The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards have just been unveiled, and the buzz is palpable! From a record-breaking contender to surprising snubs and a strong international showing, the Oscars 2026 race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
The glitter and glamour of Hollywood are once again taking center stage as the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, celebrating the cinematic achievements of 2025, have officially been announced! As of January 22, 2026, the race to the Oscars is in full swing, brimming with compelling narratives, groundbreaking performances, and a few jaw-dropping surprises. This year, the landscape feels more dynamic than ever, reflecting evolving tastes and an increasingly global perspective on filmmaking. From a historical nominations haul to a strong showing for international features and the emergence of a new award category, let's dive into the exhilarating 'Oscars 2026 Buzz.'
Every awards season brings its frontrunners, but rarely does a film make such an emphatic statement as Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners.' The box-office-smashing vampire film has officially shattered records, landing an astonishing 16 Oscar nominations. This remarkable achievement surpasses the previous record of 14 nominations, jointly held by cinematic classics 'All About Eve' (1950), 'Titanic' (1997), and 'La La Land' (2016). Coogler's genre-blending tale, starring Michael B. Jordan, has clearly captivated critics and industry voters alike, proving that a critically acclaimed crowd-pleaser with blockbuster crafts and original songs can indeed rewrite the history books.
This monumental haul positions 'Sinners' as a formidable force across numerous categories, from Best Picture to technical achievements, and is a testament to its widespread appeal and technical mastery. Its success is particularly noteworthy given a perceived historical bias against horror and genre films in top categories.
While 'Sinners' leads the pack, the Best Picture category is a robust and diverse collection of storytelling at its finest. Ten films are vying for the industry's highest honor, showcasing a broad spectrum of genres and themes. Alongside 'Sinners,' the major contenders include:
Rounding out the Best Picture nominees are Yorgos Lanthimos' alien comedy 'Bugonia,' Joseph Kosinski's racing drama 'F1,' the Brazilian political thriller 'The Secret Agent,' and Clint Bentley's lyrical period piece 'Train Dreams.' The inclusion of multiple international features in the top category highlights the Academy's increasingly global electorate.
The Best Director category recognizes the artistic visionaries behind the year's most impactful films. This year's nominees reflect a blend of established masters and acclaimed voices:
Notably, Guillermo del Toro, despite 'Frankenstein's' strong overall performance, was a surprising omission from the Best Director list, with Joachim Trier taking a spot that some pundits had predicted for del Toro.
The acting categories are always a focal point, celebrating the performances that resonated deeply with audiences and critics.
Timothée Chalamet, fresh off a Golden Globe win, appears to be a strong contender, challenging the Academy's historical bias against younger actors in lead roles.
Paul Mescal ('Hamnet') was a notable snub in this category, despite strong critical acclaim.
Perhaps one of the biggest shocks was the complete omission of Ariana Grande ('Wicked: For Good'), who was nominated for most precursor awards this season.
This year's nominations underscore the Academy's growing recognition of international cinema. Beyond Best International Feature Film, non-English language films have made a significant impact across major categories. It's possible that a record three international features could be nominated for Best Picture, reflecting a shift towards a more globally-inclined electorate.
Leading the charge are films like France's 'It Was Just an Accident,' Brazil's 'The Secret Agent,' and Norway's 'Sentimental Value,' all of which secured nominations in various categories, including Best Picture for the latter two. This trend signals a welcome expansion of the Academy's horizons, embracing diverse storytelling from around the world.
As with any awards season, there are always films and performances that, despite critical acclaim or box office success, don't make the final cut. The most talked-about snub this year is the complete shutout of 'Wicked: For Good.' After the first 'Wicked' film garnered 10 nominations and 2 wins at last year's Oscars, the sequel received zero recognition, a truly shocking development. Even high-profile sequels like 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' failed to secure a Best Picture nomination, indicating a potential fatigue with established franchises among voters.
On the surprise front, the inclusion of 'F1' in the Best Picture race, a sports movie that built its bid on strong craft categories, demonstrates that the Academy still has a soft spot for well-executed 'Dad Movies.'
Adding another layer of excitement, the 98th Academy Awards introduce a brand-new category: Achievement in Casting. This significant addition finally recognizes the crucial role casting directors play in bringing cinematic visions to life. This year's inaugural nominees for Best Casting include 'Hamnet,' 'Marty Supreme,' 'One Battle After Another,' 'The Secret Agent,' and 'Sinners.'
The nominations for the Oscars 2026 have set the stage for an electrifying awards season. With 'Sinners' making history and a diverse array of films and talents recognized, the anticipation for the ceremony on Sunday, March 15, 2026, hosted by Conan O'Brien, is at an all-time high. Will 'Sinners' continue its unprecedented run and claim Best Picture? Will an international feature surprise us all? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the conversation around these incredible films has just begun. Get ready to debate, celebrate, and witness cinematic history unfold!
Sources: awardsdaily.com, movieweb.com, awardswatch.com, people.com, vulture.com
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