The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards were announced on January 22, 2026, by actors Lewis Pullman and Danielle Brooks from California. This year marks a significant change in the Oscars, as for the first time, casting directors will be recognized with a nomination category, allowing up to two casting directors per film to compete for an award.
In addition to the new casting category, plans are underway to introduce a category for stunt design at the 100th Academy Awards, which will celebrate films released in 2027. The 2026 Oscars will feature a total of 24 categories, each showcasing five nominees, with the exception of the prestigious Best Picture category, which will have ten contenders.
Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy, and Janet Yang, president, expressed their excitement in a March 2025 press release about bringing back Conan O’Brien as the host. They praised his ability to guide the evening with “humor, warmth, and reverence.” 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.”
The 98th Academy Awards will air live on ABC on March 15, 2026, at 19:00 ET. In a forward-looking move, the Academy announced in December 2025 that the awards show will transition to a broadcast on YouTube starting in 2029, with an agreement that extends through 2033.
As anticipation builds for the Oscars ceremony, the full list of nominees showcases an impressive array of talent. Here are some of the highlighted categories:
Best Picture:
– *Sinners*
– *Sentimental Value*
– *One Battle After Another*
– *Dear Me*
– *Train Dreams*
Best Casting:
– *Sinners*
– *Dear Me*
– *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*
– *Rajab*, Tunisia
The announcement of the nominees sets the stage for what is anticipated to be a memorable evening, celebrating outstanding achievements in cinema. The inclusion of new categories and a beloved host reflects the Academy’s commitment to evolving while honoring the artistic contributions of filmmakers and performers alike. As the Oscars approach, the film community and audiences worldwide await the celebration of creativity and excellence in the industry.
