Oscar Nominations 2026 By Category: Best Picture To Shorts
Alright, settle in folks! The popcorn is popped, the comfy clothes are on. It’s that glorious time of year again, when we all pretend we’ve seen every single movie. The Oscar Nominations 2026 have dropped, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride!
Best Picture: The Big Kahuna
This year’s Best Picture race is a real head-scratcher. We’ve got your usual suspects: the historical epic that looks expensive and the quiet indie drama where everyone stares a lot. Then there’s that one superhero movie everyone secretly loved but won’t admit to. And oh, the surprise! That quirky animated film about feelings somehow snagged a spot. My money’s on the one with the most sweeping vistas. Or maybe the one where a dog learns to talk. It’s anyone’s guess, really!
I’m just saying, sometimes I think they pick Best Picture based on how much crying happens. Or how many people wear period costumes. My personal pick? The one where the cat wore a tiny hat. Unpopular opinion, I know! But that cat deserved an award for comedic timing alone.
"The cat wore a tiny hat." - An Oscar prediction we can all get behind.
And let’s not forget the films that just missed the cut. That quirky rom-com about time travel? So close! And the documentary about competitive knitting? Truly robbed! We’ll be talking about those snubs for years, I just know it.
Best Director: The Visionaries (or the ones who yelled the loudest)
The Director category is always a fascinating one. You have the seasoned veterans who have been nominated more times than I’ve had hot dinners. Then there’s the rising star who made a splash with their bold, unique vision. And of course, the director who somehow managed to wrangle 100 extras into doing that one specific thing perfectly. It's a miracle!
I’m always curious if they nominate directors based on how much stress they can visibly see on their faces during the press tour. For example, the director of that ambitious sci-fi flick looked like they aged about a decade in a year. Clearly, they put in the work! My vote? The one who made that incredibly long tracking shot look effortless. Effortless is the name of the game, people!
And the directors who didn't get the nod? That filmmaker who bravely tackled a controversial subject with nuance. Truly a shame. We salute you, brave souls! Keep making art, even if the Academy doesn't quite get it yet.
Best Actor: The Dramatic Transformations
Ah, Best Actor. This is where we see actors shed pounds, gain pounds, or completely change their voice. It's all about the transformation, darling! You’ve got your leading man who plays a tortured artist. Then there’s the character actor who disappears into an unexpected role. And let’s not forget the surprising comeback performance.
I have a soft spot for the actors who go the extra mile. Like the one who learned to play the cello for three months straight. Dedication! Or the one who mastered a completely new dialect. That’s commitment! My bold prediction? The actor who played a grumpy old man with such authenticity, I swear I saw them shuffle off-screen.
The true test of an actor: can they convince us they're not themselves?
And the actors who were so close? The charismatic performer who brought a beloved video game character to life. We saw you! And the quiet, understated performance that spoke volumes. You’ll get ‘em next year!
Best Actress: The Powerhouses
Best Actress is always a showcase of incredible talent. We have the established queens who deliver powerhouse performances year after year. Then there are the newcomers who burst onto the scene with undeniable charisma. And, of course, the actresses who can convey a thousand emotions with just a single look. Pure magic!
I’m always impressed by the actresses who can juggle intense drama with a touch of vulnerability. That actress who played the grieving mother? I’m still recovering from that scene. And the one who was hilariously awkward? A comedic genius! My personal dark horse? The actress who spent the entire film covered in mud. That’s commitment to the craft.
The actresses who were overlooked? That bold experimenter who pushed boundaries. We appreciate your daring! And the one who stole every scene with minimal dialogue. You were seen and heard!
Best Supporting Actor/Actress: The Scene Stealers
These are the awards that often go to the actors who, even with limited screen time, leave a lasting impression. We’ve got the wise mentor, the comedic relief, and the surprising villain. These actors are the glue that holds a film together. They make it sparkle!
I love watching the supporting categories. It’s like a surprise party for actors who absolutely nail it. The actor who played the quirky best friend? A total scene-stealer! And the actress who was terrifyingly good as the antagonist? Goosebumps! My personal theory: these actors are often the ones having the most fun.
Supporting actors: the unsung heroes of Hollywood.
The supporting stars who were snubbed? That brilliant character actor who made you laugh and cry. We feel your pain! And the one who added so much depth to a small role. You made a big impact!
Best Original/Adapted Screenplay: The Storytellers
The screenplay awards celebrate the writers who craft the words that make us think, laugh, and cry. For Original Screenplay, it’s about creating something entirely new and brilliant. Adapted Screenplay honors those who take existing material and make it sing on screen. These are the architects of our favorite stories.
I always wonder if they judge screenplays by how many times I quote them afterwards. The witty dialogue in that action flick? Pure gold! And the emotional beats in that family drama? Perfect! My bold prediction? The screenplay that managed to make a two-hour movie about competitive dog grooming feel absolutely riveting. That's skill!
The screenplays that didn't make the cut? The daring original concept that was ahead of its time. We salute your imagination! And the adaptation that breathed new life into a classic. You honored the source material beautifully.
Best Animated Feature: For Kids (and the Young at Heart)
This category is always a feast for the eyes! We have the visually stunning epics, the charming character-driven stories, and the ones that make you rethink everything you know about talking animals. It’s a tough competition!
I love that animated films are finally getting the recognition they deserve. These movies are often just as complex and emotionally resonant as live-action ones. My personal favorite? The one with the surprisingly profound message about the meaning of life, disguised as a story about sentient teacups. Brilliant!
Animation: Where imagination knows no bounds.
The animated features that were left out? That experimental film that pushed the boundaries of what animation can be. We’re rooting for you! And the heartwarming story that everyone seemed to love. You'll be back!
Best Documentary Feature: The Truth-Tellers
Documentaries offer us a window into the real world, shining a light on important issues, fascinating people, and incredible events. This year's nominees are no exception, covering everything from environmental activism to untold historical moments. They educate and inspire.
I’m always blown away by the courage of documentarians. They go to incredible lengths to uncover the truth. The documentary about the deep-sea explorers? Absolutely breathtaking! And the one that exposed a hidden injustice? Crucial viewing! My boldest prediction? The documentary that made me want to take up competitive beekeeping. Yes, that happened.
The documentaries that deserved a spot? The intimate portrait of an artist. We saw your genius! And the urgent exposé that demands our attention. Your message is vital!
Best International Feature Film: The Global Gems
This category celebrates films from all corners of the globe, showcasing diverse cultures, perspectives, and filmmaking styles. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of cinema to transcend borders and connect us all. These are truly global gems.
I find myself learning so much from the International Feature nominees. Each film offers a unique glimpse into another world. The visually stunning film from South Korea? Exquisite! And the poignant drama from Italy? Heart-wrenching! My personal dark horse? The charming little film from a country I’d never even heard of, but it stole my heart.
Cinema is a universal language.
The international films that were overlooked? The groundbreaking work from an emerging film industry. We’re watching you! And the powerful social commentary from a nation facing challenges. Your voice matters!
Best Short Film (Live Action, Animated, Documentary): The Power of Brevity
Don’t underestimate the power of a short film! These condensed cinematic experiences pack a punch, telling compelling stories in a matter of minutes. They can be hilarious, heartbreaking, thought-provoking, or all three!
The shorts categories are always a delightful surprise. You get to see so many different styles and ideas in a short amount of time. The animated short with the talking squirrels? Adorable! And the live-action drama that made me cry in under 15 minutes? Masterful! My prediction for the winner? The one that made me want to immediately rewatch it. That’s a sign of greatness.
The shorts that didn't get the nomination? The bold experiments. Keep pushing the envelope! And the heartwarming tales. You touched our souls! They might be short, but their impact is mighty.
So there you have it, my completely unscientific, highly opinionated look at the Oscar nominations. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a very important movie marathon to attend to. For research purposes, of course! Happy watching!