The 98th Academy Awards nominations were announced on January 22, 2026, with a fresh mix of frontrunners, record-breakers, and surprising snubs that Hollywood and audiences around the world are buzzing about.
In a dramatic turn, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another — a gritty, powerful drama starring Leonardo DiCaprio — emerged as one of the top contenders, earning 13 nominations across major categories including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.
However, while One Battle After Another dominated positive attention, the biggest honor of the night went to Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. The vampire-tinged period epic made Academy Awards history by securing 16 nominations, more than any film in Oscar history — surpassing iconic titles like Titanic and La La Land.
The nominations announcement was presented by actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman during a live broadcast from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. The full slate spans 24 categories, and showcases a range of films from intense dramas to imaginative genre films.
A major talking point from the announcement was the exclusion of Homebound — India’s official entry for Best International Feature Film. Despite strong buzz and hopes that the film might bring home an Oscar nod for Indian cinema, it failed to secure a nomination in its category, disappointing fans and industry observers alike.
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Veteran host Conan O’Brien is set to return, promising a night full of celebration, surprises, and glamour. The event will be broadcast on ABC and streamed on platforms like Hulu, giving audiences worldwide front-row access to Hollywood’s biggest night.
As the countdown to the Oscars continues, the spotlight remains on Sinners and One Battle After Another — two films that have captured both critical acclaim and audience imagination. But for Indian cinema supporters, the Homebound snub is sure to spark conversation and reflection in award season discussions.