2026 Oscar Nominations: The Contenders Emerge

The 2026 Oscar nominations have officially kicked off today, January 22, marking the beginning of the final stretch for the Academy Awards. The announcement has set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive awards season, with several high-profile films and performances already emerging as clear favorites.

Industry anticipation has been building for months, and the nominations list confirms that this year's race is packed with talent. From critically acclaimed dramas to genre-defining thrillers, the contenders represent a diverse and compelling slate of cinematic achievements.

The live announcement began at 8:30 AM ET / 5:30 AM PT / 1:30 PM UK time, with the final list of nominees now shaping the conversation in Hollywood and beyond.

Two films have immediately positioned themselves as the ones to beat: Paul Thomas Anderson's thriller One Battle After Another and Michael B. Jordan's Sinners. Both are considered top contenders across multiple categories, signaling a potential showdown between two distinct directorial visions.

The competition is deep, with several other films predicted to feature heavily in the nominations. The field includes:

• Hamnet - A historical drama with strong acting potential
• Marty Supreme - A film generating significant buzz for its lead performance
• Frankenstein - The latest adaptation of the classic tale
• Sentimental Value - A title expected to resonate with voters
• Bugonia - A film with notable performances
• The Secret Agent - A strong contender in the adapted screenplay category

Adding to the animated category, Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters is considered a near-certainty for a Best Animated Movie nomination, reflecting the growing influence of international and genre-blending content.

The Best Actor category is particularly stacked this year, featuring a mix of established legends and modern icons. Leonardo DiCaprio is a major force for his role in One Battle After Another, while Michael B. Jordan is a strong contender for his work in Sinners.

The competition also includes Timothée Chalamet, who is expected to earn a nomination for his performance in Marty Supreme. The field is rounded out by Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon and Jesse Plemons for Bugonia.

In the Best Actress category, Jessie Buckley is the clear favorite to win for her role in Hamnet, positioning the film as a major player in the top acting honors.

The Best Director category is set to feature one of the most respected figures in modern cinema. Paul Thomas Anderson, the director of One Battle After Another, is expected to receive yet another nomination. Despite a career with 11 previous nominations for films like Phantom Thread, Licorice Pizza, and There Will Be Blood, he has never won an Oscar.

The ceremony itself will be anchored by a familiar face. Comedian Conan O'Brien is confirmed to return as the host for the Academy Awards ceremony on March 15.

The nominations were announced by Lewis Pullman of Thunderbolts* and Danielle Brooks of The Color Purple, adding a touch of star power to the morning's events.

With the nominations now public, the focus shifts to the final weeks of campaigning and the anticipation building toward the main event. The competition between films like One Battle After Another and Sinners will likely intensify as the ceremony approaches.

The March 15 ceremony, hosted by Conan O'Brien, will be the culmination of months of critical analysis and industry buzz. All eyes will be on whether Paul Thomas Anderson can finally secure his first win, or if a new champion will emerge.

For now, the industry has its list of contenders, and the race is officially on.