Sinners, One Battle After Another Dominate Oscar Race as Ceremony Sets March 15 Date

Updated 2026-01-22 05:05:32+00:00 (12 articles)

Ceremony details confirmed for March 15 at Dolby Theatre The 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 15, hosted by Conan O’Brien, and streamed on ABC and Hulu, with a future YouTube‑exclusive deal slated for 2029 [1][2]. The event will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, maintaining the traditional venue for the ceremony [1][2]. Nomination announcements will be presented by Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman in a brief broadcast, followed by a split‑screen ABC coverage [2].

One Battle After Another leads nominations while Sinners threatens record Leonardo DiCaprio’s political thriller One Battle After Another is projected to top the nomination list, potentially matching the historic 14‑nomination ceiling [1][2]. Sinners is also a frontrunner, with industry analysts suggesting it could surpass the 14‑nomination record thanks to strong craft, direction, and acting nods [1]. Both films are expected to dominate the Best Picture field alongside titles such as Sentimental Value, Hamnet, and Marty Supreme [1][2].

Academy adds casting category and plans future stunt award This year the Oscars will feature a new category honoring casting directors, a change highlighted by both AP and BBC as expanding recognition for behind‑the‑scenes talent [1][2]. The Academy also announced a forthcoming Best Stunt Design category to debut in 2028, signaling continued evolution of the awards [2]. These additions may benefit films with extensive ensemble work, including Sinners and One Battle After Another [1][2].

UK/Ireland talent and studio stakes rise amid Netflix bid British actress Wunmi Mosaku ( Sinners ) and Irish stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal ( Hamnet ) are highlighted as key acting hopefuls, boosting the United Kingdom’s and Ireland’s presence in the race [2]. Warner Bros. is positioned for its strongest Oscar showing, driven by Sinners and One Battle After Another, even as the studio negotiates a cash‑only acquisition by Netflix [1]. The sale could reshape distribution dynamics for the studio’s award‑season slate [1].