Sinners and One Battle After Another Could Rewrite Oscar History (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Awards analysts forecast a landmark day for the 98th Academy Awards as nominations unfold on January 22.
Sinners and One Battle After Another Could Rewrite Oscar History
Industry observers highlighted the potential for unprecedented dominance by two standout films. Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, emerged as a critical darling with its blend of horror and drama. One Battle After Another quickly followed suit, gaining traction through strong guild support and festival acclaim.
Experts from The New York Times suggested these titles might secure the most nominations ever for a single ceremony. Such a feat would eclipse past records held by films like Titanic and La La Land. Meanwhile, precursors like the Golden Globes and Directors Guild nods reinforced their momentum. Other contenders, including Hamnet and Frankenstein, positioned themselves firmly in the best picture conversation.
Best Picture Race Takes Clear Shape
Hamnet, an adaptation of the Maggie O’Farrell novel, drew praise for its emotional depth and period authenticity. Frankenstein, reimagined with fresh visual effects, appealed to voters seeking innovation. Marty Supreme rounded out the top tier, buoyed by its biographical storytelling and ensemble cast.
Predictions aligned across outlets like the Los Angeles Times. These five films consistently topped best picture lists. Guild nominations provided further clarity, with little room for late disruptors. Voters appeared to favor narrative ambition over sheer commerciality this season.
Acting Categories Spotlight Rising Stars
Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal in Sinners positioned him as a best actor frontrunner, per multiple forecasts. Supporting roles also generated buzz, though specifics remained fluid until the official reveal. Actresses faced stiff competition in a year rich with transformative performances.
- Sinners leads with predicted nods in picture, director, actor, and technical fields.
- One Battle After Another eyes similar breadth, including screenplay and editing.
- Hamnet contends strongly for adapted screenplay and production design.
- Frankenstein pushes boundaries in visual effects and sound.
- Marty Supreme highlights original score and cinematography potential.
Technical and Shorts Categories Add Intrigue
Short film predictions proved trickier, as noted by Awards Daily analysts. Live-action and animated shorts drew from diverse festival lineups. Documentary shorts emphasized timely social issues.
Technical races favored films with bold craftsmanship. Visual effects experts leaned toward Frankenstein’s groundbreaking sequences. Sound and editing categories mirrored best picture leaders. A small comparison of frontrunners underscores the overlap:
| Film | Predicted Technical Noms |
|---|---|
| Sinners | Editing, Sound, Score |
| One Battle After Another | Cinematography, Production Design |
| Frankenstein | Visual Effects, Sound |
These alignments suggested voters rewarded cohesive visions across crafts.
Key Takeaways:
- Sinners and One Battle After Another anchor a stable top tier.
- Guild momentum minimized chaos in major categories.
- Technical fields reinforce narrative frontrunners.
The 2026 nominations reflect a season of consensus rather than upheaval, setting the stage for compelling matchups at the March ceremony. As the Academy announces the full list today, these predictions offer a reliable preview of the contenders ahead. What films do you see claiming the most nods? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Fritz is the managing director of Europe’s largest manufacturer of mobile stages Kultour and has a lot of experience in the event industry, loves music and likes to go to festivals.
