The 2026 Oscars nominations have arrived, and they confirm one thrilling truth: cinema isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving. A remarkable number of exceptional films battled for recognition, culminating in a historic moment – Ryan Coogler’sSinnersshattering all previous records with a staggering 16 nominations.
No film in the Academy’s 98-year history has ever achieved such a feat. Iconic movies likeAll About Eve,Titanic, andLa La Land, once record holders themselves, now stand in its wake. This unprecedented achievement has firmly positionedSinnersas the frontrunner, but the race is far from over.
Despite its impressive lead, the path to victory remains uncertain.Sinnershas previously played the role of bridesmaid to other contenders, includingOne Battle After Another, at earlier awards ceremonies. While the Oscars have given it a significant advantage, formidable rivals remain close behind.
One Battle After Anotherboasts 13 nominations, whileSentimental Value,Frankenstein, andMarty Supremeeach secured nine. EvenHamnetgarnered eight nods, highlighting the sheer wealth of cinematic excellence this year. Some early favorites, likeThe Smashing MachineandA House of Dynamite, found themselves largely overlooked, a testament to the fierce competition.
The Academy also showed a touch of sentimentality, ensuring Ethan Hawke remained in the best actor conversation forBlue Moon, a long-deserved recognition. Kate Hudson received her first nomination in 25 years forSong Sung Blue, a heartwarming moment for a beloved performer.
While personal preferences may vary – some foundSinnersmore compelling than the critically acclaimedOne Battle After Another– the quality across the board is undeniable.Sentimental Value,Frankenstein,Marty Supreme, andHamnetall deserve praise for their unique contributions to the year’s cinematic landscape.
Currently, Jessie Buckley’s anticipated win for best actress inHamnetfeels almost assured. However, beyond that, the outcome remains tantalizingly unpredictable. Despite its dominance in nominations,Sinnerscould still leave the ceremony with surprisingly few awards, a sobering reminder that even brilliance isn’t always guaranteed recognition.
The snubbing of Paul Mescal for his portrayal of William Shakespeare inHamnetwas a shock to many, especially considering his previous accolades. WhileHamnetrightfully shines a spotlight on Jessie Buckley’s captivating performance, Mescal’s nuanced portrayal was equally deserving of praise.
However, his absence opened a door for Delroy Lindo, who secured a nomination for his powerful performance inSinners. This recognition feels particularly significant, a long-overdue acknowledgment of his talent, especially after being overlooked for his work inDa 5 Bloods. The Academy often rewards perseverance, and Lindo’s moment has finally arrived.
The omission of newcomer Chase Infiniti from the best actress category forOne Battle After Anothersuggests a belief in her future potential. Similarly, Jeremy Allen White’s sensitive performance inSpringsteen: Deliver Me From Nowherewent unnoticed, but the most significant outcry surrounds the complete shutout ofWicked: For Good, and Ariana Grande’s exceptional performance as Glinda.
History is filled with examples of years where a multitude of outstanding films compete for limited awards.The Colour Purple(1985) holds the unfortunate record of receiving 11 nominations without a single win, a fate shared byThe Turning Point(1977). More recently,The FavouriteandJokerboth received numerous nominations but ultimately won only a few awards.
Even critically acclaimed films likeThe Shawshank Redemptionwere surprisingly overlooked, failing to win any of its seven nominations. These instances serve as a humbling reminder that awards don’t always reflect a film’s lasting impact or artistic merit.
The Academy’s choices also raise questions about the representation of complex female characters. The lack of recognition for Mona Fastvold’sThe Testament of Ann Leeand Mary Bronstein’sIf I Had Legs I’d Kick Youfeels particularly disheartening, especially considering their originality and emotional depth. These indie gems deserved a wider platform and greater consideration.
Both films offered challenging and thought-provoking narratives, proving that compelling storytelling doesn’t require a massive budget. Daniel Blumberg’s mesmerizing score forThe Testament of Ann Leealso deserved recognition, highlighting the often-overlooked artistry of film music.
As the awards season progresses, anything is still possible. WhileSinnershas emerged as the clear frontrunner, the outcome remains uncertain. The upcoming Bafta Film Awards will undoubtedly add another layer of intrigue to the race. The hope is that the night doesn’t see films likeAvatar: Fire and AshandF1unexpectedly triumph over the deservingSinners.
