The race for the 98th Academy Awards is officially on. The nominations, announced on January 22, 2026, have set the stage for what looks to be one of the most exciting and diverse contests in recent memory. With ten films vying for the top prize, the list includes a record-breaking musical horror, intimate international dramas, high-speed action, and gothic monster tales. This year’s Best Picture lineup offers something for every kind of movie fan, and catching up on these must-watch nominees is the perfect way to get ready for Hollywood’s biggest night on March 15.
The 2026 Best Picture Nominees: A Record-Breaking Year
This year’s nominations were historic. Ryan Coogler‘s “Sinners” led the pack with a staggering 16 nominations, breaking the long-standing record held by classics like “All About Eve,” “Titanic,” and “La La Land”. Hot on its heels is Paul Thomas Anderson‘s “One Battle After Another” with 13 nominations, solidifying its position as a major front-runner.
The full list of Best Picture nominees is: “Bugonia,” “F1,” “Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “One Battle After Another,” “The Secret Agent,” “Sentimental Value,” “Sinners,” and “Train Dreams”. The variety is striking, ranging from Netflix’s big-budget monster movie “Frankenstein” to the Norwegian family drama “Sentimental Value,” which earned four acting nominations.
“I fell asleep last night watching Pretty Woman, thinking about happy endings and how impossible they sometimes feel… and I woke up realizing I’ve been living in one,” said Teyana Taylor, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for “One Battle After Another”.
“Sinners”: A Genre-Defying Record-Setter
Directed by Ryan Coogler, “Sinners” is not just another vampire movie. This musical horror film, starring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as twin brothers, is a tribute to Black music history wrapped in a thrilling narrative. Its record 16 nominations span every craft category, proving its strength across the board. Michael B. Jordan shared his unique approach to playing two characters, saying he created detailed backstories to differentiate the twins, right down to who left the toilet seat up last. The film is a major achievement for Coogler and a must-watch for its bold vision and electrifying performances.
“One Battle After Another”: The Political Thriller to Beat
Paul Thomas Anderson‘s “One Battle After Another” has been sweeping award season, and its 13 Oscar nominations confirm its powerhouse status. This comedic political thriller features a stellar cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, and Teyana Taylor. Critics have called it a “masterpiece” and “crackerjack” film that defies easy description. DiCaprio described the film’s appeal, noting, “These flawed characters are just trying to find their way against these imperialistic forces. It’s genius, because it subverts all expectations”. It’s a complex, thrilling watch that is considered a top contender for the Best Picture award.
“Hamnet” and “Marty Supreme”: Intimate Drama and Unstoppable Energy
On one end of the spectrum is Chloé Zhao‘s “Hamnet,” a stunning emotional story about William Shakespeare’s family, love, and loss. Led by remarkable performances from Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, the film is a quiet, powerful exploration of grief and art. Buckley compared working with Zhao to a “fever dream,” highlighting the unique creative connection.
On the complete opposite end is Josh Safdie‘s “Marty Supreme.” This film is a two-and-a-half-hour blast of pure energy centered on the world of competitive ping-pong. Timothée Chalamet gives a sensational, fast-talking performance as a talented but arrogant young man. The role reaffirmed Chalamet’s creative control, with the actor noting, “These last two, three years have been reaffirming the authorship that I had very organically at the beginning of my career”.
International Spotlight: “Sentimental Value” and “The Secret Agent”
This year continues the strong trend of international films in the Best Picture category. Joachim Trier‘s Norwegian drama “Sentimental Value” is a Bergmanesque family story that earned an impressive four acting nominations. The film explores sisterhood and family dynamics in a way that deeply resonated with nominee Elle Fanning.
“Joachim put on screen what it feels like to have an older-younger sister dynamic,” Fanning told USA TODAY. “Who becomes the protector and how does that change as you get older? It really touched us”.
From Brazil, “The Secret Agent” is a political thriller starring Wagner Moura, who made history as the first Brazilian nominated for Best Actor. The film marks a major achievement for director Kleber Mendonça Filho and adds gripping, international intrigue to the nominee list.
Where to Watch the 2026 Best Picture Nominees
For viewers looking to catch up, many of these films are already available to stream or will be soon.
“Frankenstein” and “Train Dreams” are currently streaming on Netflix.
“Bugonia” and “Hamnet” are from Focus Features and are available on digital on-demand platforms.
“Sinners,” “One Battle After Another,” and “F1” are Warner Bros. releases. “F1” is an Apple Original Film and streams on Apple TV+.
“Marty Supreme” is an A24 film, “The Secret Agent” and “Sentimental Value” are from Neon. These are typically available through on-demand rental or purchase.
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The show will be televised live on ABC and streamed live on Hulu, with Conan O’Brien returning as host.
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