Complete Breakdown of Oscar Nominations Revealed

January 22, 2026

Every January, movie aficionados collectively hold their breath as the Oscar nominations are unveiled. The excitement surrounding the Oscars reaches dizzying heights, especially when we witness milestone achievements and surprises in the nominations.

Highlights

  • 🎬 Sinners breaks the record with 16 nominations! 🔥
  • 🔝 One Battle After Another follows closely with 13 nominations.
  • ✨ A brand new category, Best Casting, adds fresh excitement to the awards!
  • 📅 The 98th Academy Awards will air live on March 15th.
  • 🎭 Warner Bros. tops the studio nominations with a whopping 30 nods!

Fun Fact: Did you know that the 2026 Oscars introduced a groundbreaking category for Best Casting? The last new category was added in 2002!

Leading the Charge: Sinners Sets a New Standard

This year, it’s hard to ignore Sinners as it soars ahead with a staggering 16 nominations. The film doesn’t just dominate; it embodies the very essence of cinematic excellence. Imagine the anticipation in the air as it competes in key categories like Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. You can almost hear the murmurs of excitement from fans gathering in living rooms across the UK, ready to dissect and debate every detail.

Having seen Sinners at the cinema, I was struck not only by its story but by the raw performance of its actors. Each scene burst with emotion, making it easy to understand why it has captured such acclaim. This record-setting achievement puts it in the spotlight not only as a frontrunner but also as a beacon of creativity.

Rival Contenders: Who Else is in the Running?

Not to be overlooked, One Battle After Another and Frankenstein join Sinners in the fray, each racking up 13 and 9 nominations, respectively. These films have carved their places alongside the front-runners, bringing fresh narratives and strong performances that are hard to forget. Watching these films reminds us why we love cinema—each telling its unique story while showcasing top-tier acting and direction.

Furthermore, nominees in the coveted Best Picture category include:

  • 🎥 Bugonia
  • 🎥 F1
  • 🎥 Hamnet
  • 🎥 The Secret Agent
  • 🎥 Train Dreams

With such diverse offerings, it’s a testament to the richness of contemporary storytelling. It’s engaging just to think about which film will take home the golden statue. Given the competition this year, if you’re a film lover, you’re in for a treat!

The Newcomer: Best Casting

new Best Casting category. It not only highlights the essential role casting plays in filmmaking but also acknowledges the behind-the-scenes efforts integral to a film’s success. A shortlist of 10 films was crafted, showcasing remarkable talent in bringing characters to life. This innovative category encourages a deeper appreciation for those who ensure every role is perfectly filled.

Films such as Hamnet, One Battle After Another, and, of course, Sinners, made the cut in this category. The anticipation for how this new addition performs is palpable. Will it spark more discussions around casting practices in the coming years? Time will tell, but it’s already making waves!

The Studios Bring Their A-Game

Warner Bros. leads with a remarkable 30 nominations, showcasing its strength in producing influential films that resonate with audiences and critics alike. Following closely is Neon with 18 nominations and Netflix with 16, each contributing to a diverse cinematic landscape.

It’s fascinating to see how studios evolve and adapt to audience preferences over the years. The investments in storytelling and talent are being rewarded with heightened visibility during awards season. For film enthusiasts, this battle of studios only heightens the excitement around the upcoming ceremony.

Ready for the Ceremony?

98th Academy Awards go live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Conan O’Brien, this ceremony promises memorable moments, palpable tension, and undeniable glamour. Will your favourite film walk away with the trophy? Only time will tell!