The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially revealed the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, unveiling this year’s contenders across all 24 categories during a live announcement from Los Angeles. As always, the nominations immediately set the tone for Hollywood’s biggest night, highlighting a year defined by bold storytelling, genre experimentation, and standout performances.
🏆 A Record-Breaking Year for Sinners
The biggest headline belongs to Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, which made Academy Awards history by earning 16 nominations, the most ever received by a single film. The achievement places Sinners above legendary titles that previously held the record and cements its status as the dominant force of this awards season.
The film received nominations across nearly every major category, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan, and a wide range of technical and supporting categories. Blending genre elements with social commentary, Sinners has emerged as both a critical and cultural phenomenon.
🎥 Major Contenders Emerge
Several other films also made a strong showing, turning this year’s Oscars race into one of the most competitive in recent memory:
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One Battle After Another secured 13 nominations, positioning it as a major challenger in both directing and acting categories.
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Frankenstein, Marty Supreme, and Sentimental Value each earned nine nominations, reflecting strong support across crafts and performances.
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Hamnet followed closely with eight nominations, bolstering its reputation as a prestige literary adaptation with international appeal.
Together, this lineup highlights the Academy’s growing openness to diverse genres, ambitious adaptations, and unconventional narratives.
📜 Highlights from Key Categories
Best Picture Nominees
Bugonia, F1, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sinners, Train Dreams
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme)
Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another)
Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon)
Michael B. Jordan (Sinners)
Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent)
These categories alone reflect the depth of talent and variety of storytelling that defined the past year in film.
🎵 A New Chapter for the Oscars
This year also marks the introduction of Best Casting as a competitive Oscar category, a long-anticipated addition that recognizes the vital role casting plays in shaping unforgettable performances and ensembles.
📅 Looking Ahead to Oscar Night
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with Conan O’Brien returning as host. The ceremony is expected to draw global attention as audiences watch to see whether Sinners can convert its historic nomination count into a record-setting night of wins.
✨ Why These Nominations Matter
This year’s nominations reflect an industry in creative flux — embracing bold genre hybrids, socially resonant themes, and ambitious filmmaking. With multiple films vying for top honors and no clear runaway winner beyond Sinners, the road to Oscar night promises drama, surprises, and plenty of debate.