2026 Oscar Nominations: Historic Hauls Predicted for ‘Sinners’ and ‘One Battle After Another’
Sydney, 22 January 2026 – The film industry holds its breath this morning as the nominees for the 98th Academy Awards are set to be announced. Following a robust awards season, expert forecasts suggest a potentially historic morning, with Ryan Coogler’s Sinners and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another predicted to challenge the all-time record for most nominations.
The Frontrunners for a Record-Breaking Morning
According to aggregated predictions from major awards pundits and publications, the 2026 Oscar race is defined by a clear top tier. Sinners is widely forecast to lead the field, with projections suggesting it could receive 14 or even 15 nominations. This would tie or surpass the record of 14 nominations currently held by All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997), and La La Land (2016).
Close behind is Paul Thomas Anderson’s political epic One Battle After Another, predicted to garner around 13 nominations. Industry analysts note that both films have demonstrated remarkable strength across guild precursors, critics’ awards, and the recently concluded Golden Globes.
Predicted Contenders Across Major Categories
The consensus points to a strong year for international cinema and auteur-driven projects. Alongside the two frontrunners, films like Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet, Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, and Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein are expected to feature prominently across multiple categories.
In the acting races, Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme) and Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another) are considered near-certain Best Actor nominees. The Best Actress field is predicted to be led by Jessie Buckley (Hamnet), with Rose Byrne, Renate Reinsve, Chase Infiniti, and Emma Stone also heavily favoured.
Key Facts: The 98th Academy Awards
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nominations Announcement | 22 January 2026, 8:30 am EST (12:30 am AEDT 23 Jan) |
| Hosts | Danielle Brooks & Lewis Pullman |
| Ceremony Date | 15 March 2026 |
| Oscars Host | Conan O’Brien (returning) |
| New Category | Best Casting (debuting this year) |
| Broadcast | Live on ABC (US), with international broadcasters including ITV/STV (UK) |
How to Watch the Nominations Live
The announcement will be streamed live from the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theatre. Viewers worldwide can watch via the official Oscars website, Oscars.org, and the Academy’s social media channels. The broadcast will also be carried on ABC’s Good Morning America in the United States, ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the 2026 Oscars?
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on Sunday 15 March 2026 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. The broadcast will begin at 7:00 pm ET (4:00 pm PT), which translates to 11:00 am AEDT on Monday 16 March 2026.
What is the new Oscar category for 2026?
For the first time, the Academy will present the Oscar for Best Casting. This new category recognises the pivotal role of casting directors in assembling a film’s ensemble. All Academy members will vote on the winner from the nominated films.
Who is predicted to get the most Oscar nominations?
Based on aggregated forecasts, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is the predicted nominations leader, with a chance to tie or break the record of 14 nominations. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another is forecast to be a close second.