Oscars 2026: A Mix of Monsters, Politics, and History

The 2026 Oscars are shaping up to be a wild ride, with a mix of genres and stories that could make history. Warner Bros. is leading the pack with two big contenders: "Sinners, " a vampire drama, and "One Battle After Another, " a political epic. "Sinners" is on track to break records with up to 15 nominations, which would make it the most nominated film ever. This includes nods for best picture, director, and even a second original song. Not to be outdone, "One Battle After Another" could secure 13 nominations and make history by having five actors nominated across all acting categories.Chloé Zhao's "Hamnet" is also making waves, with Zhao potentially becoming only the second woman to earn multiple best director nominations. The film could also earn nods for its lead actors and technical achievements. Meanwhile, Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" and Josh Safdie's "Marty Supreme" are expected to join the best director race, showcasing the diversity of this year's films. The best picture field is just as varied, with everything from racing films to sci-fi comedies and international thrillers in the mix. This year, four films are projected to earn 10 or more nominations, which is a rare feat. The last time this happened was in 2019, with "Joker" leading the pack. With such a competitive and diverse field, the 2026 Oscars are sure to be an exciting event. The nominations will be announced soon, and the final decisions will be made by the Academy.