Oscars 2026: Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” and Coogler’s “Sinners” Set Oscar Stage

The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards were announced this evening by Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, setting the stage for an exciting awards ceremony. Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” and Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” emerged as the films commanding the most attention.
Anderson’s latest work showcased its excellence through nominations in directing, adapted screenplay, and multiple acting categories. The film’s comprehensive recognition includes technical achievements in cinematography and sound design, demonstrating its mastery across all filmmaking disciplines. Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio Del Toro, and Sean Penn all earned acting nominations.
Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” proved itself equally worthy of Academy recognition. The film’s visual storytelling earned nominations for cinematography and production design, while Coogler’s direction and the ensemble’s performances also received acknowledgment. The breadth of nominations positions it as a formidable Oscar contender.
The Best Picture race includes ten films spanning diverse genres and storytelling styles. “Marty Supreme,” “Hamnet,” “Frankenstein,” and “Sentimental Value” join the frontrunners in this competitive category. However, the absence of Neeraj Ghaywan’s “Homebound” from all nominations remains the morning’s most surprising development.
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony takes place on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony will air at 7 p.m. ET on ABC, where Hollywood’s finest will gather to celebrate cinema’s greatest achievements.