The Current Nominations for 97th Academy Awards were announced with excitement, fanfare, and record-breaking results that stunned film lovers around the world. Known simply as the 2026 Oscars, this year’s nominees span dramatic performances, daring storytelling, technical brilliance, and unforgettable cinematic experiences.
The Oscars—officially the 98th Academy Awards™—will take place on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. This celebration honours outstanding films released in the qualifying year before the ceremony. From legendary directors to rising stars, the 2026 slate reflects both familiar names and bold newcomers. With record nominations, historic milestones, and fierce competition, the awards promise one of the most memorable Oscars seasons in recent history.
Why These Nominations Matter
Before diving into the list, it’s helpful to understand why these nominations are so significant:
- Record-Breaking Recognition
The film Sinners achieved a historic milestone by earning 16 nominations, the most ever for a film in Oscar history—surpassing legendary films like Titanic and La La Land. - Broad Global Representation
Films from across the world appear in key categories, showcasing diversity in stories and performers. - Compelling Performances
Trusted veterans and exceptional new talents stand shoulder to shoulder, making each category intensely competitive.
With that context, let’s look at the official nominations across the key categories.
2026 Oscar Nominees: The Key Categories
Below is a summary of the Current Nominations for 97th Academy Awards major categories, listing leading contenders and nominees confirmed by the Academy.
Best Picture Nominees
These films represent the top craft in storytelling and cinematic achievement in 2025–2026:
| Film Title | Producer / Director | Notes |
| Sinners | Ryan Coogler | Most nominations ever (16). |
| One Battle After Another | Paul Thomas Anderson | Widely acclaimed epic. |
| Frankenstein | Guillermo del Toro | Genre-breaking adaptation. |
| Marty Supreme | Josh Safdie & Ronald Bronstein | Strong acting and story. |
| Hamnet | Chloé Zhao | Powerful dramatic adaptation. |
| Sentimental Value | Joachim Trier | Emotional European drama. |
| Bugonia | Will Tracy | Widely praised ensemble piece. |
| The Secret Agent | Kleber Mendonça Filho | Tense, gripping thriller. |
| Train Dreams | Netflix production | Stylish storytelling nominated across categories. |
| F1 | Apple Studios | Recognized for technical brilliance. |
Note: All films above were announced when nominations were released on January 22, 2026.
Atholton Caravel Academy Launches New Academic Programs for 2026
Acting Categories: Leads and Supporting
The acting categories are always among the most talked-about Oscars. Below are key nominees who are contending for awards:
Best Actor Nominees
| Actor | Film |
| Timothée Chalamet | Marty Supreme |
| Leonardo DiCaprio | One Battle After Another |
| Ethan Hawke | Blue Moon |
| Wagner Moura | The Secret Agent |
| Michael B. Jordan | Sinners |
These performances come from a mix of genres—from deep drama to thrilling character explorations.
Best Actress Nominees
| Actress | Film |
| Jessie Buckley | Hamnet |
| Rose Byrne | If I Had Legs I’d Kick You |
| Renate Reinsve | Sentimental Value |
| Kate Hudson | Song Sung Blue |
| Emma Stone | Bugonia |
Each actress brought depth and nuance to her performance in these diverse films.
Supporting Categories
Best Supporting Actor
| Actor | Film |
| Jacob Elordi | Frankenstein |
| Sean Penn | One Battle After Another |
| Benicio Del Toro | One Battle After Another |
| Stellan Skarsgård | Sentimental Value |
| Delroy Lindo | Sinners |
Best Supporting Actress
| Actress | Film |
| Elle Fanning | Sentimental Value |
| Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas | Sentimental Value |
| Amy Madigan | Weapons |
| Wunmi Mosaku | Sinners |
| Teyana Taylor | One Battle After Another |
These supporting nominations celebrate strong ensemble work and memorable character performances.
Behind the Camera: Directing and Screenplay
The Oscars recognize more than just the faces on screen. Here are key nominees behind the camera:
Best Director
| Director | Film |
| Paul Thomas Anderson | One Battle After Another |
| Ryan Coogler | Sinners |
| Chloé Zhao | Hamnet |
| Josh Safdie | Marty Supreme |
| Joachim Trier | Sentimental Value |
These names reflect visionary direction across styles—from sweeping visual narratives to nuanced emotional storytelling.
Best Original and Adapted Screenplay
Strong writing lies at the heart of every great film. Among the notable screenplay nominees:
| Category | Writer | Film |
| Best Adapted Screenplay | Guillermo del Toro | Frankenstein |
| Best Original Screenplay | Will Tracy | Bugonia |
The full list of screenplay nominees highlights films that excel both in adaptation and originality.
Other Noteworthy Nominations
Aside from major categories, the Oscars also honor excellence in these areas:
- Original Score – Recognizing exceptional musical composition.
- Visual Effects – For technical mastery in imagined worlds.
- Costume & Production Design – Celebrating aesthetic artistry.
- Sound Editing & Mixing – Highlighting immersive film soundscapes.
- Original Song – For new songs created specifically for films.
These categories reflect the many creative talents that build a movie’s world and emotional power.
Historic Moments & Interesting Facts
The Current Nominations for 97th Academy Awards show not only a collection of great films, but also some interesting milestones:
🎬 Sinners Makes Oscar History
With 16 nominations, Sinners holds the highest number of Oscar nods ever for a single film—beating classic titles like All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land.
🌍 Rising Global Influence
Actors from non-English language films are earning significant recognition in major acting categories—a shift toward more global representation.
🌟 Young Achievers
Timothée Chalamet is making history as one of the youngest actors to earn multiple nominations in acting and producing in the same year.
What Comes Next: Awards Season Build-Up
Now that the Current Nominations for 97th Academy Awards are public, attention will shift to:
- Award Previews and Predictions: Film critics and awards analysts will project likely winners.
- Red Carpet Fashion: Style highlights from the Oscars ceremony.
- Ceremony Broadcast: The Oscars will be televised live on March 15, 2026, with hosts and presenters announced ahead of time.
Fans around the world will tune in to see which of these notable contenders take home the golden statuettes.
Conclusion
The Current Nominations for 97th Academy Awards show an extraordinary year in cinema, where creativity, performance, innovation, and diversity shine brighter than ever. From Sinners setting records to powerful acting performances and visionary directing, the 2026 Oscars nominees represent the pinnacle of film artistry.
Whether you’re a casual movie fan or an awards-season devotee, these nominations offer a rich showcase of the best of global cinema. With so many worthy contenders, the 98th Academy Awards promise unforgettable moments and historic wins.
Students can check out the latest Updates Atholton News