Oscars 2026 Nominations Announced with Sinners Making History

22 January 2026

The 98th Academy Awards nominations were unveiled on January 22, 2026, producing a breathtaking snapshot of cinematic achievement and controversy that instantly set Hollywood buzzing. In an announcement made at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater by The Color Purple star Danielle Brooks and actor Lewis Pullman, the nominations revealed a field both familiar and surprising, dominated by a record-breaking film that rewrote Oscars history. This year’s roll call of contenders was a testament to the breadth of storytelling and performance across genres, cultures and styles, reflecting a movie season that captivated critics and audiences alike.

At the very top of the list was Sinners, a genre-defying film directed by Ryan Coogler that not only led all nominees but shattered the long-standing record for the most Oscar nominations for a single movie in the awards’ illustrious history. With 16 nominations spanning Best Picture, Best Director, acting, screenplay, technical categories and more, Sinners eclipsed storied predecessors like Titanic and La La Land to earn its unprecedented haul. Coogler’s ambitious blend of visceral intensity and emotional depth clearly resonated with Academy voters, propelling the film to a level of recognition rarely seen before.

Following closely behind was One Battle After Another, a politically charged thriller from acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson that garnered 13 nominations. Its presence across top categories reaffirmed Anderson’s formidable place in contemporary cinema and underscored the Academy’s appreciation for bold, intellectually engaging work. Alongside this powerful duo, other films such as Hamnet, Bugonia, Frankenstein, Sentimental Value, Marty Supreme, The Secret Agent, Train Dreams and F1 rounded out a Best Picture lineup that represented wide thematic and stylistic diversity, from Shakespearean tragedy and gothic reinvention to narrative invention and explosive drama.

In the acting categories, the nominations featured a mix of established stars and rising talent, each celebrated for performances that connected deeply with critics and audiences throughout the awards season. In the Best Actor race, nominees included 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, a nomination that also marked a historic moment as Moura became the first Brazilian actor recognized in the lead category.

The Best Actress category showcased powerful work by 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). Stone’s nomination was particularly noteworthy, as she became one of the youngest women to reach seven career Oscar nominations at just 37, surpassing a record previously associated with Meryl Streep. Her dual nominations for both acting and producing further highlighted her multifaceted contributions to the industry.

Supporting categories were equally compelling, honoring accomplished performances by Benicio Del Toro (One Battle After Another), Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein), Delroy Lindo (Sinners), Sean Penn (One Battle After Another) and Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value). In the Best Supporting Actress field, nominees included Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value), Amy Madigan (Weapons), Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners) and Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another). These selections highlighted a balance of seasoned veterans and breakout presences whose work helped define the storytelling richness of the year.

The technical and creative branches also reflected the Academy’s recognition of craftsmanship and innovation. From visual effects to cinematography, costume design to original score, films across the spectrum were acknowledged for their contributions to the artform. Notably, Sinners set records not just for its volume of nominations but also for its representation of Black artists and creatives, setting new milestones for acknowledgment behind and in front of the camera.

Despite the celebration of achievement, the nominations did not come without their share of surprise and debate. Some high-profile films and performances that had been expected to secure noms were ultimately left out, provoking conversation across social and traditional media. Yet this tension is part of what makes Oscar nomination day such an electric moment each year. It prompts both praise for the recognized work and reflection on the absence of others, fueling discussions among film lovers, industry professionals and cultural commentators alike.

The 2026 Oscars are scheduled to take place on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, with comedian Conan O’Brien returning as host for the second consecutive year. As voting continues and predictions solidify, the nominees announced on January 22 have set the stage for a highly anticipated celebration of cinema that promises to bring glamour, spectacle and heartfelt recognition to the artists and stories that defined the past year in film.