Get ready for the 2026 Oscar nominations, folks! It's an exciting time in Hollywood as we gear up for the big reveal. This year's race promises to be a thrilling battle, with a mix of blockbuster hits, critically acclaimed films, and some surprising contenders.
The Battle for Oscar Gold: A Year of Surprises
One of the most anticipated films, Leonardo DiCaprio's politically charged thriller "One Battle After Another," is expected to dominate the nominations. But here's where it gets controversial: will it be enough to secure DiCaprio his long-awaited Oscar?
Other strong contenders include "Marty Supreme," "Frankenstein," "Sentimental Value," and "Bugonia." These films are expected to perform well when the shortlists are announced later today at 13:30 GMT.
However, it's a weaker year for UK talent. While Wunmi Mosaku from the vampire horror "Sinners" has a chance at an acting nomination, it's a slim one. But Irish actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal are expected to shine for their roles in the adaptation of "Hamnet."
And this is the part most people miss: the hosting duties for this year's Academy Awards ceremony, taking place on March 15th, will be handled by none other than US comedian Conan O'Brien.
Let's dive into the details and uncover more about what to expect from this year's Oscar nominations.
A Softer Year for Blockbusters
Last year's box office was dominated by two massive films, "Wicked: For Good" and "Avatar: Fire and Ash." But here's the twist: both sequels are expected to receive fewer nominations than their predecessors.
"Wicked's" second installment didn't quite live up to the hype, and with franchise fatigue setting in and director James Cameron's nonchalant attitude towards Oscar campaigning, it seems the third "Avatar" movie might struggle too.
Cameron's quote sums it up: "You can play the awards game, or you can play my game, which is to make movies people actually go to. Sorry!"
If these blockbusters are unlikely to secure Best Picture nominations, the prospects for "A Minecraft Movie" don't look promising either.
The Brits' Battle for Recognition
It's a challenging year for British talent. Only two of the 36 actors nominated in the film categories at the Golden Globes were from the UK. Cynthia Erivo and Emily Blunt, though talented, aren't expected to make the cut at the Oscars.
The UK's best hope rests on Wunmi Mosaku, who received a supporting actress nomination at the Actor Awards and made the Bafta longlist for "Sinners."
But if all UK stars miss out, it would be the first year since 1986 without any Brits nominated in the acting categories. A sobering thought indeed.
Irish Talent Shines
In contrast, it's a stronger year for Irish talent, largely thanks to the film "Hamnet." Jessie Buckley is the favorite to win Best Actress, and Paul Mescal is likely to secure a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Leonardo DiCaprio's Big Battle
Director Paul Thomas Anderson, affectionately known as PTA, has never won an Oscar despite 11 career nominations. But this year, his latest film, "One Battle After Another," is on a roll, and he could finally take home the gold.
The movie, which struggled financially despite rave reviews, tells the story of a former revolutionary's quest to reunite with his crew and rescue his daughter from a white supremacist group.
"One Battle After Another" is expected to lead the nominations partly due to its impressive cast, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro all in the running.
A Star-Studded Best Actor Race
This year's Best Actor category is packed with big names. Leonardo DiCaprio faces stiff competition from frontrunner Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, Ethan Hawke, and Jesse Plemons.
Despite the star power, several A-listers are likely to miss out on nominations. Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Dwayne Johnson, Jennifer Lawrence, and Sydney Sweeney all had films in the race but lost momentum.
First-Time Nominees: Young and Established
Many potential first-time Oscar nominees are relatively early in their careers, like Chase Infiniti, Elle Fanning, and Jacob Elordi. But there are also seasoned actors who have never been nominated, such as Rose Byrne, Wagner Moura, Joel Edgerton, and Stellan Skarsgård.
One notable mention is Adam Sandler, a Hollywood giant who could finally receive recognition for his role in "Jay Kelly." Sandler, a box office star, has never been nominated by the Academy, but his late-career reinvention might just change that.
Oscar Comebacks and Surprises
Amy Madigan, a veteran actress, could make a comeback with her role in the horror film "Weapons." It's been 40 years since her last Academy nomination, and she's a strong contender for Best Supporting Actress.
Kate Hudson might also receive a nomination for "Song Sung Blue," her first in 25 years, and Benicio del Toro could be recognized after 22 years.
A New Category: Best Casting
The Academy is introducing a new category this year: Best Casting. The choice of actors can make or break a film, and this category will recognize the talent behind the scenes. Many of the Best Picture frontrunners are expected to be in the running here too.
From 2028, the Oscars will follow the Actor Awards' lead and recognize Best Stunt Design. But how will they fit it all in?
The answer: the Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029, allowing for a more relaxed ceremony without the time constraints of traditional television.
KPop Demon Hunters: A Dark Horse Contender
Netflix's animated hit "KPop Demon Hunters" is a dark horse contender. The film, about a girl band fighting demons, is the frontrunner for Best Animated Feature, even against the mighty "Zootopia 2."
It's also likely to win Best Original Song with its catchy tune "Golden."
A New Rule: Voters Must Watch the Films
In a groundbreaking move, the Academy is requiring members to watch the nominated films on their streaming service or fill out a form confirming their attendance at a cinema screening.
Will this rule be enforced? Only time will tell, but it's an interesting step to ensure the integrity of the voting process.
How to Watch the Nominations
The nominations will be announced by Danielle Brooks, a former nominee herself, and Lewis Pullman, star of "Thunderbolts" and "Top Gun: Maverick."
You can catch the live stream on the Academy's official website, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook channels. The BBC News website will also host a live page during the announcement.
The nominations will be revealed over approximately 20 minutes, with a break in the middle to accommodate a commercial break for US network ABC.
Stay tuned, movie lovers! The Oscar nominations are just around the corner, and we can't wait to see who makes the cut.
