Summary (tl;dr)

The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, honoring films from 2025, were announced today, sparking widespread interest as Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" made history with a record-breaking 16 nods.

Essential Background

The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, are annual accolades presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to recognize excellence in cinematic achievements. The nominations are a highly anticipated event, typically revealed in late January, setting the stage for the upcoming awards ceremony. This process culminates in the selection of winners across various categories, celebrating the best films, performances, and technical accomplishments of the preceding year.

The Full Story

Today, Thursday, January 22, 2026, the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards were officially unveiled in a live-streamed event from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. Actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman had the honor of announcing the nominees, drawing significant attention to the films and talent recognized. Ryan Coogler's highly anticipated film "Sinners" dominated the announcements, achieving a historic milestone with 16 nominations, the most ever received by a single film in Academy Awards history. This includes a Best Supporting Actor nomination for veteran performer Delroy Lindo, marking his first Oscar recognition. Other notable nominations include Kate Hudson for Best Actress in "Song Sung Blue." Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" also received strong recognition with 13 nominations, including for most of its main cast. This year also marks the introduction of a new category for Best Casting. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Why It Matters

The annual Oscar nominations fuel intense public discussion and critical analysis within the film industry and among movie enthusiasts. Early recognition, such as the unprecedented number of nominations for "Sinners," can significantly impact a film's cultural impact, box office success, and its place in cinematic history. The buzz generated by these nominations often drives audiences to seek out and watch the nominated films, influencing trends in streaming and theatrical viewing. The recognition of respected actors like Delroy Lindo with their first-ever nominations also resonates deeply with fans and industry observers, highlighting long-deserved acknowledgment. The competitive race for these prestigious awards shapes careers, impacts future projects, and celebrates the artistry and innovation within filmmaking.

Geographic Location

• Samuel Goldwyn Theater, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, California, United States (Oscar nominations announcement)
• Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (Oscar ceremony venue)