Oscars 2026 nominations: Top 5 things to expect and how to watch award show
Hollywood is all set to witness some of Hollywood's finest, and their works take each other on. The Oscar 2026 nominations begin Thursday, with the nominees set to be revealed in two batches. They will be announced starting at 5:30 AM PT by 'The Color Purple' star Danielle Brooks and 'Thunderbolts' star Lewis Pullman
The duo will read out the categories for best supporting actor, supporting actress, costume design, animated short film, live-action short film, makeup and styling, original score, and writing (adapted and original screenplay). This will be followed by nominations for the best lead actor, actress, animated feature, best picture, cinematography, directing, documentary feature film, documentary short film, film editing, international feature film, music (original score), production design, sound, and visual effects.
Ahead of the nominations, here are five things to expect:
The new category — best casting
One of the major additions this year is for the best casting, where the choice of actors will make a major difference in a film becoming a success or a squib. In addition, the Oscars will also have the best stunt design from 2028.
Emily Blunt and Cynthia Arvo may miss out
Despite their versatility and brilliant acting chops, British stars Emily Blunt and Cynthia Arvo didn't move the needle much with 'The Smashing Man' and 'Wicked: For Good'. Will this be the year that the duo may see their names outside the nominations?
Can Michael B. Jordan earn a nomination?
Michael B. Jordan's steady rise was further catapulted with 'Sinners' becoming a commercial and critical success. With the film garnering quite the bouquets, the 2026 Oscars may see him receive a nomination — his first.
Leonardo DiCaprio vs new blood
There are slew of hard-hitters this time around, and all of them are ones challenging Leonardo DiCaprio ('One Battle After Another'). The likes of Jordan ('Sinners'), Ethan Hawke ('Blue Moon'), Jesse Plemons ('Bugonia'), and Timothée Chalamet ('Marty Supreme') are all major names vying for the top prize.
The spotlight on 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'
James Cameron's behemoth franchise has always been a major talking point each time the Oscars come about. However, there is the possibility that the third instalment may not make much of a splash in the awards category this time.
How to watch the Oscar 2026 nominations?
The presentation is held at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater, and can be live-streamed on Oscar.com, Oscars.org, and the Academy’s social media platforms. It will also be televised on ABC’s Good Morning America and streamed on ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. The 2026 Oscars is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood with Conan O'Brien returning as host. It will air live on ABC.
