The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards were officially announced on January 22, 2026, by actors Lewis Pullman and Danielle Brooks in California. This year marks a notable shift in the awards landscape, as the Academy has introduced a new category recognizing the contributions of casting directors, allowing up to two directors per film to be eligible for an award.
The 2026 Oscars will feature a total of 24 categories, with five nominees each, except for the prestigious Best Picture category, which will boast ten contenders. This change reflects the Academy’s ongoing efforts to adapt and evolve, as they prepare for the milestone 100th awards ceremony set for 2027, which will include a new category for stunt design.
In a statement from Bill Kramer, Academy CEO, and Janet Yang, Academy President, both expressed excitement about the upcoming ceremony, emphasizing the return of Conan O’Brien as host. They highlighted his ability to blend humor, warmth, and reverence into the evening’s proceedings. O’Brien, 62, humorously remarked, “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” showcasing his light-hearted approach to the prestigious event.
The awards show is scheduled to air on ABC on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 19:00 ET. Notably, the Academy also announced in December 2025 that the Oscars will transition to a broadcast on YouTube in 2029, with the deal extending through 2033. This move signals a shift toward modernizing the awards and reaching broader audiences.
As anticipation builds for the Oscars, the nominees in key categories have been revealed. Some highlights include:
– **Best Picture**
– *Sinners*
– *Sentimental Value*
– *One Battle After Another*
– **Best Casting**
– *Dear Me,* Diane Warren: *Relentless*
– *Train Dreams,* *Train Dreams*
– **Best Costume Design**
– *Frankenstein*
– *Forevergreen*
– *Butcher’s Stain*
– **Best Documentary Feature Film**
– *The Perfect Neighbor*
– *Armed Only With a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud*
– **Best International Feature Film**
– *The Voice of Hind* from Tunisia
The 2026 Oscars promise to celebrate not only film excellence but also the evolving nature of the industry. As nominees prepare for Hollywood’s biggest night, the Academy continues to innovate while honoring the rich history of cinematic achievement.
