Oscar Award 2026 Nominees Revealed Ahead of Hollywood Ceremony

Los Angeles, United States – March 14, 2026

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the full list of nominees for the Oscar Award ceremony honoring films released in 2025. The 98th Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, March 15. Major film studios, independent producers, and international filmmakers are competing across multiple categories. The announcement highlights the year’s most recognized performances, productions, and technical achievements.

This year’s nominations reflect a diverse range of storytelling styles and international cinema influences. Several films appear repeatedly across acting, directing, and technical categories, signaling strong support from Academy voters. Titles such as Sinners, Marty Supreme, and One Battle after Another earned recognition in several key categories. The lineup also includes major animation studios and independent productions competing for industry honors.

Leading actors compete for top Oscar Award recognition

The competition for Best Actor includes several widely known performers alongside acclaimed international talent. Timothée Chalamet earned a nomination for his role in Marty Supreme, while Leonardo DiCaprio secured recognition for his performance in One Battle after Another. Ethan Hawke also entered the race with his role in Blue Moon, adding another veteran presence to the category.

Michael B. Jordan received a nomination for his role in the film Sinners, which appears across several other categories. Brazilian actor Wagner Moura joined the nominees list for his performance in The Secret Agent. Industry observers say the category reflects a balance between Hollywood stars and internationally recognized actors.

The supporting actor category also features an experienced lineup of performers. Benicio Del Toro and Sean Penn both earned nominations for their roles in One Battle after Another. Jacob Elordi gained recognition for his work in Frankenstein, while Delroy Lindo received a nomination for Sinners.

Veteran actor Stellan Skarsgård rounds out the list for his role in Sentimental Value. Analysts say the nominations highlight the Academy’s continued interest in strong ensemble performances. Several of the films nominated in supporting categories also appear in the Best Picture race.

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Actress nominees reflect strong performances across genres

The Best Actress category includes performers from both mainstream productions and independent films. Jessie Buckley received a nomination for Hamnet, a historical drama that has drawn critical praise. Rose Byrne also entered the competition for her role in the film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.

Kate Hudson earned a nomination for Song Sung Blue, while Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve gained recognition for Sentimental Value. Emma Stone joined the category for her role in the film Bugonia. The nominations represent a mix of returning Academy winners and first-time contenders.

In the supporting actress category, several performances from ensemble films received attention. Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas both received nominations for Sentimental Value. Amy Madigan earned recognition for her role in the film Weapons.

Wunmi Mosaku secured a nomination for her performance in Sinners, a film that appears in multiple categories. Singer and actress Teyana Taylor also joined the nominees list for her role in One Battle after Another. The nominations reflect the Academy’s focus on strong supporting performances that shape film narratives.

Oscar Award contenders dominate Best Picture race

The Best Picture category features ten films competing for the industry’s most recognized honor. Productions nominated include Bugonia, F1, Frankenstein, and Hamnet. Other nominees include Marty Supreme, One Battle after Another, and The Secret Agent.

International entries also gained strong recognition among voters. Films such as Sentimental Value and Train Dreams secured places in the final list. The drama Sinners completes the lineup, marking one of the most nominated films across categories this year.

Producers behind the nominated films represent both established studios and independent production companies. Several nominees include large collaborative production teams, reflecting the complex nature of modern filmmaking. The Best Picture race often signals broader industry trends and creative achievements.

Academy members vote across branches of the organization to determine winners in the top category. The final selection typically reflects a consensus among actors, directors, writers, and technical professionals. The award is considered the highest honor in the film industry.

Animation and international cinema gain global attention

Animated films continue to attract strong competition within the Academy Awards lineup. Nominees for Best Animated Feature include Arco, Elio, and KPop Demon Hunters. The category also includes Little Amélie or the Character of Rain and Zootopia 2.

Animation studios from different countries contributed to the nominated projects. Producers and directors involved in the films represent both major animation houses and smaller creative teams. The diversity of animation styles reflects the expanding role of global studios in the film industry.

The international feature film category also highlights the global reach of cinema. Nominees include Brazil’s The Secret Agent and France’s It Was Just an Accident. Norway’s Sentimental Value and Spain’s Sirāt also appear on the shortlist.

Tunisia’s film The Voice of Hind Rajab completes the international category lineup. Academy voters often highlight international films that bring distinctive storytelling approaches. These nominations help introduce global audiences to filmmakers working outside Hollywood.

Technical categories highlight filmmaking craft

Many films appearing in acting categories also earned nominations for technical achievements. Cinematography nominees include Frankenstein, Marty Supreme, and One Battle after Another. Sinners and Train Dreams also received recognition for visual storytelling through camera work.

Costume design nominations include productions such as Avatar: Fire and Ash and Frankenstein. Period dramas like Hamnet also appear in the category. Designers in these films recreated historical or fictional worlds through detailed costume work.

Production design nominees reflect the visual scale of modern filmmaking. Films like Frankenstein, Hamnet, and Marty Supreme received recognition for their sets and environments. Industry experts often consider production design a key element shaping audience immersion.

Sound design and visual effects categories highlight the technological aspects of filmmaking. Films such as F1, Frankenstein, and Sinners earned nominations in these areas. Large-scale productions often rely on complex sound engineering and digital effects.

Directors and writers compete for creative recognition

The directing category features filmmakers known for distinctive storytelling styles. Chloé Zhao earned a nomination for directing Hamnet. Paul Thomas Anderson also joined the list for his work on One Battle after Another.

Ryan Coogler received recognition for directing Sinners, while Joachim Trier earned a nomination for Sentimental Value. Josh Safdie completed the category with his film Marty Supreme. The directors nominated this year represent a mix of established auteurs and contemporary filmmakers.

Screenwriting categories highlight both adapted and original stories. Adapted screenplay nominees include Bugonia, Frankenstein, and Hamnet. Writers behind these films transformed novels and earlier works into cinematic scripts.

Original screenplay nominees include Blue Moon, Marty Supreme, and Sentimental Value. Writers often shape the tone and narrative structure that define each film. The screenplay awards recognize the foundation of storytelling in cinema.

Anticipation builds before Hollywood ceremony

The Academy Awards ceremony will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood. The event will gather actors, filmmakers, producers, and global media representatives. Millions of viewers around the world typically watch the broadcast.

Industry analysts often view the nominations as a reflection of evolving film trends. Streaming platforms, international co-productions, and independent studios now play larger roles in the awards race. This year’s nominations illustrate how global storytelling continues shaping the film industry.

Voting for final winners will conclude shortly before the ceremony. Academy members will select the winners across all categories through confidential ballots. The results remain sealed until envelopes are opened during the live broadcast.

The upcoming ceremony will celebrate achievements in acting, directing, writing, and technical filmmaking. The event also highlights the collaborative nature of film production across the global entertainment industry. Winners will be announced during the March 15 ceremony in Hollywood.