The 2026 Oscar nominations have arrived, and they declare one thing with resounding clarity: cinema isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving. A fierce competition for recognition culminated in a historic moment – a single film, *Sinners*, shattering records with an unprecedented 16 nominations.
This achievement eclipses the previous high of 14 nominations held by *All About Eve*, *Titanic*, and *La La Land*, rewriting Academy history. Yet, despite this dominance, the race remains remarkably open. *Sinners* has enjoyed success at other awards shows, but victories haven’t been guaranteed.
The sheer volume of critically acclaimed films this year has created a uniquely competitive landscape. *One Battle After Another* closely trails with 13 nominations, while *Sentimental Value*, *Frankenstein*, and *Marty Supreme* each boast nine, and *Hamnet* secures eight. This abundance of quality means even some early frontrunners, like *The Smashing Machine* and *A House of Dynamite*, received minimal recognition.
The Academy also showed a touch of sentimentality, acknowledging Ethan Hawke’s career with a best actor nomination for *Blue Moon*, and finally recognizing Kate Hudson with her first nod in 25 years for *Song Sung Blue*. While opinions on the films vary – some found *Sinners* more compelling than *One Battle After Another* – each contender possesses undeniable strengths.
Currently, Jessie Buckley’s performance in *Sinners* appears to be the most secure win, but beyond that, the outcome remains tantalizingly uncertain. The era-defining horror film could still leave the ceremony with surprisingly few awards, despite its overwhelming nomination count.
One of the biggest surprises was the omission of Paul Mescal from the supporting actor category for his portrayal of Shakespeare in *Hamnet*. Many expected his performance to be recognized, especially after accolades from other awards bodies. However, Delroy Lindo secured a nomination for *Sinners*, a long-overdue acknowledgment of his talent and consistent brilliance.
The Academy’s choices also suggest a willingness to give rising stars time. Chase Infiniti, despite a strong debut in *One Battle After Another*, was overlooked in the best actress category, perhaps with the understanding that future opportunities await. Jeremy Allen White’s performance in *Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere* was also absent, but the most significant shock was the complete shutout of *Wicked: For Good*, including Ariana Grande’s acclaimed performance as Glinda.
History reveals that years with a wealth of exceptional films often result in unpredictable outcomes. *The Colour Purple* (1985) holds the unfortunate record of 11 nominations without a single win, a fate shared by *The Turning Point* (1977). More recently, *The Favourite* and *Joker* both received numerous nominations but ultimately secured only a few victories, and *The Shawshank Redemption* remarkably received no awards despite its enduring legacy.
A troubling question arises: is Hollywood hesitant to embrace complex, “real” women? The lack of nominations for Mona Fastvold’s *The Testament of Ann Lee* feels particularly disheartening, while Mary Bronstein’s *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You* received only a single nod for Rose Byrne’s performance. Both films offered challenging and thought-provoking narratives that deserved wider recognition.
Despite the snubs, the excitement surrounding the Oscars remains palpable. *Sinners* has finally received the recognition it deserves, but anything can happen on awards night. The upcoming Bafta Film Awards will further shape the narrative, and the hope is that deserving films like *Sinners* won’t be overshadowed by less deserving contenders.
The 2026 Oscars will unfold on March 15th at the Dolby Theatre, broadcast live to audiences worldwide, promising a night of suspense, celebration, and the enduring magic of cinema.
