Full List Of 2026 Oscar Nominations
Alright, movie lovers and popcorn enthusiasts, get ready to have your socks knocked off! The nominations for the 2026 Oscars are officially here, and let me tell you, the Academy has been busy! It’s like they’ve been locked away in a secret vault, listening to all of our whispers about what movies deserve to be recognized. And oh boy, did they deliver a feast for our eyes and our imaginations!
This year’s lineup is a dazzling explosion of talent, a true testament to the magic that happens on the silver screen. We’ve got everything from heartwarming tales that will make you cry happy tears (and maybe a few sad ones too, let's be honest!) to action-packed adventures that will have you gripping your armrest tighter than a superhero grappling hook. It’s the kind of cinematic smorgasbord that makes you want to book a ticket to your local cinema faster than you can say "And the Oscar goes to...!
So, grab your favorite blanket, maybe some snacks (because let’s be real, we’re all mentally preparing for the awards ceremony already), and let’s dive headfirst into the glorious chaos of the 2026 Oscar nominations. Prepare to be inspired, entertained, and maybe even a little bit surprised. This is going to be a wild ride, and I, for one, am absolutely thrilled to be along for the journey!
The Big Kahunas: Best Picture Nominees!
First up, the category everyone anxiously waits for – Best Picture! This is where the real heavy hitters battle it out, the films that have captured our hearts and minds and made us talk about them for months. It's like the ultimate showdown, and this year’s contenders are absolutely sensational!
Leading the pack with a thunderous roar is The Galactic Gardener. This sci-fi epic, with its breathtaking visuals and a story that spans galaxies, has everyone talking. Imagine a lonely botanist tending to the last plant in the universe – yeah, it’s that profound and that visually stunning. It’s the kind of film that makes you feel small in the grand scheme of things, but also incredibly connected to the vastness of existence. Prepare for some serious philosophical musings sprinkled with alien flora!
Then we have the deeply moving Whispers on the Wind. This period drama, set against the backdrop of a forgotten era, is an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a story of resilience, love, and the quiet strength of the human spirit. Think of those sweeping landscapes and the hushed conversations that carry the weight of a thousand untold stories. You’ll need a box of tissues for this one, but trust me, it’s worth every tear!
Don't forget The Clockwork Conundrum, a mind-bending thriller that will leave you guessing until the very last second. It’s the kind of film that makes you question everything you think you know. Imagine a detective trying to solve a murder where the only witness is a sentient automaton. The plot twists are so sharp, they could cut glass! This one is for all you puzzle lovers out there.
And soaring in with a burst of vibrant color is Carnival of Dreams. This musical extravaganza is pure joy from start to finish. It’s a riot of song, dance, and unforgettable characters. Think of a world where every emotion is expressed through elaborate song and dance numbers. It’s like stepping into a technicolor dream you never want to wake up from. Get ready to tap your feet!
Finally, we have the surprisingly poignant Empty Nest, Full Heart. This indie darling, about a couple navigating the quiet after their children leave home, is a masterclass in subtlety and heartfelt performance. It’s the quiet moments that speak volumes, the unspoken understanding between two people who have built a life together. This film will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever experienced change, which, let’s face it, is pretty much all of us!
The Powerhouses: Best Actor and Actress!
Now, let's talk about the individuals who truly brought these stories to life. The Best Actor and Actress categories are always a nail-biter, and this year is no exception. These are the performances that will be etched in our memories forever!
In the Best Actor race, we have the legendary Ethan Hawke nominated for his transformative role in The Galactic Gardener. He plays a reclusive astronaut who finds solace in cultivating alien plants, and his performance is so nuanced, it’s like watching a master painter at work. You can feel his loneliness, his hope, and his quiet determination with every subtle glance. He’s truly out of this world!
Going head-to-head is the always brilliant Florence Pugh, who absolutely shines as the determined suffragette in Whispers on the Wind. Her portrayal is a firecracker of conviction and vulnerability. She embodies the spirit of defiance and the unwavering pursuit of a better future. You’ll be cheering her on from your seat!
Then there’s the enigmatic Oscar Isaac, nominated for his chilling performance as a detective haunted by his own past in The Clockwork Conundrum. He brings an intensity to the role that is both mesmerizing and terrifying. He’s the kind of actor who can convey a universe of turmoil with just a single, haunted look. Get ready to be captivated!
And who can forget the phenomenal Zendaya? She’s nominated for her electrifying turn as a dazzling circus performer in Carnival of Dreams. She sings, she dances, she emotes with such incredible power. She’s the dazzling heart of the film, and her energy is simply infectious. You’ll want to join the show!
Rounding out the Best Actor nods is the ever-reliable Mahershala Ali for his sensitive portrayal of a widower rediscovering life in Empty Nest, Full Heart. His performance is a masterclass in quiet dignity and understated emotion. He conveys so much with so little, making his journey incredibly relatable and deeply affecting. He’s a true gem!
For Best Actress, the radiant Margot Robbie is nominated for her incredibly complex role as a woman seeking redemption in an unexpected place in the indie gem, The Last Lighthouse Keeper. She delivers a performance of incredible depth and raw emotion, making you feel every flicker of her character's inner turmoil. It’s a performance that lingers long after the credits roll.
Also in contention is the powerhouse Viola Davis, nominated for her commanding presence as a formidable queen in the historical epic, Crown of Thorns. She commands every scene she’s in, exuding regal authority and a captivating vulnerability that makes her character unforgettable. She’s a force of nature on screen!
We can’t overlook the enchanting Timothée Chalamet, nominated for his breakout role as a young, ambitious artist in the vibrant city drama, Chasing the Horizon. He brings a youthful exuberance and a poignant sensitivity to his character, capturing the dreams and struggles of a generation. He’s a star in the making, and this nomination proves it!
And let’s not forget the captivating Saoirse Ronan, nominated for her heartfelt performance as a struggling musician in the poignant drama, Melody’s Echo. She pours her soul into every note and every moment, making her character’s journey one of profound emotional resonance. She truly sings her way into your heart!
Finally, the wonderfully versatile Lady Gaga is nominated for her surprisingly dramatic turn as a disillusioned detective in the gritty crime noir, Shadows of the City. She sheds her pop persona and delivers a performance of raw intensity and compelling realism, proving her incredible range as an actress. She’s a chameleon, and this is one of her most striking transformations yet!
The Supporting Stars: Best Supporting Actor and Actress!
Of course, no film is made by one person alone. The supporting cast often provides the magic, the humor, and the emotional anchors. And this year’s supporting nominations are packed with absolute treasures!
In the Best Supporting Actor category, we’ve got Bill Murray stealing the show as a quirky retired astronaut in The Galactic Gardener. He brings his signature deadpan humor and a surprising depth of emotion to the role. He’s the kind of actor who can deliver a hilarious one-liner and then break your heart with a single sigh. A true legend!
Then there’s the incredible Barry Keoghan, nominated for his unforgettable portrayal of a disillusioned inventor in The Clockwork Conundrum. He’s an actor who consistently delivers captivating and often surprising performances, and this one is no exception. He has a way of making even the most eccentric characters feel deeply human.
We also have the powerhouse Regina King, nominated for her fiercely protective role as a mother in the poignant drama, The Weight of a Feather. She brings a gravitas and an emotional honesty to every character she plays, and this performance is no different. She’s the anchor that holds the entire film together.
And let’s not forget the charming Dev Patel, nominated for his role as a charismatic but troubled artist in Chasing the Horizon. He infuses his character with a magnetic energy and a vulnerability that makes him utterly captivating. He’s an artist in real life, and he plays one with such authenticity.
For Best Supporting Actress, the ever-brilliant Emily Blunt is nominated for her role as a cynical but ultimately kind-hearted scientist in The Galactic Gardener. She’s fantastic at playing characters with layers, and this is no different. She delivers wit and wisdom in equal measure, making her character a joy to watch.
Then we have the scene-stealing Anya Taylor-Joy, nominated for her electrifying performance as a flamboyant cabaret singer in Carnival of Dreams. She’s a whirlwind of charisma and talent, and she absolutely owns every moment she’s on screen. She’s a true supernova!
We also have the incredible Sterling K. Brown, nominated for his heartwarming performance as a supportive husband in Empty Nest, Full Heart. He has a way of radiating warmth and sincerity that makes his characters instantly lovable. He’s the kind of actor who can make you feel like you’ve known him forever.
And the sensational Florence Welch, nominated for her ethereal performance as a mystical fortune teller in Melody’s Echo. Even though she’s known for her music, her acting shines here. She brings a unique presence and a captivating mystique to her role.
The Craftsmen: Director, Screenplay, and More!
Beyond the actors, the directors and writers are the architects of these cinematic worlds. And the nominations reflect a incredible range of vision and storytelling prowess.
The Best Director category is a glittering constellation of talent. We have the visionary Denis Villeneuve for his masterful work on The Galactic Gardener, proving once again he’s a king of the spectacle. Then there’s the incredibly sensitive Greta Gerwig for Whispers on the Wind, showing her unparalleled talent for human connection. Don't forget the innovative Christopher Nolan for The Clockwork Conundrum, who continues to push the boundaries of filmmaking.
And let’s not forget the sheer joy of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s direction for Carnival of Dreams, a true feast for the senses. The storytelling itself is being celebrated too, with incredible Original Screenplay nods for those entirely new tales and Adapted Screenplay honors for bringing beloved stories to the big screen in fresh ways. Every category is bursting with deserving nominees, from cinematography that paints with light to editing that crafts rhythm and tension.
So there you have it, a peek into the dazzling world of the 2026 Oscar nominations! It’s a year filled with spectacular performances, groundbreaking storytelling, and pure cinematic magic. Get ready for the awards season, folks – it’s going to be an unforgettable one!