The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards have officially been revealed, setting the stage for one of Hollywood’s most anticipated nights of the year. This year’s announcement brought a major milestone as one film emerged as the clear frontrunner.
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners secured an unprecedented 16 nominations, establishing a new record for the most Oscar nominations earned by a single film. The achievement places the movie ahead of several iconic productions that previously shared the record.
The nominations span 24 categories and include a historic first for the Academy as a brand new award category prepares to make its debut.
Sinners sets a new record in Oscar history
The 2026 nominations quickly became a defining moment for Sinners. The film earned recognition across multiple major categories, including best picture, best director and several acting and technical awards.
With 16 nominations, the movie surpasses the previous record of 14 nominations. That record had long been shared by three celebrated films including Titanic, La La Land and All About Eve.
The wide range of nominations highlights the film’s reach across different areas of filmmaking. From directing and acting to sound, visual effects and costume design, the project captured attention throughout the Academy.
A new Oscar category makes its debut
The 98th Academy Awards will also introduce a new category that reflects the evolving nature of filmmaking.
For the first time, the Oscars will present an award for best casting. The category recognizes the important work of casting professionals who help bring characters and stories to life on screen.
This marks the first new Oscar category introduced since the Academy began awarding best animated feature in 2002. The addition reflects ongoing efforts to acknowledge more creative disciplines involved in the filmmaking process.
Guidelines for the new category were finalized in 2025 following earlier discussions within the Academy about expanding recognition for behind the scenes contributions.
Stars reveal the nominations in Los Angeles
The nominations were announced during a live presentation at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles. Actor Danielle Brooks, a previous Oscar nominee, joined Lewis Pullman from The Testament of Ann Lee to unveil the nominees.
The announcement marked the beginning of the final phase of Oscar voting.
Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will begin casting their votes on Feb. 26. Voting will remain open until March 5 as members determine which nominees will ultimately receive the coveted gold statuette.
Major categories spotlight leading films and stars
The best picture race includes a diverse group of films that range from historical dramas to ambitious blockbusters.
Among the nominees are Bugonia, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sentimental Value, Train Dreams and The Secret Agent, alongside the record breaking Sinners.
Several prominent performers also earned recognition in the acting categories.
In the best actor category, nominees include Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, Michael B. Jordan for Sinners and Wagner Moura for The Secret Agent.
The best actress race features Jessie Buckley for Hamnet, Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value and Emma Stone for Bugonia.
Supporting acting categories also highlight well known performers including Benicio Del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Delroy Lindo, Sean Penn and Stellan Skarsgård.
Hollywood prepares for the 2026 Oscars ceremony
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will be broadcast live on ABC and Hulu, beginning at 4 p.m. Pacific and 7 p.m. Eastern.
Television host and comedian Conan O’Brien will return to lead the ceremony for the second year in a row. His previous appearance as host came during the 2025 Oscars.
With a record setting film dominating the nominations and a new category joining the lineup, the 2026 ceremony promises to be a significant moment for the film industry.
The winners will soon be revealed, determining whether Sinners can convert its historic nominations into an equally memorable Oscar night.
Source: Town & Country / Hearst Media.
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