The race for cinematic glory is officially on! The 2026 Oscars nominations are being unveiled, and the excitement is palpable.
Get ready for the 98th Academy Awards, set to illuminate our screens on Sunday, March 15th, with the telecast kicking off at 7 p.m. ET on ABC. Today, January 22, 2026, is the day we discover which films and performances will be vying for those coveted golden statues.
This year's nominations are being revealed live from the prestigious Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles. Stepping up to the microphone to announce all the contenders across the 24 categories are none other than the talented Oscar-nominated actor Danielle Brooks and the acclaimed actor Lewis Pullman. They'll be guiding us through the hopefuls for each award, including the exciting addition of the casting category – a first for the Academy Awards!
But here's where it gets interesting for film buffs: Each of the 24 categories will feature five nominees. However, the most prestigious award, Best Picture, will honor a grand total of 10 films. This means a wider net is being cast to recognize excellence in filmmaking.
To be eligible for this year's Academy Awards, a staggering 317 feature films were considered by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. For the highly competitive Best Picture category alone, 201 feature films were in contention. This certainly highlights the incredible breadth of talent and creativity in the film industry over the past year.
The voting process for these nominations was a swift but crucial period, commencing on January 12th and concluding on January 16th. This intense voting window ensures that the Academy members had ample time to deliberate and select their top choices.
And for those who love a good host, get ready for a familiar face! Conan O'Brien is set to return to the Oscars stage, hosting the ceremony for the second consecutive year. His previous hosting gig was a hit, so his return is sure to bring a unique blend of humor and charm to the evening.
And this is the part most people miss: While we're focused on the nominations, it's worth remembering the incredible journey these films and artists have taken. The sheer volume of eligible films speaks to the vibrant and diverse landscape of cinema today. Do you think adding a casting category is a positive step for the Oscars, or does it dilute the focus on traditional performance and directing categories? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
