The 98th Academy Awards nominations for 2026 have been announced, spotlighting a fresh cohort of talent making their debut on the esteemed list. Several actors, including Michael B. Jordan, Jacob Elordi, Elle Fanning, and Teyana Taylor, have secured their first-ever Oscar nods, marking a significant moment in their careers and the cinematic landscape. The film 'Sinners' has garnered an extraordinary 16 nominations, setting a new record, while 'One Battle After Another' also received substantial recognition with 13 nominations. This year's nominations reflect a dynamic shift, celebrating both established and emerging artists in the film industry.
Emerging Stars Celebrate Historic Oscar Nominations for 2026 Ceremony
On a crisp January morning, January 22, 2026, the motion picture world was abuzz with the announcement of the 98th Academy Awards nominations. Among the most talked-about news was the impressive number of first-time acting nominees, signaling a vibrant future for Hollywood. Prominent figures such as Jacob Elordi, Elle Fanning, Michael B. Jordan, and Teyana Taylor found themselves in the spotlight, each earning their inaugural Oscar recognition.
Michael B. Jordan, celebrated for his compelling role in Ryan Coogler’s intense drama, 'Sinners,' received his first nomination for lead actor. The film itself made history, amassing an astonishing 16 nominations across various top-tier categories, including Best Director and Original Screenplay. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, a still-processing Jordan expressed his awe at the film's record-breaking achievement, finding it "hard to put into words."
'Sinners' also saw its supporting cast members, Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo, earn their initial nominations for Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor, respectively. Mosaku recounted a memorable awakening, where her husband delivered the joyous news, having mistaken the announcement time.
Meanwhile, 'Frankenstein' secured the third-highest number of nominations. Jacob Elordi, a standout from the cast, garnered his first Best Supporting Actor nomination, expressing immense excitement at the recognition. He competes in a category rich with new talent, including Lindo and Stellan Skarsgård, who was nominated for his performance as Gustav Borg in 'Sentimental Value,' shortly after his second Golden Globe win.
'Sentimental Value' also earned nine nominations, paralleling 'Frankenstein.' Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, both from 'Sentimental Value,' received their first Oscar nods in the Best Supporting Actress category, joining Mosaku and Teyana Taylor, making it a highly competitive field dominated by fresh faces.
Teyana Taylor's nomination for her role as Perfidia Beverly Hills in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 'One Battle After Another,' which received 13 nominations, arrived on the heels of her first Golden Globe win, underscoring her rising prominence.
The lead acting categories also welcomed new entrants. Alongside Jordan, Wagner Moura was recognized for his powerful performance in 'The Secret Agent,' which also secured a Best Picture nomination, following his Golden Globe win for Best Drama Actor. Rose Byrne, from 'If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,' and Renate Reinsve, from 'Sentimental Value,' also debuted in the Best Lead Actress category. Byrne, a recent Golden Globe winner for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, remarked to The Hollywood Reporter that the Oscar nomination felt like a "monumental moment of acknowledgment."
The eagerly anticipated 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu from the iconic Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, commencing at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
The recent Academy Award nominations serve as a powerful testament to the ever-evolving and increasingly diverse landscape of cinematic talent. This year's influx of first-time nominees, particularly across key acting categories, signals a refreshing embrace of new voices and perspectives in Hollywood. It highlights the industry's commitment to recognizing a broader spectrum of performances and stories, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic future for film. The exceptional success of films like 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another' also underscores the appetite for innovative storytelling and complex narratives. As the industry continues to champion fresh talent, it inspires aspiring artists and promises richer, more varied cinematic experiences for audiences worldwide.