The 98th Academy Awards nominations arrived this morning with a history-making roar, as Ryan Coogler’s supernatural thriller Sinners shattered an all-time industry record. Announced live from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater by The Color Purple star Danielle Brooks and Thunderbolts* actor Lewis Pullman, the 2026 Oscar nominations set the stage for a monumental showdown. Leading the pack with an unprecedented 16 nods, Sinners has officially eclipsed the long-standing record of 14 nominations previously shared by All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land. The morning also delivered a long-awaited career milestone for Michael B. Jordan, earning his first-ever Best Actor nomination, while solidifying comedy icon Conan O'Brien as the host for the upcoming ceremony on March 15.

Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’ Rewrites Oscar History

For years, the "magic number" at the Academy Awards was 14. Today, Ryan Coogler and his team obliterated that ceiling. Sinners, a blues-soaked vampire epic set in 1930s Mississippi, didn't just perform well—it dominated nearly every craft and major category available. The film’s massive haul includes Best Picture, Best Director for Coogler, and Best Original Screenplay.

The recognition extends deep into the technical categories, highlighting the film's immersive world-building with nods for Cinematography, Production Design, and the inaugural Achievement in Casting award. This historic performance signals a major shift in the Academy's willingness to embrace genre filmmaking, elevating a horror-thriller to the status of a prestige juggernaut. Coogler’s vision has clearly resonated with voters across all branches, positioning the film as the undisputed frontrunner heading into the March telecast.

Michael B. Jordan and the Acting Heavyweights

After over a decade of critically acclaimed performances, Michael B. Jordan has finally secured his first Academy Award nomination. His dual role in Sinners—playing twin brothers battling supernatural forces—showcased a range and intensity that voters could not ignore. However, the path to the gold statute won't be easy. The Best Actor race is shaping up to be a clash of titans, with Jordan facing off against Leonardo DiCaprio for Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another and Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme.

Supporting Stars and Surprise Nods

The supporting categories delivered their own share of headlines. Sinners continued its streak with nominations for Delroy Lindo (Best Supporting Actor) and Wunmi Mosaku (Best Supporting Actress). Meanwhile, the Supporting Actor field sees a double-threat from One Battle After Another, with both Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn scoring nods. In a pleasant surprise for rom-com fans, Kate Hudson landed a Best Actress nomination for Song Sung Blue, marking a triumphant return to the awards conversation.

The Competition: Paul Thomas Anderson Not Far Behind

While Sinners grabbed the headlines, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another remains a formidable competitor. The father-daughter revolutionary saga secured an impressive 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. In any other year, this would be the story of the morning.

The Best Picture lineup reflects a diverse year for cinema, featuring 10 distinctive films:

  • Sinners
  • One Battle After Another
  • Bugonia
  • F1
  • Frankenstein
  • Hamnet
  • Marty Supreme
  • The Secret Agent
  • Sentimental Value
  • Train Dreams

Snubs, Surprises, and the 'Wicked' Shutout

As with every nomination morning, joy was mingled with disappointment. The biggest shock was the complete shutout of the musical sequel Wicked: For Good, which failed to secure a single nomination despite the first film's success. Similarly, James Cameron’s massive blockbuster Avatar: Fire and Ash was left out of the Best Picture race, settling primarily for visual effects recognition.

Another talking point is the omission of Chase Infiniti from the Best Actress category for her breakout role in One Battle After Another, a snub that has already sparked heated debate on social media. These exclusions serve as a reminder of the fierce competition in a year crowded with high-quality releases.

Conan O'Brien Gears Up for Round Two

Amidst the nomination frenzy, the Academy confirmed that late-night legend Conan O'Brien will return to host the 98th Academy Awards. This marks his second consecutive year at the helm, following a well-received stint in 2025. O'Brien's return suggests the Academy is prioritizing stability and entertainment value, leaning into his signature brand of self-deprecating wit and viral-ready comedy.

With a record-breaking blockbuster like Sinners in the mix and heavy hitters like DiCaprio and Jordan in attendance, O'Brien will have plenty of material to work with. Fans are already anticipating a monologue that addresses the "vampire in the room" and celebrates a year where genre film finally took center stage.

The 98th Academy Awards will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu on Sunday, March 15, 2026.