At a Glance
- Sinners becomes the first film to earn 16 Oscar nods at the 98th Academy Awards.
- The sequel Wicked: For Good is left out of the entire nomination slate.
- Surprise nods arrive for Delroy Lindo and Kate Hudson.
Why it matters: The Oscars are reshaping the industry’s expectations, with record-breaking nominations and high-profile snubs that could influence future projects.
The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards were announced on January 22, 2026, and the list is full of surprises. While Sinners set a new record with 16 nominations, the beloved sequel Wicked: For Good was completely omitted from the ballot. The decision has sparked debate among fans and critics alike.
Record-Breaking Nominations
Sinners has shattered the Oscars record for the most nominations ever received by a single film, securing 16 slots across the categories. The achievement marks a milestone for the film’s creators and its cast, who have been praised for their performances and the movie’s technical achievements.
Key categories for Sinners include:
- Best Picture
- Best Director
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Supporting Actor
- Best Supporting Actress
- Best Original Screenplay
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best Cinematography
- Best Production Design
- Best Costume Design
- Best Makeup and Hairstyling
- Best Film Editing
- Best Original Score
- Best Sound
- Best Visual Effects
Surprises and Snubs
The nomination list also features several high-profile snubs that have drawn criticism.
Snubs
- Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo: Both were not included in the Best Actress or Best Supporting Actress categories, despite their roles in Wicked: For Good.
- Paul Mescal: His performance in Hamnet was overlooked for Best Actor, despite being a strong contender.
- Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt: Neither received nominations for their roles in the MMA biopic, even though they were recognized at the Golden Globes.
- George Clooney and Adam Sandler: Neither was nominated for their work in Jay Kelly.
- Chase Infiniti: The 25-year-old lead in One Battle After Another was left out of the Best Actress race.
Surprises
- Delroy Lindo: The veteran actor earned his first Oscar nomination in the Best Supporting Actor category, a welcome surprise after being absent from the Golden Globes.
- Kate Hudson: She received a second nomination for her role in Song Sung Blue, marking her first Best Actress nod after a 25-year career.
Host and Broadcast Details
Conan O’Brien is returning to host the ceremony, which will air live on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and stream on Hulu. The 2029 broadcast will move to YouTube.
Key Takeaways
- Sinners sets a new Oscar record with 16 nominations, signaling a strong industry endorsement.
- The omission of Wicked: For Good from the nominations has raised questions about the Academy’s selection process.
- Several major stars were snubbed, potentially influencing their future projects and fan reception.
- Surprise nominations for Delroy Lindo and Kate Hudson highlight the Academy’s willingness to recognize a diverse range of talent.
The Oscars continue to be a barometer for the film industry, and this year’s nominations underscore both the achievements and controversies that shape Hollywood’s landscape.
