Oscars 2026: Full Predictions for All 24 Categories

Overview of the 98th Academy Awards

The 98th Academy Awards, set to take place on March 15, 2026, will feature 24 categories, including a new addition: Best Casting. This category recognizes the casting director of the nominated film. While the Academy has confirmed that a Best Stunt category is coming, it won’t be introduced until the 100th ceremony. This gives fans and analysts a chance to explore all 24 categories as the awards season unfolds.

Key Dates for the Oscars 2026

Here are the key dates to keep in mind:

Oscars shortlists announcement: December 16, 2025
Oscars nominations voting period: January 12–16, 2026
Oscars nominations announcement: January 22, 2026
Final voting period: February 26–March 5, 2026
98th Academy Awards: March 15, 2026

As the season progresses, these dates will serve as important markers for predictions and updates.

Best Picture Predictions

The Best Picture category is still evolving, with several films competing for a spot. The top contenders include Hamnet, One Battle After Another, Sinners, Marty Supreme, and Sentimental Value. Recent changes have seen Marty Supreme move up in the rankings, while Train Dreams and Wicked: For Good have dropped slightly. My current prediction is that Hamnet will win this category, though One Battle After Another is closely following.

Best Director Predictions

Best Director is another highly competitive race. Paul Thomas Anderson, Chloé Zhao, and Ryan Coogler are strong contenders, with Guillermo del Toro and Joachim Trier also in the mix. I predict that PTA will win his first Oscar, though the competition remains tight throughout the season.

Best Actress Predictions

Emma Stone is a major contender for Best Actress, but Jessie Buckley appears to be the frontrunner. Amanda Seyfried has risen two spots in the rankings, pushing Emma Stone and Cynthia Erivo down slightly. Other notable names include Chase Infiniti, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lawrence, Rose Byrne, and Tessa Thompson.

Best Actor Predictions

Leonardo DiCaprio and Michael B. Jordan are both strong candidates for Best Actor. However, Timothée Chalamet is currently predicted to win, based on the positive reception of Marty Surpeme. His performance has earned critical acclaim, making him a serious contender for the award.

Best Supporting Actress Predictions

Ariana Grande is the frontrunner for Best Supporting Actress, thanks to her role in Wicked: For Good. However, Teyana Taylor could challenge her if she is the sole nominee from One Battle After Another. Regina Hall has fallen out of the race, with Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas expected to take her place.

Best Supporting Actor Predictions

Stellan Skarsgård is my predicted winner for Best Supporting Actor, based on his performance in Sentimental Value. He faces competition from Sean Penn and Paul Mescal. Jacob Elordi has moved up in the rankings, while Adam Sandler remains in the top five.

Best Casting Predictions

In the debut of the Best Casting category, Francine Maisler is my predicted winner for Sinners. The ensemble cast has received widespread praise, and a win for the casting director would highlight the film’s talent. Wicked: For Good and Jay Kelly are also strong contenders.

Best Original Screenplay Predictions

Ryan Coogler’s script for Sinners is in pole position for Best Original Screenplay. Other contenders include Sentimental Value and Marty Supreme. Joachim Trier and Josh Safdie are also in the running, with Safdie’s movie gaining momentum.

Best Adapted Screenplay Predictions

Hamnet and One Battle After Another are strong contenders for Best Adapted Screenplay. A win in this category often supports a Best Picture victory, as seen in previous years. Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein has entered the race, replacing Bugonia.

Best Animated Feature Predictions

KPop Demon Hunters is the clear favorite for Best Animated Feature, having become a global phenomenon. Disney’s Zootopia 2 is a strong competitor, while international entries like Little Amélie or the Character of Rain and Arco hope to follow in Flow‘s footsteps.

Best International Feature Film Predictions

Norway’s Sentimental Value is the top contender for Best International Feature Film. Historically, international films that receive Best Picture nominations often win here. No Other Choice and The Secret Agent have swapped positions in recent updates.

Best Original Song Predictions

While Wicked: For Good was once a sure bet for Best Original Song, its chances have diminished. “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters is now the leading candidate. Diane Warren’s “Dear Me” has also entered the top five, despite her lack of a win in the category.

Best Original Score Predictions

Johnny Greenwood’s score for One Battle After Another and Ludwig Göransson’s work on Sinners are strong contenders. Göransson, a multiple-time winner, is looking to add a third Oscar to his collection. Alexandre Desplat and Hildur Guðnadóttir are also in the running.

Best Sound Predictions

Sinners is my predicted winner for Best Sound, thanks to its impressive sound design. Blockbusters like Wicked: For Good and Avatar: Fire and Ash are also strong contenders. One Battle After Another has slipped to fourth in the rankings.

Best Visual Effects Predictions

Avatar: Fire and Ash is the clear favorite for Best Visual Effects, given the franchise’s history of success in this category. James Cameron’s latest film is expected to impress visually, making it a confident choice.

Best Film Editing Predictions

Long films like One Battle After Another and Marty Supreme are strong contenders for Best Film Editing. Hamnet has also entered the race, though F1: The Movie has moved ahead of it in the rankings.

Best Cinematography Predictions

Sinners is the presumed favorite for Best Cinematography, with Autumn Durald Arkapaw as a potential winner. She would be the first female cinematographer to win the category. Frankenstein has replaced Marty Supreme in the rankings.

Best Production Design Predictions

Frankenstein is now the top contender for Best Production Design, thanks to its gothic horror aesthetic. Wicked: For Good has slid down the rankings, while Hamnet has dropped to third.

Best Costume Design Predictions

Wicked: For Good is expected to carry over its success from last year’s Costume Design win. Other contenders include Marty Supreme and Hedda.

Best Makeup and Hairstyling Predictions

Frankenstein remains the top pick for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, with Wicked: For Good and The Smashing Machine close behind. 28 Years Later is also in contention for the fifth spot.

Best Documentary Feature Predictions

Geeta Gandbhir’s The Perfect Neighbor is the front-runner for Best Documentary Feature, followed by 2000 Meters to Andriivka. These two films are the most likely to make the final shortlist.