The Oscars are here, and the excitement is palpable! The 2026 Academy Award nominations are being unveiled today, January 22nd, and the movie industry is buzzing with anticipation. But will your favorite films make the cut? Let's dive into the predictions and live updates as the race for the golden statuette intensifies.
The Frontrunners:
This year's Oscar race is shaping up to be a thrilling battle. Paul Thomas Anderson's highly acclaimed 'One Battle After Another' and the fan-favorite horror-thriller 'Sinners' are expected to dominate the nominations. But they won't go uncontested. 'Hamnet', 'Marty Supreme', 'Sentimental Value', and Netflix's 'Train Dreams' are all vying for the top spots. And let's not forget the stellar performances from A-list stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, Emma Stone, Jessie Buckley, and Rose Byrne, who are expected to shine in the acting categories.
Live Updates:
As the clock ticks, the anticipation builds. The nominations are being announced live from sunny California, and you can catch all the action from the comfort of your home. Don't worry if you can't tune in live; I'll be your eyes and ears, bringing you the latest updates as they unfold. Every nomination will be confirmed right here, so stay tuned!
How to Watch:
The 98th Academy Awards nominations will be announced by hosts Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman at 8:30 a.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. GMT, live from the iconic Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles. You can catch the action on ABC's 'Good Morning America', or stream it on Disney+, Hulu, and the Academy's social media platforms, including their official YouTube channel. There's no shortage of options for movie enthusiasts to join the celebration.
As a dedicated movie buff and Senior Entertainment Editor at Tom's Guide, I've been eagerly following Oscar season for years. In 2025, I immersed myself in over 110 movies, but my heart belongs to 'Marty Supreme'. I'm eagerly awaiting Timothée Chalamet's well-deserved win for his leading role.
LIVE UPDATES:
10 minutes to go!
The countdown is on! In just a few moments, our hosts will take center stage and reveal the movies competing for the prestigious Academy Awards. Don't fret if you can't watch live; I'll keep you updated...
My Personal Wish:
As we near the announcement, I can't help but share my hopes for a certain film. 'Weapons' is a movie I hold dear, but it's unlikely to receive the love it deserves. Despite being my favorite for a significant part of 2025, it faces an uphill battle for a Best Picture nomination. The Academy's history with horror nominations is not the most encouraging, but there's still hope for Amy Madigan to snag a Best Supporting Actress nod, which would be a well-deserved recognition.
30 minutes to go!
The wait is almost over! We're moments away from discovering the movies and filmmakers who will be in the running for the 2026 Oscars. As a reminder, there are multiple ways to watch (as mentioned above), but I'll be tuning in live on the Academy's YouTube channel. Stay tuned as we hand over to Rory for the latest updates...
'Bugonia' Deserves Attention:
Let's shine a spotlight on another contender: Yorgos Lanthimos' 'Bugonia'. This sci-fi/dark thriller/black comedy has been generating buzz across various categories, including Best Picture. While its chances of winning are uncertain, it undoubtedly deserves a place in the conversation. And while I'm confident that Jessie Buckley will take home the Best Actress award for 'Hamnet', I'd love to see some recognition for Stone's icy corporate queen in 'Bugonia'. Similarly, I'm rooting for Jesse Plemons to score a Best Actor nod alongside Chalamet's expected win for 'Marty Supreme'.
Meet the Hosts:
Today's Oscar nominations will be unveiled by the talented Lewis Pullman and Danielle Brooks. Pullman, known for his role as Bob/Sentry in last year's 'Thunderbolts', has also graced the screen in 'Top Gun: Maverick' and 'Lessons in Chemistry'. On the other hand, Brooks, who stars alongside John Cena in 'Peacemaker', is a familiar face from 'Orange is the New Black' as Tasha 'Taystee' Jefferson. She earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination in 2024 for 'The Color Purple', showcasing her exceptional talent.
'F1' - A Contender or Not?
As we delve deeper into the nominations, Brad Pitt's blockbuster sports drama 'F1' catches my attention. There's a buzz about its potential Best Picture nomination, and it's not without reason. Variety has it on their predictions list, and it's in the running for the Producer Guild of America's top award. While I wasn't personally blown away by the film, I wouldn't be surprised if it sneaks into the Best Picture category. However, I doubt it will surpass the likes of 'Sinners' or 'One Battle After Another' in the race for the win.
'Avatar: Fire and Ash' - A Box Office Hit, But Will It Win?
The 2026 Oscars might be a little less blue, as 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' is expected to fall short of its predecessors' success. Despite ruling the box office with over $1.3 billion, its Oscar prospects seem remote. While the original 'Avatar' and its sequel 'Avatar: The Way of Water' garnered multiple nominations and wins, the third installment might not be as lucky. It's likely to secure a Visual Effects nomination, but a Best Picture nod seems unlikely. James Cameron's latest 'Avatar' flick might have to settle for its box office success.
International Movies Take Center Stage:
2026 is shaping up to be a competitive year for international films. The Oscars have been increasingly recognizing foreign-language movies, with 'Parasite' making history in 2020 as the first non-English film to win Best Picture. This year, we have a stellar lineup of potential winners in the Best International Feature Film category. 'Sentimental Value', 'The Secret Agent', and 'It Was Just an Accident' lead the pack, with 'Sirât', 'No Other Choice', and 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' also vying for nominations. These acclaimed films are not just limited to the international category; 'Sentimental Value' is a strong contender for Best Picture, and Stellan Skarsgård is a near-lock for Best Supporting Actor. 'The Secret Agent's' Wagner Moura and 'It Was Just an Accident' filmmaker Jafar Panahi are also in the running for Best Actor and Best Director, respectively.
'Jay Kelly' - A Missed Opportunity?
The Academy has a soft spot for movies about making movies, and 'Jay Kelly' seemed to fit the bill. This Noah Baumbach comedy-drama, starring George Clooney, appeared to be a strong Oscar contender. However, the film failed to gain momentum, and its awards season has stalled. Clooney is absent from the Best Actor conversation, and Adam Sandler is a long shot for Best Supporting Actor. While 'Jay Kelly' might appear in Best Original Screenplay, a complete shutout is a possibility at this stage.
'Wicked's' Magic Fades:
Last year's spellbinding 'Wicked' captivated Oscar voters with 10 nominations and two wins. Its sequel, 'Wicked: For Good', was initially expected to follow suit. However, the magic seems to have faded. The critical and box office underperformance of the second act has dampened its chances. Ariana Grande, once a favorite for Best Supporting Actress, now faces stiff competition from Teyana Taylor and Amy Madigan. While Grande is likely to secure her second Oscar nomination, the film's chances for a Best Picture nod and win appear slim. Oz's magic might not be enough this time.
The 98th Academy Awards - A Star-Studded Affair:
Today marks the beginning of the journey towards the grand ceremony on March 15, 2026. Conan O'Brien will return as host, and the event will be a star-studded extravaganza. Last year, the Academy Awards made its streaming debut on Hulu, and this tradition will continue. Interestingly, from 2029, the Oscars will exclusively broadcast on YouTube, marking a significant change after five decades on ABC.
Is It Timothée Chalamet's Year?
'Marty Supreme' is another film expected to shine in today's nominations. While director Josh Safdie might not be a Best Director favorite, the sports drama is poised for a Best Picture nod. However, all eyes are on Timothée Chalamet. With two previous Best Actor nominations, Chalamet has openly expressed his desire for an Oscar win. His leading role in 'Marty Supreme' is likely to earn him a third nomination, but will he finally take home the gold? He faces formidable competition from Leonardo DiCaprio ('One Battle After Another'), Ethan Hawke ('Blue Moon'), and Michael B. Jordan ('Sinners'). Chalamet's portrayal of a driven dreamer in 'Marty Supreme' would make a fitting win, but only time will tell.
Netflix's Oscar Ambitions:
Netflix has been on a quest to win the Best Picture Oscar, a feat achieved by rival streamer Apple TV with 'CODA' in 2022. Despite numerous nominations and wins in various categories, Netflix has yet to claim the top prize. This year, they have two potential contenders: 'Frankenstein' and 'Train Dreams'. While both films have a shot at a nomination, they are not predicted to be favorites in the competitive Best Picture field. Netflix's best chance for a win might be through Jacob Elordi in the Best Supporting Actor category, as his performance in 'Frankenstein' has been highly praised.
'Hamnet' - A Lock for Best Actress:
Chloé Zhao, the Oscar-winning director of 'Nomadland', is set for another triumphant day. Her latest film, 'Hamnet', a period drama about William Shakespeare and his wife, is expected to dominate several major categories, including Picture and Director. However, the most significant nod will be in Best Actress. Jessie Buckley is a lock for a nomination and is highly likely to win. Her acclaimed performance as Agnes Hathaway has already earned her a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award, making her the overwhelming favorite to take home the Oscar as well.
'Sinners' - A Vampire Epic to Watch:
Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' is poised to sweep the nominations. This vampire epic captivated both critics and audiences alike. It's a shoo-in for Best Picture and Best Director, with Michael B. Jordan expected to land a Best Actor nomination for his dual role. The film is also a strong contender for Best Original Screenplay and various technical categories, including Casting, Production Design, and Cinematography. 'Sinners' is expected to rack up a double-digit number of nominations.
'One Battle After Another' - The One to Watch:
If there's one movie that's generating the most buzz, it's 'One Battle After Another'. Paul Thomas Anderson's action-thriller epic received widespread praise upon its release, and the Academy is expected to follow suit. As the current frontrunner for Best Picture, its nomination is almost certain. It's also the favorite for Best Director, and Leonardo DiCaprio is poised for a Best Actor nod. Co-stars Chase Infiniti (Best Actress), Teyana Taylor (Best Supporting Actress), Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn (both Best Supporting Actor) are likely to join the nominations. The film is also expected to receive a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination and dominate the technical categories. Could 'One Battle After Another' break the record for the most nominations in Oscar history?
The Countdown Begins:
As we eagerly await the announcement, let's recap the essential details. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will reveal the 2026 Oscar nominations today, January 22nd, at 8:30 a.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. GMT, live from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles. The countdown has begun, and we're about to witness the movies that will shape this year's Academy Awards.
Welcome to the Live Coverage:
Hello, movie enthusiasts! I'm Rory, your Senior Entertainment Editor at Tom's Guide, and I'll be your guide through this exciting journey. Over the next few hours, I'll provide live updates, share my predictions, and deliver comprehensive coverage as the nominations unfold. Oscar nominations day is a highlight of the Hollywood calendar, and there's so much to discuss. Let the Academy Awards conversation begin!
