The highly anticipated nominations for the Actress in a Leading Role category at the 2026 Oscars have been officially announced, setting the stage for a competitive awards season. Actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman revealed the contenders during a live broadcast on ABC's Good Morning America and simultaneously on the Oscars YouTube channel, generating excitement among film enthusiasts worldwide.
Meet the 2026 Best Actress Nominees
The list of nominees for the prestigious Best Actress award includes a diverse mix of talent from this year's standout films. Jessie Buckley earns a nomination for her powerful performance in the drama Hamnet, where she portrays Agnes Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare. Rose Byrne is recognised for her role in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, while Kate Hudson is nominated for Song Sung Blue. Renate Reinsve receives a nod for Sentimental Value, and Emma Stone rounds out the category with her performance in Bugonia.
Context and Ceremony Details
This year's Oscar nominations follow closely on the heels of the Golden Globes, which saw notable wins for films such as Paul Thomas Anderson's caper One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and Chloé Zhao's emotional drama Hamnet. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 15 March 2026, with comedian and television host Conan O'Brien confirmed to helm the event, promising an evening of glamour and celebration for the film industry.
The announcement marks a key moment in the awards calendar, as fans and critics alike begin to speculate on potential winners. With a strong lineup of performances, the Best Actress category is poised to be one of the most closely watched contests of the night.
