Academy Award Nominations 2026: Complete List
Alright folks, settle in, grab your popcorn (or that half-eaten bag of chips from the couch), because it’s that time of year again. The Oscar nominations are out! Yes, the crème de la crème, the Hollywood elite, the folks who get to wear those fancy tuxedos and gowns have officially been told who gets to dream about shiny gold statues and who… well, who gets to really enjoy the after-party snacks without the pressure of winning. It’s like finding out if you made the nice list or the list where you just get socks from Aunt Mildred. This year’s announcements, for the 2026 Academy Awards, dropped with all the usual fanfare – a few gasps, a lot of “who’s that?” and a predictable amount of outrage from people whose favorite indie darling didn’t get a sniff.
Think of it like this: you’ve spent all year watching movies, maybe even forcing your friends to go see that one film you were convinced was going to be the next big thing. Now, the Academy is like your super-picky aunt who judges your entire year’s viewing habits based on a few hundred films. It’s a tough gig, I bet. They’ve probably been locked away somewhere, fueled by lukewarm coffee and existential dread, squinting at screenplays and judging performances like a panel of very, very serious cat judges evaluating the fluffiness of fur.
So, let’s dive into this glorious, sometimes baffling, list. It’s a buffet of cinematic triumphs, a smorgasbord of storytelling, and frankly, a good excuse to have something to talk about besides the weather or why your internet is still acting up.
The Big Kahunas: Best Picture Nominees
This is always the main event, isn’t it? The category that makes you feel like you should have seen every single one of these. It’s the cinematic equivalent of a family reunion where everyone’s trying to outdo each other with their accomplishments.
This year, we’ve got a real mix. We’ve got the epic historical drama that everyone pretends to understand, even if they spent half the runtime wondering if the corsets were actually that tight. You know, the kind of film where people speak in hushed tones and stare meaningfully into the distance. It’s the cinematic equivalent of reading a really dense history textbook, but with better costumes.
Then there’s the heart-wrenching indie flick that probably stars that actor you only recognize from that one commercial you can’t get out of your head. This one is guaranteed to make you cry into your popcorn, leaving you with that delightful post-cry sniffle that lasts for a good hour. You’ll probably text your therapist afterwards, saying, “I just need to process this.”
Of course, no year is complete without a blockbuster spectacle. This is the one with all the explosions, the CGI that makes you question reality, and probably a superhero who’s having an identity crisis. It’s the movie you drag your entire family to, even your cousin who secretly prefers documentaries about competitive dog grooming.
We also have a quirky comedy that’s so offbeat, you’re not sure if you should laugh or take notes for your own weird internal monologue. It’s the film that makes you nudge your seatmate and whisper, “Did… did that just happen?”
And don’t forget the thought-provoking sci-fi that leaves you questioning the meaning of life, your own existence, and whether it’s ethical to have a robot butler who judges your snack choices. These films are like little philosophical puzzles disguised as entertainment.
Finally, the biopic that makes you re-evaluate someone you thought you knew. You’ll spend the credits Googling everything about the person, wondering if they were really that cool or if the filmmakers just took some creative liberties. It’s like getting a backstage pass to someone else’s life story, minus the questionable backstage shenanigans.
It’s a strong lineup, making the Best Picture race a real nail-biter. Who will take home the biggest prize? It’s anyone’s guess, and the internet will be ablaze with predictions and passionate defenses of each film until the big night. It’s basically the cinematic equivalent of the Super Bowl, but with more glitter.
Best Actor: The Leading Men (and Their Woes)
Ah, Best Actor. This is where we see the titans of the silver screen duking it out. These are the guys who can make you believe they’re kings, spies, heartbroken husbands, or even a surprisingly eloquent inanimate object.
We’ve got the veteran actor who’s been around the block a few times, probably has more awards than he has beige sweaters, and delivers a performance that’s like a perfectly aged wine – complex, smooth, and deeply satisfying. He’s the one you instinctively root for, just because he’s that good.
Then there’s the up-and-coming heartthrob who’s suddenly everywhere, his face plastered on billboards and in magazines. He’s the one who broke out in a big way this year, delivering a performance that’s both raw and captivating. You might have first seen him in that romantic comedy that everyone secretly watched, and now look at him!
We’ve also got the actor who disappears into a role so completely, you forget what he actually looks like. He’s the master of transformation, the chameleon of Hollywood. He could play a historical figure, a gritty detective, or even a talking squirrel, and you’d be completely convinced. It’s like watching magic happen, but with more sweat and dialect coaching.
And let’s not forget the actor who takes on a challenging, transformative role. This is the guy who’s willing to get fat, get skinny, learn a new accent, or just generally put himself through the wringer for the sake of art. He’s the guy you see on the red carpet looking like a completely different person, and you have to do a double-take.
The nominees here are all incredibly deserving, making this category a real showdown. It’s like choosing between your favorite flavors of ice cream – impossible, but oh-so-delicious to ponder.
Best Actress: The Dazzling Divas
Now, for the ladies! Best Actress is always a spectacular showcase of talent, range, and the sheer power of a well-delivered line. These are the women who can command a scene, break your heart with a single tear, or inspire you to conquer the world.
We have the reigning queen of the screen, an actress whose name is practically synonymous with awards season. She’s delivered a performance that’s nuanced, powerful, and utterly unforgettable. It’s the kind of role that makes you want to rewatch her scenes just to soak it all in.
Then there’s the breakout star who’s absolutely stolen the show. She’s the fresh face that everyone’s talking about, delivering a performance that’s bold, brave, and full of electric energy. You might have seen her in a smaller role before, but this is the film that put her on the map, and boy, did she deliver.
We also see a talented actress taking on a complex, demanding role. This is the kind of performance that requires immense emotional depth and a willingness to explore the darker, more challenging aspects of human experience. She’s the one who’s been praised for her bravery and her incredible artistry.
And, of course, there’s the beloved actress in a performance that reminds us why we fell in love with her in the first place. She’s a seasoned pro who continues to surprise and delight audiences with her incredible talent. This role feels like a beautiful return to form, or perhaps a new peak in her already illustrious career.
This category is always a highlight, a dazzling display of female power and artistry. It’s like a competition of the most elegant and powerful divas, and we’re all just lucky to be spectators.
Best Supporting Actor & Actress: The Unsung Heroes (Who Totally Deserve the Spotlight)
These are the performers who make the whole movie work. They might not be the main focus, but their presence elevates every scene they’re in. They’re the secret sauce, the unexpected twist, the friend who always says the perfect thing.
In Best Supporting Actor, we have a range of talents. There’s the wise mentor figure who imparts crucial advice, the comic relief who lands every joke with impeccable timing, and the villain who’s so deliciously evil, you can’t help but be captivated. These performances are often subtle but incredibly impactful, like a perfectly placed spice in a gourmet meal.
For Best Supporting Actress, we see a similar spectrum of brilliance. There’s the fierce protector, the quirky confidante, and the enigmatic character who adds layers of mystery and intrigue to the narrative. These actresses often have fewer scenes but make every second count, leaving a lasting impression. Think of them as the supporting characters in your own life – the ones who make all the difference.
These categories often highlight incredible talent that might otherwise be overlooked. It’s like finding that perfect hidden gem on a streaming service – a delightful surprise that makes the whole viewing experience richer.
The Rest of the Nominees: Where the Magic (and Mild Confusion) Happens
Beyond the big acting and picture categories, we have a whole host of other nominations to unpack.
Best Director: This is where the visionaries are celebrated. These are the folks who wrangled all these talented people and incredible stories into coherent films. They’re the conductors of the cinematic orchestra, and their skill is truly on display.
Best Original Screenplay: For the writers who spun gold from thin air. These are the stories that haven’t been told before, the ideas that sparked something new. It’s like inventing a brand-new recipe that everyone suddenly wants to try.
Best Adapted Screenplay: For those who took something that already existed – a book, a play, a really compelling Wikipedia article – and made it shine on the big screen. This is the art of translation, making something familiar feel fresh and exciting.
Best Animated Feature: This category gets more competitive and impressive every year. We’ve got everything from heartwarming tales that make you believe in magic to visually stunning adventures that push the boundaries of what animation can do. These films are often surprisingly deep, tackling themes that resonate with audiences of all ages. They’re like elaborate, moving storybooks.
Best Documentary Feature: These films dive deep into real-world stories, offering eye-opening perspectives and shedding light on important issues. They’re the cinematic equivalent of a deep dive down a Wikipedia rabbit hole, but with much better production values.
Best International Feature Film: A celebration of global cinema, showcasing stories and perspectives from around the world. These films remind us that great storytelling knows no borders. It’s like getting a passport stamped without ever leaving your seat.
And let’s not forget the technical categories: Best Cinematography, Film Editing, Production Design, Costume Design, Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, Original Score, Original Song, Visual Effects, and Documentary Short Subject, Animated Short Film, and Live Action Short Film.
These are the wizards behind the curtain, the folks who make everything look and sound so spectacular. The cinematographer is the artist painting with light, the editor is the surgeon of the narrative, the costume designer is the sculptor of character. These are the essential ingredients that make a film a masterpiece. Without them, we’d just have actors talking in a room. Which, to be fair, is sometimes a valid artistic choice, but usually not Oscar-worthy.
So there you have it – a glimpse into the exciting, sometimes predictable, and always fascinating world of the Academy Award nominations. Now, the real fun begins: the debates, the predictions, the passionate defense of your favorites, and the inevitable disappointment when your personal pick doesn’t snag a win. It’s all part of the grand spectacle. So, settle in, catch up on anything you missed, and get ready for the big night. May the best films – and may your favorite actors – win! And if not, well, there’s always next year… and plenty more popcorn to be eaten.