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Oscar Nominees in Primary Classes: The 98th Academy Awards Nominee List

Introduction

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially unveiled the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, setting the stage for a highly competitive ceremony scheduled for March 15 in Hollywood. As the awards season reaches its peak, film enthusiasts and industry analysts are scrutinizing the list of contenders across the primary categories.

This year’s nominations highlight a diverse range of storytelling, from horror to historical drama, with several films breaking records and challenging expectations. The vampire duration horror film “Sinners” has emerged as the frontrunner, shattering previous records with a staggering 16 nominations. closely following is “One Battle After Another” with 13 nods. Meanwhile, “Frankenstein,” “Marty Supreme,” and “Sentimental Value” have each secured nine nominations, indicating a tight race for the coveted awards.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down the key nominees in the primary classes, analyze the trends, and provide context for the upcoming ceremony.

Key Points

Background

The 98th Academy Awards represent a pivotal moment in cinematic history. The nominations reflect the voting preferences of over 10,000 Academy members, spanning various branches of the film industry. This year’s ballot is particularly notable for the strong performance of genre films, specifically horror and experimental drama, which have historically been underrepresented in top categories.

The ceremony, set to take place on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, will be a celebration of the films released within the eligibility window (typically the previous calendar year). The dominance of films like “Sinners” suggests a shift in voter appetite, while the inclusion of legacy directors like Paul Thomas Anderson and Chloe Zhao highlights the continued relevance of established auteurs.

Analysis of the Primary Categories

The nominations for the primary classes—Best Picture, Best Director, and the four acting categories—offer the clearest insight into the year’s cinematic landscape.

Best Picture Nominees

The Best Picture category is the most prestigious award of the night. For the 98th Oscars, the Academy has selected ten films, each representing a unique vision and genre:

1. **”Bugonia”:** A standout original work that has captured the imagination of voters.
2. **”F1″:** A high-octane drama likely appealing to fans of action and sports cinema.
3. **”Frankenstein”:** A fresh adaptation of the classic gothic novel, contributing to the film’s nine nominations.
4. **”Hamnet”:** A period drama that has earned Chloe Zhao a directing nomination.
5. **”Marty Supreme”:** Part of the trio with nine nominations, this film is a critical darling.
6. **”One Battle After Another”:** With 13 nominations, this is a major heavyweight in the race.
7. **”The Secret Agent”:** A contender in both the general field and the international category.
8. **”Sentimental Value”:** A film that resonated deeply with voters, securing nine nominations.
9. **”Sinners”:** The record-breaking horror film that defies genre expectations.
10. **”Train Dreams”:** Completing the list of ten Best Picture nominees.

Best Director

The directing nominees reflect a mix of veteran filmmakers and modern visionaries:

* **Paul Thomas Anderson (“One Battle After Another”):** Anderson’s work on a film with 13 nominations solidifies his status as a master filmmaker.
* **Ryan Coogler (“Sinners”):** Coogler’s direction of the record-breaking horror film is a significant achievement, marking a bold shift in his directorial portfolio.
* **Josh Safdie (“Marty Supreme”):** Safdie’s unique kinetic style has earned him a spot among the elite.
* **Joachim Trier (“Sentimental Value”):** Trier’s work on the Norwegian film highlights the international influence on this year’s directing category.
* **Chloe Zhao (“Hamnet”):** Zhao continues her impressive career trajectory with this nomination.

Best Actor

The Best Actor category features a blend of established Hollywood stars and intense performances:

* **Timothee Chalamet (“Marty Supreme”):** Chalamet continues to build his reputation as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
* **Leonardo DiCaprio (“One Battle After Another”):** A perennial Oscar favorite, DiCaprio’s performance is central to his film’s 13 nominations.
* **Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”):** Hawke receives recognition for a performance that likely explores complex emotional terrain.
* **Michael B. Jordan (“Sinners”):** Jordan’s role in the horror epic demonstrates his ability to carry a genre-defining film.
* **Wagner Moura (“The Secret Agent”):** Moura’s nomination brings international attention to the Brazilian production.

Best Actress

The Best Actress lineup showcases powerful female leads across various genres:

* **Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”):** Known for her intense character work, Buckley is a strong contender.
* **Rose Byrne (“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”):** Byrne’s nomination highlights a performance that likely balances drama and comedy.
* **Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”):** Hudson secures a nomination for a role that has resonated with the Academy.
* **Renate Reinsve (“Sentimental Value”):** Reinsve’s nomination adds to the film’s tally of nine nods.
* **Emma Stone (“Bugonia”):** Stone, a previous winner, is recognized for her work in the Best Picture nominee “Bugonia.”

Best Supporting Actor

The supporting categories are often where films secure their technical and ensemble strengths:

* **Benicio Del Toro (“One Battle After Another”):** Del Toro adds weight to the film’s already heavy nomination count.
* **Jacob Elordi (“Frankenstein”):** Elordi’s participation in the classic adaptation has earned him a spot.
* **Delroy Lindo (“Sinners”):** Lindo’s presence adds gravitas to the record-breaking horror film.
* **Sean Penn (“One Battle After Another”):** Penn brings his veteran status to the film.
* **Stellan Skarsgard (“Sentimental Value”):** Skarsgard’s nomination is a testament to the film’s strong ensemble.

Best Supporting Actress

* **Elle Fanning (“Sentimental Value”):** Fanning is recognized for her role in the Norwegian film.
* **Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (“Sentimental Value”):** A second nomination for the film, highlighting its strong female cast.
* **Amy Madigan (“Weapons”):** Madigan’s nomination brings attention to the film “Weapons.”
* **Wunmi Mosaku (“Sinners”):** Mosaku adds to the accolades for the horror frontrunner.
* **Teyana Taylor (“One Battle After Another”):** Taylor’s performance has secured her a place among the nominees.

Practical Advice for Oscar Pools and Viewing

For those participating in Oscar pools or looking to catch up on the nominated films before the March 15 ceremony, here is a strategic approach:

How to Watch the Nominees

Most major streaming platforms (Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video) and theatrical releases will feature the nominated films. Given the high number of nominations for “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another,” prioritize watching these films to understand the frontrunners.

Predicting the Winners

* **Best Picture:** Look for a split between the two top contenders. “Sinners” represents the populist/technical choice, while “One Battle After Another” represents the prestige drama.
* **Acting Categories:** These often go to “overdue” actors or those with transformative roles. In the case of Wagner Moura (“The Secret Agent”), the international appeal could sway voters, though domestic stars like DiCaprio and Jordan are strong competition.
* **International Feature:** “Sentimental Value” (Norway) and “The Voice of Hind Rajab” (Tunisia) are strong contenders, but “The Secret Agent” (Brazil) has cross-over appeal due to its simultaneous Best Picture nomination.

Key Dates to Remember

* **Nominees Announced:** January 22, 2026 (as per the source data).
* **Oscar Ceremony:** March 15, 2026.
* **Voting Deadlines:** Voters typically have a window in February to cast their final ballots.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Which movie received the most nominations?**
A: “Sinners” received the most nominations with a total of 16, breaking previous records for a horror film.

**Q: How many movies are nominated for Best Picture?**
A: There are ten movies nominated for Best Picture at the 98th Academy Awards.

**Q: Are there any surprise nominations this year?**
A: Yes, the strong showing for “Sinners” (a vampire horror movie) in major categories like Best Picture and Best Director is considered a surprise by many industry analysts, as genre films are often overlooked.

**Q: Who are the directors nominated for Best Director?**
A: The nominees are Paul Thomas Anderson, Ryan Coogler, Josh Safdie, Joachim Trier, and Chloe Zhao.

**Q: What international films are nominated?**
A: The nominees for Best International Feature include “The Secret Agent” (Brazil), “It Was Just an Accident” (France), “Sentimental Value” (Norway), “Sirat” (Spain), and “The Voice of Hind Rajab” (Tunisia).

**Q: When are the 98th Oscars taking place?**
A: The ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026, in Hollywood.

Conclusion

The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards paint a picture of a vibrant and competitive year in film. With “Sinners” leading the charge with 16 nominations and “One Battle After Another” close behind with 13, the race for the primary classes—Best Picture, Best Director, and the acting awards—is wide open. The inclusion of films like “Frankenstein,” “Marty Supreme,” and “Sentimental Value” ensures that the ceremony will celebrate a mix of horror, drama, and international cinema. As March 15 approaches, audiences will be watching closely to see which of these record-breaking films takes home the gold.