The Oscars 2026, officially known as the 98th Academy Awards, will take place tonight at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, where the global film industry gathers each year to honour the most significant achievements in cinema. Organised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the ceremony brings together leading actors, directors, producers and filmmakers from across the world as the industry waits to discover which films and performances will receive the famous golden Oscar statuettes.
The event will once again be hosted by comedian and television presenter Conan O'Brien, who returns after his widely praised performance as host in 2025. Known for mixing sharp satire with affectionate humour, O’Brien is expected to deliver a monologue reflecting on the year in cinema as well as on wider cultural and political themes that shaped the film industry.
As The WP Times reports, citing information from BBC, the race for several of the most prestigious awards remains unusually open this year. While some categories have clear frontrunners, others — including best actor, best supporting actress and best picture — remain highly competitive only hours before the ceremony begins. Among the films attracting the most attention in the Oscars 2026 nominations are the political drama One Battle After Another, widely seen as a leading contender for best picture, and the vampire-themed film Sinners, which received a record 16 nominations and has become one of the most discussed productions of the awards season.
In the acting categories, Irish actress Jessie Buckley is widely predicted by critics to win best actress for her performance in the historical drama Hamnet. The best actor race, however, remains far less certain. Actors including Michael B. Jordan, Timothée Chalamet and Wagner Moura have all gained momentum during the awards season following victories at major industry ceremonies.
Voting for the Academy Awards 2026 took place between 26 February and 5 March, with the final results determined by more than 11,000 members of the Academy, representing professionals across every branch of filmmaking. Because the Academy’s voting body includes directors, actors, writers, editors and technical specialists, the results often reflect both artistic recognition and broader industry support — meaning that surprises on the night are not uncommon. The ceremony begins at 16:00 Pacific Time in Los Angeles (23:00 GMT in the United Kingdom) and will be broadcast internationally. Millions of viewers are expected to follow the event live as the envelopes are opened and the Oscar winners of 2026 are revealed.
Key films and contenders dominating the Oscars 2026 race
Although ten films have been nominated in the best picture category, the awards race has largely narrowed to two dominant contenders.
The political drama One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, has built strong momentum throughout the awards season after a series of victories at major precursor ceremonies. Industry observers believe Anderson could finally secure his long-awaited first Oscar for best director after decades of critical acclaim. However, strong support within the Academy also surrounds Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler. The film’s combination of genre storytelling and social themes has resonated with many voters, and its 16 nominations mark one of the highest totals ever achieved by a single film in recent Oscar history. Meanwhile, the acting categories remain highly competitive, particularly in the race for best actor.
Main contenders in major categories
| Category | Leading contenders | Key factors |
|---|---|---|
| Best Picture | One Battle After Another, Sinners | Strong awards-season momentum vs record nominations |
| Best Actress | Jessie Buckley (Hamnet) | Dominant performance across critics and festival awards |
| Best Actor | Michael B. Jordan, Timothée Chalamet, Wagner Moura | Split victories across major ceremonies |
| Best Supporting Actor | Sean Penn (One Battle After Another) | Recent wins at BAFTA and Actor Awards |
| Best Supporting Actress | Amy Madigan, Wunmi Mosaku, Teyana Taylor | Highly divided voting patterns |
Industry analysts note that the best actor category has been particularly unpredictable this year. The awards season has produced different winners at nearly every major ceremony, suggesting that the final result may remain uncertain until the envelope is opened on stage.
New casting category introduced at the Oscars
One of the structural changes in this year’s ceremony is the introduction of a new category recognising excellence in casting. The addition reflects the growing recognition within the film industry that casting directors play a central role in shaping performances, storytelling and the overall success of a film.
For the first time in the history of the Academy Awards, productions will also compete in a dedicated casting category, highlighting the work of professionals responsible for selecting the actors who bring film characters to life. Casting directors have long been considered one of the most influential yet often overlooked creative roles in filmmaking.
Five films nominated for best picture at the 98th Academy Awards have also received nominations in the new casting category, underlining how closely casting decisions are linked to a film’s overall success during the awards season.
These films include:
- The Secret Agent
- Hamnet
- Marty Supreme
- One Battle After Another
- Sinners
| Film | Casting nomination | Awards relevance |
|---|---|---|
| The Secret Agent | Yes | Strong ensemble cast |
| Hamnet | Yes | Performance-driven historical drama |
| Marty Supreme | Yes | Recognised for character casting |
| One Battle After Another | Yes | Leading contender for best picture |
| Sinners | Yes | One of the most nominated films of the year |
Industry observers say the introduction of the casting category reflects the Academy’s broader effort to recognise the full creative process behind filmmaking. By highlighting the role of casting directors, the Oscars are acknowledging that the selection of actors often determines how convincingly a story resonates with audiences worldwide.
How the Oscars voting system works
The winners of the Oscars are chosen by the members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which currently includes more than 11,000 professionals working in the global film industry. The Academy is divided into specialised branches representing different areas of filmmaking, including actors, directors, producers, editors, cinematographers, composers and visual-effects specialists. In most categories, only members of the relevant branch nominate the candidates, while the final voting round is open to the entire Academy membership. This structure is designed to balance technical expertise with broader industry consensus. As a result, the Oscars often reward films that combine artistic innovation with strong professional support across multiple filmmaking disciplines.
Because of this complex voting system, the final outcome of the ceremony can sometimes differ from earlier awards such as the Golden Globes, BAFTA or Critics Choice Awards. With the ceremony set to begin tonight in Hollywood, the global film industry — along with millions of viewers worldwide — now awaits the final moment when the envelopes are opened and the winners of the Academy Awards 2026 are announced.
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