Full List of 2026 Oscar Nominees: Sinners Leads With Historic 16 Nods
Journey Tribune – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards early Thursday morning, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most competitive Oscar races in recent memory. Actors Lewis Pullman and Danielle Brooks announced the nominees during a live presentation in Beverly Hills, officially launching awards season’s final and most closely watched chapter.
Leading the field this year is the supernatural thriller *Sinners*, which earned a record-breaking 16 nominations, the most ever received by a single film in one year. The horror drama, set in 1930s Mississippi, tells the haunting story of twin brothers Smoke and Stack and their encounter with dark forces amid racial violence and social upheaval. The film’s sweeping recognition includes nominations for best picture, best director, best original screenplay, and multiple technical categories.
Star Michael B. Jordan, who portrayed both Smoke and Stack in a dual performance that critics widely praised for its emotional range and technical complexity, received his first-ever Academy Award nomination for best actor. His recognition marks a milestone in a career that has already spanned blockbuster franchises and critically acclaimed dramas.
“This is an extraordinary moment for everyone involved with *Sinners*,” said one industry observer following the announcement. “The film’s nominations reflect both its artistic ambition and its cultural impact.”
In addition to Jordan, *Sinners* also earned acting nominations for Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku, both of whom are first-time Oscar nominees. Their performances, portraying figures entangled in the film’s moral and supernatural conflicts, were widely regarded as standout contributions to one of the year’s most daring projects.
Close behind *Sinners* is the war drama *One Battle After Another*, which secured 13 nominations, including nods for best picture and best actor for Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio’s performance as a haunted veteran navigating the psychological aftermath of combat has been described as one of the most intense roles of his career.
Rounding out the top contenders is *Marty Supreme*, a frenetic sports drama centered on the underground world of competitive table tennis. Timothée Chalamet earned a best actor nomination for the second year in a row for his role as a gifted but troubled ping-pong prodigy. Last year, Chalamet was nominated for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in *A Complete Unknown*. His back-to-back recognition cements his status as one of the most consistently celebrated actors of his generation.
Several first-time acting nominees made headlines this year, underscoring what many observers view as a generational shift within the Academy. Jacob Elordi received his first Oscar nomination for his transformative turn as the iconic monster in *Frankenstein*, a modern reimagining of Mary Shelley’s novel. Teyana Taylor was also nominated for her emotionally charged performance in *One Battle After Another*, marking a breakthrough in her acting career.
International cinema made a notable impact as well, particularly with the Norwegian drama *Sentimental Value*. Much of the film’s ensemble cast received nominations, including Elle Fanning, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Renate Reinsve, and Stellan Skarsgård. The film, which explores generational trauma and inherited guilt through the lens of a fractured family, has been widely praised for its subtle storytelling and restrained performances.
“The Academy seems more open than ever to recognizing international voices and ensemble work,” said a European film critic. “The nominations for *Sentimental Value* reflect a broader embrace of global storytelling.”
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 15, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The event will be hosted by late-night television star Conan O’Brien, marking his first time serving as Oscars host. The broadcast will air live on ABC at 7 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. PT and will also be available for streaming on Hulu.
Academy officials expressed optimism that this year’s ceremony will draw strong viewership, buoyed by a slate of nominees that blends commercial appeal with critical acclaim.
“This year’s nominations represent a remarkable diversity of stories, genres, and creative voices,” an Academy spokesperson said. “From horror and historical drama to sports films and international cinema, the 2026 Oscars celebrate the full spectrum of filmmaking.”
As awards campaigns intensify in the coming weeks, industry analysts expect a fierce battle for top honors, particularly in the best picture and acting categories. With *Sinners* emerging as the early frontrunner and several other films close behind, the outcome remains far from certain.
What is clear, however, is that the 2026 Oscars have already made history — and that the final chapter of this awards season will be one closely watched by filmmakers, audiences, and critics alike.
