Essential Guide to the 2026 Academy Awards: Favorites, Winners, and Trends
Compared to the tumultuous events of last year's ceremony, the 98th Academy Awards feels remarkably calm and predictable. Recall the chaos of 2025: devastating Californian wildfires had just struck Hollywood, Donald Trump returned to the White House with an anti-Hollywood agenda, and the industry mourned the sudden death of two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman. Adding to the drama, offensive historic tweets from Emilia Perez star Karla Sofia Gascon dominated the awards season headlines.
This year, while not without its own controversies—such as the BBC's mishandling of Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson's tic at the BAFTAs—the awards cycle has been relatively smooth. This stability is largely due to a handful of acclaimed films sweeping major awards, leaving little suspense for the Oscars. However, this predictability increases the chance of an unexpected viral moment, reminiscent of past incidents like Slapgate. Here is everything you need to know about Hollywood's premier night.
The Leading Films
If you aim to watch as many Oscar-nominated films as possible before the event, focus on those with the most nominations. Ryan Coogler's supernatural period thriller Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan, set a new record with 16 nominations. Leonardo DiCaprio's One Battle After Another follows closely with 13 nods, while Marty Supreme, Sentimental Value, and Frankenstein each earned nine nominations. Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao returns with Hamnet, which received eight nominations and critical acclaim.
Australian Contenders
Australia may not match the record 14 nominees from 2016, but it boasts strong contenders in key categories. Rose Byrne delivers a career-best performance in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, nominated for best actress, while Jacob Elordi's transformative role in Frankenstein earns him a best supporting actor nod. Unfortunately, Byrne faces tough competition from Hamnet's Jessie Buckley, who is considered a frontrunner. Elordi, however, could surprise in a wide-open category that has seen wins for Sean Penn and Stellan Skarsgard this season.
Other Australians in the mix include Nick Cave, nominated for best original song for Train Dreams, though his chances are slim due to competition. Fiona Crombie is up for best production design for Hamnet, and Guido Wolter for best visual effects for Sinners.
Controversies and Backlash
While not as explosive as last year's scandals, discontent around Marty Supreme director Josh Safdie has simmered in the background. Allegations of a toxic work environment on a previous film set, leading to a split from his brother Benny, have sparked debate. Some dismiss it as a smear campaign, but it appears to have affected awards voters. Star Timothee Chalamet, once a favorite, won early awards but has since struggled, with the film losing all 11 BAFTAs last month.
Historical Momentum
Sinners not only broke nomination records but is gaining momentum that could sway Academy voters. Set in 1930s Mississippi, with digital effects portraying Jordan as twin brothers, the film uses prohibition, vampires, and white supremacists as an allegory for American race politics. It wowed critics, broke box office records, and was hailed as culturally significant. Support grew after Jordan and co-star Delroy Lindo were present at the BAFTAs during Davidson's controversial incident.
Top Awards Predictions
Despite Sinners' late surge, One Battle After Another remains a consistent favorite for best director and best picture. Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson is widely seen as overdue for an Oscar, and the film's recent Producers Guild Award win is a strong indicator—seven of the past eight PGA winners have gone on to win the Academy Award for best picture. However, the preferential voting system might benefit Sinners, which enjoys broad support across Academy branches.
International Influence
Sentimental Value set a record for most nominations for a foreign-language film, reflecting growing recognition for international cinema since Parasite's 2020 best picture win. This year, two foreign-language films are among the 10 best picture nominees, with some arguing that Iranian Cannes winner It Was Just an Accident was overlooked. Changes in voting processes, allowing all Academy members to vote on best international film, have increased exposure to global cinema, finally aligning the Oscars with worldwide trends.
Golden Moments and Tributes
Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters is poised for a crowning moment, favored to win best animated feature and best original song for Golden, overshadowing Nick Cave's entry. The Demon Hunters will perform live during the ceremony. In memoriam, the Oscars will pay tribute to beloved director Rob Reiner, allegedly murdered by his son, with a special segment featuring Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, and others. Barbra Streisand may perform The Way We Were in honor of Robert Redford.
Red Carpet Highlights
For many, the real competition unfolds on the red carpet. Watch for One Battle After Another star Teyana Taylor, nominated for best supporting actress, who has delivered fierce looks this season. Timothee Chalamet and partner Kylie Jenner's coordinated outfits will be closely scrutinized. Other standouts include Odessa A'zion from Marty Supreme, Emma Stone from Bugonia, and veterans like Rose Byrne and Kate Hudson, who bring old-school Hollywood glamour.
Host and Presenters
Conan O'Brien returns as host after a solid performance last year, with anticipation high for his opening sketch. Presenters include last year's winners Adrien Brody, Keiran Culkin, Zoe Sandana, and Mikey Madison, alongside stars like Robert Downey Jr., Anne Hathaway, and Chris Evans. The 98th Academy Awards will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 16, broadcast on Channel 7 and 7PLUS from 8am.
