The 98th Academy Awards have arrived with one of the most unpredictable races in recent years, as Hollywood gathers at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for cinema’s biggest night. According to The Associated Press, two major films from Warner Bros., Sinners directed by Ryan Coogler and One Battle After Another directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, are widely seen as the leading contenders for Best Picture. While One Battle After Another entered the ceremony as the favorite among many analysts, Sinners leads the field with a record 16 nominations, setting up a dramatic showdown between two highly acclaimed filmmakers.
The ceremony, hosted once again by Conan O’Brien, is being broadcast live on ABC and streaming on Hulu in the United States, while Canadian viewers can watch the event on CTV and Crave beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern. The official red carpet coverage began earlier in the evening, with stars arriving along a newly designed carpet described as “red rock” in color. Japanese maple trees were placed along the arrival path, creating a distinct visual backdrop for the evening’s festivities.
In the acting categories, several races remain too close to predict. According to The Associated Press, Michael B. Jordan and Timothée Chalamet are locked in a tight Best Actor competition. Chalamet had long been considered the front runner for his performance in Marty Supreme, but Jordan’s performance in Sinners has gained momentum following major wins earlier in the awards season. Meanwhile, Jessie Buckley is widely expected to win Best Actress for her role in Hamnet, though the supporting categories remain highly competitive with several nominees considered strong contenders.
The 2026 Oscars are also taking place during a moment of global uncertainty. Security measures around the ceremony have been significantly heightened due to geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Organizers confirmed they are working closely with the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department to ensure safety. According to event producers, security planning is reviewed every year, but the current global situation has added additional layers of coordination.
This year’s awards also highlight the continuing debate between theatrical releases and streaming platforms. Despite Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters becoming the most watched movie of 2025 with more than 325 million views, streaming films continue to struggle in the Best Picture category. Industry analysts expect the top award to once again go to a traditional theatrical production, reflecting the Academy’s continued preference for big screen releases. Both Sinners and One Battle After Another were shot on film and released in theaters, underscoring a return to large scale cinematic storytelling.
The ceremony introduces several new elements as well. For the first time, the Academy has added a Best Casting category. In addition, voters were required to confirm that they had watched all nominated films before casting their ballots. The Academy implemented this change through its internal streaming platform, where members had to acknowledge viewing each nominee before voting.
Despite the global glamour of the event, one notable absence remains. According to reports from ET Online, no Indian film has secured a nomination at the 2026 Oscars. The film Homebound had reached the shortlist in the Best International Feature category but did not advance to the final nominations.
As the night unfolds, the Academy Awards are expected to reflect not only the year’s best filmmaking achievements but also the broader transformation of the entertainment industry. Hollywood continues to face rapid changes including studio consolidation, shifting production locations, and growing concerns about the role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. The outcome of the night’s biggest awards will help shape the conversation about the future of cinema in an industry navigating both technological change and global uncertainty.
