another by Paul Thomas Anderson
- Train Dreams by Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar
Best Original Song
- 'Dear Me' from Diane Warren: Relentless
- 'Golden' from KPop Demon Hunters
- 'I Lied To You' from Sinners
- 'Sweet Dreams Of Joy' from Viva Verdi!
- 'Train Dreams' from Train Dreams
Animated and International Features
The animated and international categories showcase diverse storytelling from around the globe. Notable contenders are:
Best Animated Feature
- Arco
- Elio
- KPop Demon Hunters
- Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
- Zootopia 2
Best Animated Short
- Butterfly
- Forevergreen
- The Girl Who Cried Pearls
- Retirement Plan
- The Three Sisters
Best Documentary Short
- All the Empty Rooms
- Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud
- Children No More: “Were and Are Gone"
- The Devil Is Busy
- Perfectly a Strangeness
Ceremony Details and New Category
The 2026 Oscars will be hosted by Conan O'Brien for the second consecutive year. The ceremony, celebrating the best in cinema, will be broadcast live on ABC and Hulu from the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 15, at 4 pm PT. A new category, Best Casting, has been introduced this year, adding another layer of excitement to the awards.
As the anticipation builds, film enthusiasts and industry insiders alike are eagerly awaiting the official nominations, which promise to highlight the exceptional talent and creativity of the past year in cinema.
