Table of Contents
The 98th Academy Awards nominations were officially announced today, January 22, 2026, setting the stage for a historic night at the Dolby Theatre. While Ryan Coogler’s vampire epic Sinners rewrote the record books, the international category saw a major upset as India’s official entry failed to make the final cut.
‘Sinners’ Shatters All-Time Oscar Records
The headline of the 98th Academy Awards nominations is undoubtedly Ryan Coogler’s genre-bending masterpiece, Sinners. The film secured a staggering 16 nominations, surpassing the long-standing record of 14 held by Titanic, All About Eve, and La La Land.
The 1930s-set supernatural thriller stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers opening a juke joint in Mississippi. The film’s nominations span across major and technical categories, including:
- Best Director (Ryan Coogler)
- Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan)
- Best Supporting Actress (Wunmi Mosaku)
- Technical Dominance: Sweeping nods in Cinematography, Visual Effects, and Sound Design.
Snub for India: ‘Homebound’ Misses Final Five
In a move that sparked widespread debate on social media, Neeraj Ghaywan’s critically acclaimed drama Homebound was left out of the Best International Feature Film category. Despite making the initial shortlist, the film, starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa-did not advance.
Industry Reaction: Producer Karan Johar took to Instagram to express his disappointment, noting that while the team is “heartbroken,” they remain proud of the film’s portrayal of a family navigating a lockdown-like crisis. The snub marks a quiet year for Indian cinema at the Oscars after high expectations.
The Leaderboard: Top Contenders of 2026
Close on the heels of Sinners is Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another with 13 nominations. Leonardo DiCaprio returns to the Best Actor race, while Teyana Taylor and Benicio del Toro secured vital supporting nods.
At a Glance: Major Categories
- Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme)
- Best Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners), Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another), Elle Fanning (Sentimental Value)
- Most Nominations: Sinners (16), One Battle After Another (13), Marty Supreme (9), Frankenstein (9)
Other Best Picture Heavyweights
The race for the top prize is incredibly diverse this year. Timothée Chalamet’s Marty Supreme and the gothic reimagining of Frankenstein both garnered 9 nominations each. Rounding out the competitive field are Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia and the period drama Hamnet, both of which are expected to be dark horses during the ceremony.
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will air live later this year, where all eyes will be on whether Sinners can convert its record-breaking nominations into gold.
