Hollywood’s most prestigious film awards ceremony is here, and cinephiles worldwide are eagerly anticipating the announcement of this year’s Oscar winners. The Academy Awards, a celebration of cinematic achievement, brings together the brightest stars and most influential figures in the film industry to honor the movies and performances that have captivated audiences throughout the past year.
The evening traditionally commences with the dazzling red carpet, a spectacle where actors, directors, and other luminaries showcase their most glamorous and daring fashion choices. However, the event transcends mere fashion; it’s a pivotal moment for the film community to acknowledge and celebrate the artistry and dedication that goes into creating memorable cinematic experiences.
A Two-Film Spectacle Dominates the Oscar Race
This year, the narrative surrounding the Oscar race has been largely defined by two critically acclaimed films: “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another.” Directed by the visionary Ryan Coogler, “Sinners” has made a significant impact, garnering an impressive 16 nominations, a record for a single film in the history of the Academy Awards. Hot on its heels is “One Battle After Another,” the latest directorial effort from Paul Thomas Anderson, which has secured 13 nominations.
With both films vying for top honors in major categories such as Best Picture and Best Director, they are widely expected to be the dominant forces of the night. The competition between these two cinematic powerhouses is set to be a central theme of the ceremony.
The Highly Anticipated Best Actor Race
The Best Actor category is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling and unpredictable contests of the evening. Michael B. Jordan has garnered considerable momentum for his powerful performance in “Sinners,” particularly following his recent triumph at the Actor Awards. Nevertheless, the competition remains fierce, with formidable nominees including Timothée Chalamet for his role in “Marty Supreme,” Leonardo DiCaprio for his work in “One Battle After Another,” and Wagner Moura for his performance in “The Secret Agent.” Each of these actors has delivered a performance that has resonated deeply with critics and audiences alike.
Best Actress: A Potential Historic Win
In the Best Actress category, Jessie Buckley has emerged as a strong frontrunner for her poignant portrayal in “Hamlet.” Having collected numerous accolades throughout the awards season, Buckley is on the cusp of making history as the first Irish performer to win the Oscar for Best Actress. Her performance has been widely praised for its depth, emotional range, and nuanced interpretation of a complex character.
The excitement extends to other categories as well. Competitions like International Feature Film and the supporting acting awards are packed with deserving contenders, contributing to an overall atmosphere of intense and captivating unpredictability.
The 98th Academy Awards: Host and Broadcast Details
Esteemed comedian and television host Conan O’Brien is set to return as the master of ceremonies for the 98th edition of the Academy Awards. The highly anticipated event will take place on March 15, 2026. For those eager to follow every win as it happens, live updates will be provided throughout the ceremony. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT). Viewers can tune in via ABC or stream the event live on Hulu to catch all the excitement.
Nominees for the 98th Academy Awards
Here is a comprehensive list of the nominees across various key categories:
Best Picture
- Bugonia
- F1
- Frankenstein
- Hamnet
- Marty Supreme
- One Battle After Another
- The Secret Agent
- Sentimental Value
- Sinners
- Train Dreams
Best Director
- Chloé Zhao – Hamnet
- Josh Safdie – Marty Supreme
- Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
- Joachim Trier – Sentimental Value
- Ryan Coogler – Sinners
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male)
- Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme
- Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another
- Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon
- Michael B. Jordan – Sinners
- Wagner Moura – The Secret Agent
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female)
- Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
- Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
- Kate Hudson – Song Sung Blue
- Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value
- Emma Stone – Bugonia
Best Supporting Actor (Male)
- Benicio Del Toro – One Battle After Another
- Jacob Elordi – Frankenstein
- Delroy Lindo – Sinners
- Sean Penn – One Battle After Another
- Stellan Skarsgård – Sentimental Value
Best Supporting Actor (Female)
- Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another
- Amy Madigan – Weapons
- Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas – Sentimental Value
- Elle Fanning – Sentimental Value
- Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
Animated Feature Film
- Arco
- Elio
- KPop Demon Hunters
- Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
- Zootopia 2
International Feature
- The Secret Agent
- Sentimental Value
- Sirāt
- It Was Just An Accident
- The Voice of Hind Rajab
Film Editing
- F1
- Marty Supreme
- One Battle After Another
- Sentimental Value
- Sinners
Best Original Screenplay
- Sinners
- Marty Supreme
- Sentimental Value
- It Was Just An Accident
- Blue Moon
Adapted Screenplay
- One Battle After Another
- Hamnet
- Train Dreams
- Frankenstein
- Bugonia
Best Original Song
- ‘Golden’ – KPOP Demon Hunters
- ‘I Lied To You’ – Sinners
- ‘The Girl in the Bubble’ – Wicked: For Good
- ‘Dear Me’ – Diane Warren: Relentless
- ‘Sweet Dreams of Joy’ – Vivia Verdi!
Best Original Score
- Sinners
- One Battle After Another
- Hamnet
- Frankenstein
- Bugonia
Costume Design
- Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Frankenstein
- Hamnet
- Marty Supreme
- Sinners
Documentary Feature Film
- The Alabama Solution
- Come See Me in the Good Light
- Cutting Through Rocks
- Mr. Nobody Against Putin
- The Perfect Neighbor
Documentary Short Film
- 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
Live-Action Short Film
- Butcher’s Stain
- A Friend of Dorothy
- Jane Austen’s Period Drama
- The Singers
- Two People Exchanging Saliva
Animated Short Film
- Butterfly
- Forevergreen
- The Girl Who Cried Pearls
- Retirement Plan
- The Three Sisters
Achievement in Casting
- Hamnet
- Sinners
- The Secret Agent
- One Battle After Another
- Marty Supreme
Cinematography
- Frankenstein
- Marty Supreme
- One Battle After Another
- Sinners
- Train Dreams
Makeup and Hairstyling
- Frankenstein
- Kokuho
- Sinners
- The Smashing Machine
- The Ugly Stepsister
Sound
- F1
- Frankenstein
- One Battle After Another
- Sinners
- Sirat
Visual Effects
- Avatar: Fire and Ash
- F1
- Jurassic World Rebirth
- The Lost Bus
- Sinners
The ceremony promises an evening of glamour, suspense, and heartfelt tributes, celebrating the best of what cinema has to offer. Whether you are rooting for a particular film or actor, the 98th Academy Awards are sure to deliver an unforgettable night of entertainment.
