The countdown to the 2026 Oscars has begun, as Hollywood prepares for the 98th Academy Awards, which will honor the top films of the past year, from “Hamnet” and “Marty Supreme” to “Sinners” and others, reports Baltimore Chronicle. On February 10, nominees gathered at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, for the annual Oscars luncheon, where they posed for the official class photograph and celebrated their recognition. The luncheon also offered a rare chance for filmmakers and actors to reconnect, share congratulations, and enjoy the excitement in anticipation of the ceremony less than a month away.
The 98th Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Fans can watch the event live on ABC or stream it via Hulu. Conan O’Brien returns as host for the second consecutive year, hinting in a January interview with “Good Morning America” at the many creative directions the show may take, depending on nominations and the cultural zeitgeist.
Presenters confirmed so far include last year’s winners Adrien Brody, Mikey Madison, Zoe Saldaña, and Kieran Culkin, who will take the stage to celebrate this year’s nominees. Additional presenters and performers will be announced by producers in the coming weeks.
The full list of nominees, revealed in January, shows “Sinners” leading the pack with a record-breaking 14 nominations, surpassing previous holders such as “Titanic,” “La La Land,” and “All About Eve.” Close behind, “One Battle After Another” received 13 nominations, while “Marty Supreme,” “Frankenstein,” and “Sentimental Value” earned nine each. “Hamnet” garnered eight nominations, reflecting a diverse and competitive field.
Notable snubs include Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both unrecognized for their performances in “Wicked: For Good,” as well as Adam Sandler and George Clooney for “Jay Kelly,” drawing discussion and debate among critics and fans alike.
This year also introduces a new category: achievement in casting, announced in 2024 and open to films released in 2025. Nominated casting directors include Nina Gold for “Hamnet,” Jennifer Venditti for “Marty Supreme,” Cassandra Kulukundis for “One Battle After Another,” Gabriel Domingues for “The Secret Agent,” and Francine Maisler for “Sinners.”
Last year, at the 97th Academy Awards, “Anora” won Best Picture, taking home five awards including Best Director for Sean Baker and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. The upcoming ceremony promises an equally notable celebration of cinematic achievements across genres and categories.
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