Get ready for the biggest reveal in Hollywood—the Oscar nominations are about to drop, and the excitement is palpable! But here’s where it gets controversial: with a politically-charged thriller leading the pack and a vampire horror hot on its heels, this year’s race is anything but predictable. Will the Academy favor bold statements or genre-bending storytelling? Let’s dive in!
Live Reporting
Edited by Alys Davies, with entertainment insights from Steven McIntosh
1. The Countdown to Categories: A Two-Part Drama
Published at 13:22 GMT
Steven McIntosh, our go-to entertainment reporter, breaks it down: the nominations will be split into two halves, giving US network ABC a breather for commercials. Here’s the lowdown on when each category will shine—though not in this exact order (we’ve alphabetized them for clarity):
First Half (Starting 13:30 GMT)
- Actor in a Supporting Role
- Actress in a Supporting Role
- Animated Short Film
- Costume Design
- Live Action Short Film
- Makeup and Hairstyling
- Original Score
- Adapted Screenplay
- Original Screenplay
Second Half (Starting 13:41 GMT)
- Actor in a Leading Role
- Actress in a Leading Role
- Animated Feature Film
- Best Picture
- Casting
- Cinematography
- Directing
- Documentary Feature Film
- Documentary Short Film
- Film Editing
- International Feature Film
- Original Song
- Production Design
- Sound
- Visual Effects
2. The Moment We’ve All Been Waiting For
Published at 13:15 GMT
The 2026 Academy Award nominations are moments away! Stick with us as we uncover who’s in the running for the most coveted prizes in film. You can catch our live coverage at the top of the page now, with nominations kicking off at 13:30 GMT (08:30 EST).
3. A Dominant Contender Emerges
Published at 13:02 GMT
Steven McIntosh
Entertainment Reporter
Image Source: Getty Images
Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another has been a juggernaut this awards season, and today’s Oscar nominations are expected to cement its status. Affectionately known as PTA, Anderson could snag nods as writer, director, and producer. Meanwhile, the film’s stars—Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro—are strong contenders for acting categories. The gripping story of a former revolutionary whose daughter is abducted by white supremacists has resonated deeply, but here’s the kicker: will its political edge polarize voters or propel it to victory? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
4. British Talent on Thin Ice
Published at 13:00 GMT
Steven McIntosh
Entertainment Reporter
Image Source: Getty Images
It’s a tough year for UK actors, with Cynthia Erivo (Wicked: For Good) and Emily Blunt (The Smashing Machine) barely making a splash at the Golden Globes. Their Oscar chances? Slim to none. Instead, Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners) is the UK’s best bet, having scored a supporting actress nod at the Actor Awards and a BAFTA longlist spot. In Sinners, she plays Annie, the love interest in a 1930s vampire horror set in Mississippi. But here’s the twist: if no Brits make the cut, it’ll be the first time since 1986 without UK actors in the running. Ouch.
Irish talent, however, is thriving, thanks to Hamnet. Jessie Buckley is a frontrunner for Best Actress, while Paul Mescal is likely to nab a Supporting Actor nomination.
5. The Stage is Set
Published at 12:57 GMT
Steven McIntosh
Entertainment Reporter
Image Source: Getty Images
Join us live as the nominations unfold, with One Battle After Another and Sinners leading the charge. Leonardo DiCaprio’s thriller and Wunmi Mosaku’s vampire tale are just the tip of the iceberg. Hamnet, starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, is another strong contender, while films like Marty Supreme, Frankenstein, Sentimental Value, Bugonia, and The Secret Agent are expected to make waves. And don’t forget—Conan O’Brien returns to host the ceremony on March 15th.
Press watch live at the top of the page from 13:00 GMT to join the excitement!
Final Thought: With such diverse and daring films in the mix, this year’s Oscars promise to be a battleground of ideas. Which film do you think deserves the top spot? And more importantly, do awards shows still matter in today’s streaming-dominated world? Share your hot takes below!
