The Hollywood awards season has officially reached full throttle following the announcement of the 2026 Academy Awards nominations, setting the stage for an intensely competitive Oscars race. Several high-profile films dominated the nominations across major categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, and acting awards, while a few surprise inclusions and omissions quickly became the subject of debate among critics and fans alike.
Industry analysts say this year’s nominations reflect a strong mix of commercial cinema and bold storytelling, highlighting the Academy’s evolving tastes. With voting still weeks away, momentum is expected to shift as campaigns intensify, red-carpet appearances multiply, and guild awards influence final outcomes ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night.
The Academy Award nominations are out, and Sinners dominates with 16 nominations — including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay — setting a new record for the awards season. This year’s Oscars race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
