Oscars 2026: Horror Film 'Sinners' Poised to Shatter Nominations Record
In a potential landmark moment for the film industry, the 98th Academy Awards nominations announcement this morning could see Ryan Coogler's vampire horror Sinners break a long-standing Oscar tradition. Historically, horror films have been conspicuously overlooked by the Academy, but Sinners is forecast to challenge that precedent with an unprecedented haul of nominations.
Historic Nominations on the Horizon
The nominations will be unveiled at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time by presenters Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, with live coverage available on Oscar.com, Oscars.org, the Academy's digital platforms, and ABC's Good Morning America. Sinners is anticipated to surpass the current record of 14 nominations, a feat only achieved by All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land. The film's lush craftsmanship, Coogler's writing and direction, and Michael B. Jordan's performance—which would mark his first Oscar nomination—are expected to drive its success.
Strong Contenders and Studio Prospects
Alongside Sinners, Paul Thomas Anderson's father-daughter revolutionary comedy One Battle After Another is likely to be a major contender, having dominated the awards season as the clear frontrunner. It could also secure around 14 nominations, including five or six in acting categories. This positions Warner Bros. for its most successful Oscar showing in its 102-year history, with both films leading the charge. This achievement comes as Warner Bros. Discovery prepares for its sale to Netflix, which recently amended its acquisition offer to an all-cash deal of $72 billion, outbidding Paramount Skydance.
New Category and Broader Competition
The introduction of a new Oscar category for casting this year is set to benefit both Sinners and One Battle After Another, enhancing their already impressive nomination prospects. In the best picture category, ten films will be nominated, with favourites including the Norwegian family drama Sentimental Value, the Shakespearean drama Hamnet, and the table tennis odyssey Marty Supreme.
Ceremony Details and Host Announcement
The 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, broadcast live on ABC and Hulu. A new exclusive streaming deal with YouTube will not take effect until 2029. Conan O'Brien has been confirmed to return as host for this year's ceremony, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.
