Insights and Highlights from the 98th Academy Award Nominations

The 98th Academy Award nominations have made a significant impact on Hollywood history, introducing exceptional records and new trends. As always, this year’s nominations spark curiosity and excitement among cinema enthusiasts. With a record number of nominations, the Awards reflect evolving trends within the film industry.

Overall Stats & Trivia from the 98th Academy Awards

• “Sinners” leads all films with 16 nominations, setting a new record.
• Over the past three years, multiple films have received 13 nominations, with “One Battle After Another” joining the ranks as the 13th film to achieve this.
• Achievements this year include Josh Safdie’s four nominations, marking him as the twelfth individual to receive four nominations in one year.
• This year, every Best Director nominee is also nominated for writing, a trend observed for the third time.
• The horror genre has seen a remarkable upswing with 27 nominations for films like “Sinners” and “Frankenstein.”
• In a surprising twist, this marks the first time in 20 years that Searchlight Pictures has not received a nomination.

Best Picture Highlights

This year continues a trend of Best Picture nominees being released outside the typical fall-winter window. Notable mentions include:

• “Sinners” was released on April 18th, 2025.
• Adam Somner received a posthumous nomination for Best Picture, making him the sixth person to achieve this.
• Leonardo DiCaprio ties Robert De Niro for most appearances in Best Picture nominees, thrilling audiences with 12 credited performances.
• Timothée Chalamet and Emma Stone have made history by achieving nominations for both Best Actor/Actress and Best Picture in the same year.
• With “Sinners” being the eighth horror film nominated for Best Picture, it exemplifies the increasing recognition of diverse genres.

Noteworthy Developments in Best Director and Acting Categories

Chloé Zhao solidifies her legacy as the only woman of color nominated twice in Best Director history. Alongside her, Ryan Coogler stands out as the seventh Black filmmaker nominated for this prestigious category. Notable achievements in acting include:

• 16 out of 20 nominees this year came from Best Picture nominees, aligning closely with historical records.
• Michael B. Jordan’s nomination for portraying twins in “Sinners” showcases timely representation in film.
• Wagner Moura’s nomination marks another milestone, highlighting the increasing visibility of actors from non-English-language productions.

Exciting New Categories and Craft Statistics

This year introduced a groundbreaking category: Best Casting, marking the first new category since Best Animated Feature in 2001. The addition underscores the Academy’s commitment to recognizing various aspects of filmmaking. In craftsmanship, notable inclusions involve:

• Ruth E. Carter’s fifth Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design makes her the most-nominated Black woman in the category’s history.
• Diane Warren received her 17th nomination for Best Original Song, breaking records as one of the most nominated individuals in this category.

Concluding Remarks

The 98th Academy Award nominations have not only rekindled excitement but also laid bare the changing landscape of the film industry. With numerous records set, trends noted, and a strong representation of diverse voices, this year’s nominations are poised to reflect a fresh era for the Oscars. The awards ceremony will take place on March 15th, 2026, promising to further illuminate this year’s remarkable achievements.