Early Oscar Nominations Highlight Strong Contenders for 2026

The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards were unveiled on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 08:30 a.m. ET, with presenters Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman announcing a competitive field. Leading the pack are films One Battle After Another and the Norwegian entry Sentimental Value, each receiving multiple nominations, including in the newly established category for achievement in casting, the first addition to the Oscars in 25 years.

The initial nominations included standout performances, notably for best performance by an actress in a supporting role, where Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas from Sentimental Value were recognized alongside Amy Madigan for Weapons, Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners, and Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another. In the male category for supporting roles, nominees included Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn from One Battle After Another, Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein, Delroy Lindo for Sinners, and Stellan Skarsgård for Sentimental Value.

The films Sinners, One Battle After Another, and Hamnet are being touted as major contenders this awards season. Both One Battle After Another and Hamnet recently garnered top honors at the Golden Globes, while Sinners is positioned to potentially achieve a historic milestone with its nomination count. No film has ever received more than 14 nominations at the Academy Awards, a record held by classics such as All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land. With the artistic merits of Sinners, combined with Ryan Coogler’s direction and Michael B. Jordan’s performance, there is a possibility for this film to enter that elite group.

The 98th Academy Awards are set to take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Conan O’Brien as the host. Audiences can catch the live nomination announcement via Oscar.com, Oscars.org, or the Academy’s digital channels. As the awards approach, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting ceremony celebrating cinematic achievements.