The excitement surrounding the 98th Academy Awards is building, with Conan O’Brien set to return as the host for the ceremony, which will take place on 15 March 2026. Scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, the awards show will be broadcast live on ABC and will also be available for streaming on Hulu.
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As the awards season draws to a close, film enthusiasts still have the opportunity to watch the films nominated for this year’s Oscars. The nominations, announced on 22 January, narrowed down an impressive pool of 201 eligible films to just ten contenders for the prestigious Best Picture award. Noteworthy nominees include Ryan Coogler’s chilling drama “Sinners” and Paul Thomas Anderson’s evocative “One Battle After Another.”
Leading the pack this year is “Sinners,” which has garnered a remarkable 16 nominations, setting a new record for the most nominations received by a single film. Previously, the record was held jointly by “Titanic,” “La La Land,” and “All About Eve,” each of which received 14 nominations. Following closely behind is “One Battle After Another,” with 13 nominations.
Among the top films nominated is “Bugonia,” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. This film has received four Oscar nominations, including nods for Best Picture and Best Actress for Emma Stone’s compelling portrayal of a corporate CEO. The plot revolves around two conspiracy-obsessed young men who kidnap Stone’s character, believing that she might be an alien threatening Earth.
Also in the running is “F1,” directed and written by Joseph Kosinski. The film has been nominated for four Academy Awards, with a standout nod for Best Picture. It features Brad Pitt in the role of Sonny Hayes, a former Formula 1 driver who finds himself returning to the sport to assist a struggling team and mentor an ambitious newcomer played by Damson Idris.
Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of “Frankenstein” has made waves as well, securing nine nominations, including Best Picture and a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Jacob Elordi’s chilling performance as the Creature. The story follows Victor Frankenstein and the consequences of his ambition as he creates life, only to abandon it.
Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet” has also made a mark, earning eight nominations in total, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Jessie Buckley, who portrays Agnes Hathaway. The film captures the emotional turmoil of a mother dealing with the sudden loss of her son and the impact it has on her husband, William Shakespeare.
Another notable entry is “Marty Supreme,” directed by Josh Safdie. The film has earned a Best Picture nomination and features Timothée Chalamet in a nominated role for Best Actor. It tells the story of Marty, a gifted but reckless table-tennis hustler whose pursuit of fame leads him to navigate morally complex waters when he encounters an influential woman.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” which has also received two nominations, tells the story of Bob Ferguson, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, a former revolutionary facing a resurgence of threats from his past. This adds an intriguing layer of tension to its exploration of familial and political conflicts.
The list of nominees continues with “The Secret Agent,” which is directed by Kleber Mondonça Filho and has made the cut with four nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Wagner Moura. The film captures the psychological tribulations of a professor living under surveillance amidst Brazil’s political turmoil.
Rounding out the nominees are “Sentimental Value” with nine nominations, “Train Dreams” with four, and “Weapons,” which, with Amy Madigan’s first nomination in 40 years, highlights the chilling tale of a community grappling with the mysterious disappearance of children.
As fans and industry professionals alike prepare for the Oscars, streaming platforms are gearing up to showcase these critically acclaimed nominated films, providing audiences the chance to experience the cinematic achievements of the past year. The Academy Awards promise to be a thrilling night, celebrating the best in film and the artistry of storytelling.