Oscar Nominations 2026: January 22, 2026, will be a morning that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will never forget. As the nominees for the 98th Academy Awards were announced by actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, the mood in Hollywood changed from one of excitement to one of shock. Ryan Coogler’s supernatural thriller, Sinners, not only took the lead but also broke records.
With an astonishing 16 nominations, Sinners has now broken the long-standing record of 14 nominations, which was previously held by cinematic giants Titanic (1997), All About Eve (1950), and La La Land (2016). This record-breaking sweep is a huge win for Warner Bros. and a defining moment in the long-standing collaboration between Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan.
Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” Breaks the 14
For years, the “Magic 14” was the ultimate limit for any movie at the Oscars. Many thought that no film could ever receive more than 14 nominations, considering the growing competition in the age of streaming. But Sinners defied all odds.
The movie, a horror thriller that takes place during the Jim Crow South, appealed to the voters in every single branch of the Academy. The film’s sweep was absolute, from the “Big Five” categories to the technical crafts.
A First for Michael B. Jordan
One of the most emotional moments of the announcement was when Michael B. Jordan finally received his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor. For years, he has been giving critically acclaimed performances in films such as Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther, but the Academy had famously snubbed him—until now. His work in Sinners was clearly not something that could be ignored this year.
Major Nominations for “Sinners” are
- Best Picture
- Best Director (Ryan Coogler)
- Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan)
- Best Supporting Actor (Delroy Lindo)
- Best Supporting Actress (Wunmi Mosaku)
- Best Original Screenplay (Ryan Coogler)
- Best Original Score (Ludwig Göransson)
Timothée Chalamet Makes History at 30
Sinners topped the night in total nominations, but Timothée Chalamet made his own historic piece from the moment the lists were released. At the tender age of 30, he becomes the youngest male actor to receive three Best Actor nominations (for Call Me by Your Name and A Complete Unknown). But he did not end there. He was also nominated as a producer for Marty Supreme in Best Picture. Chalamet broke a 58-year-old ceiling held by Warren Beatty, becoming the youngest to be nominated for acting and producing in the same year.
The Biggest Shocker: Wicked: For Good, Shut Out
But even in a year of such great achievements, there was one painful note that was difficult to ignore. Universal’s Wicked: For Good, the sequel, took home zero nominations. This is shocking, especially since the original Wicked capitalized on Oscar affection in 2025 with 10 nominations and two wins. There was hope for a return for Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, but the Academy has clearly moved on from the Land of Oz.
A Colorful Year for International and Indie Films
However, outside the spotlight of the blockbusters, the 2026 lineup also highlighted a true appreciation for non-English narratives and indie talent.
- Sentimental Value: The Norwegian film has surprised many by receiving 9 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Joachim Trier, and Best Actress for Renate Reinsve. This is a surprising instance of an International film receiving so much attention in the main categories.
- Paul Thomas Anderson’s Return: One Battle After Another received 13 nominations, second only to Sinners, solidifying PTA’s position as a beloved filmmaker within the Academy.
- Emma Stone’s Streak Continues: Stone continues her impressive streak with her 7th nomination, this time for Bugonia, which also received a nomination for Best Picture.
The New “Achievement in Casting” Category
The year 2026 represents the first occasion in 25 years that the Academy introduces a new category, which is Achievement in Casting. The list of nominees for this new category includes the casting directors of Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, and Sinners. This new category is long overdue, as it emphasizes the significance of the people who create the casts we adore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When and where are the 2026 Oscars?
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The event will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu.
Who is hosting the Oscars this year?
The legendary Conan O’Brien is coming back to host the Oscars in 2026. Fans are eagerly waiting to witness his wit and comedic timing on the biggest stage in the world.
Which movie has the most nominations in the history of the Oscars?
As of 2026, “Sinners” has the record with 16 nominations overall. The previous record was 14 nominations, held by the films Titanic, All About Eve, and La La Land.
Why was “Wicked: For Good” overlooked?
Although there has been no official reason given by the Academy, it is believed that the sequel was unable to recreate the “magic” of the first part. Also, the year 2025-2026 was a very competitive year for dramas, thrillers, and musicals.
Who is the favorite to win Best Actor?
The competition is now a close call between Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), who took home the Golden Globe award, and Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), who has huge backing from the industry for his record-breaking film.
Conclusion: A Year of Cultural Shifts and Cinematic Triumphs
The nominations for the 2026 Oscars have made one thing clear: Hollywood is in the middle of a gigantic shift. With the record-breaking 16 nominations for a supernatural thriller such as Sinners, the Academy has finally broken out of its comfort zone and into the world of innovative, genre-bending storytelling.
Whether it is the long-overdue recognition of Michael B. Jordan, the record-breaking ascendance of Timothée Chalamet, or the jaw-dropping snub of a behemoth franchise like Wicked, this year’s nominees are some of the most unpredictable in recent history. It is a year in which technical excellence, diverse storytelling, and stardom have converged to produce a truly global celebration of film.
As we count down towards the big night on March 15, the world will be watching with bated breath to see if the Sinners can turn its historic nominations into a historic haul of awards. One thing is for sure, though: the 98th Academy Awards will go down in history as the night that a new generation of filmmakers officially took the throne.
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