Predicted 2026 Oscar Nominations in Key Categories

In the lead-up to the 2026 Academy Awards, predictions are emerging for potential nominees in major categories. Film enthusiasts are particularly keen on films that may not only shine at the box office but also resonate with audiences on a deeper level.

Predicted 2026 Oscar Nominations in Key Categories

This year’s Oscar predictions highlight an impressive lineup of films, particularly in the Best Picture category. Six titles stand out as frontrunners, with several others vying for recognition. The following films are predicted to dominate:

Best Picture

• Locks:
  • One Battle After Another
  • Hamnet
  • Sinners
  • Marty Supreme
  • Sentimental Value
  • It Was Just an Accident
  • Frankenstein
• Contenders:
  • Train Dreams
  • The Secret Agent
  • Avatar: Fire and Ash
  • Wicked: For Good
  • Weapons
  • No Other Choice
  • Sirāt
• Long Shots:
  • Jay Kelly
  • Bugonia
  • Sorry, Baby
  • F1
  • Blue Moon
  • Nouvelle Vague

The list indicates a commitment to celebrating diversity, with predictions that the Best Picture category may include three international films. Such a move challenges the notion of insularity and reflects the expansive nature of global cinema today.

Best Director

• Locks:
  • Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
• Contenders:
  • Jafar Panahi, It Was Just an Accident
  • Ryan Coogler, Sinners
  • Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value
  • Chloé Zhao, Hamnet
  • Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
  • Guillermo del Toro, Frankenstein
• Long Shots:
  • Kleber Mendonça Filho, The Secret Agent
  • Yorgos Lanthimos, Bugonia
  • James Cameron, Avatar: Fire and Ash

Best Actress

• Locks:
  • Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
  • Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
• Contenders:
  • Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue
  • Emma Stone, Bugonia
  • Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value
  • Chase Infiniti, One Battle After Another

Best Actor

• Locks:
  • Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another
  • Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme
  • Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent
• Contenders:
  • Michael B. Jordan, Sinners
  • Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon
  • Joel Edgerton, Train Dreams
  • Jesse Plemons, Bugonia
  • Oscar Isaac, Frankenstein

Best Supporting Actress and Actor

• Supporting Actress Locks:
  • Teyana Taylor, One Battle After Another
• Supporting Actor Locks:
  • Benicio del Toro, One Battle After Another
  • Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
  • Stellan Skarsgård, Sentimental Value

This year’s awards race appears vibrant and competitive, showcasing a blend of established names and emerging talent. As Oscar nominations approach, the landscape is set to evolve, with many surprises still possible.