Awards season reaches its pinnacle as nominations for the 98th Academy Awards arrive early Thursday morning.
Actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman will announce nominees starting at 5:30 a.m. PT on Jan. 22.
This year brings historic changes, fierce competition, and potentially record-breaking recognition for two standout films.
Fans can tune in across multiple platforms including Oscar.com, the Academy’s social channels, ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Disney+, and Hulu.
Where Hollywood’s Elite Will Battle for Recognition
The announcement streams live across Oscar.com, Oscars.org, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Television viewers can watch via ABC’s “Good Morning America” or catch “ABC News Live” through Disney+ and Hulu.
This multi-platform approach ensures no film enthusiast misses the moment their favorite contenders secure recognition.
Two Films Could Shatter Historic Oscar Records
Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis forecasts an exceptionally competitive best picture race featuring ten nominees. His predictions include “Bugonia,” “F1,” “Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “One Battle After Another,” “The Secret Agent,” “Sentimental Value,” “Sinners,” and “Train Dreams.”
Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” and Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” stand poised to potentially eclipse the all-time nomination record of 14.
Only three films have achieved that benchmark: “All About Eve” in 1950, “Titanic” in 1997, and “La La Land” in 2016. Should either film surpass 14 nominations, it would mark the first time in 27 years that record falls.
Academy Expands Categories for First Time in Years
The 98th ceremony introduces best casting as an official category, expanding the total count to 24. This marks the first major category addition in recent Academy history, acknowledging casting directors’ crucial role in filmmaking success.
Best picture remains capped at 10 nominees, maintaining the structure implemented over a decade ago.
Best Actor Race Features Hollywood’s Biggest Names
Davis predicts a powerhouse best actor lineup including:
- Timothée Chalamet for “Marty Supreme”
- Leonardo DiCaprio for “One Battle After Another”
- Ethan Hawke for “Blue Moon”
- Michael B. Jordan for “Sinners”
- Wagner Moura for “The Secret Agent”
Chalamet enters nomination morning with momentum after his Golden Globe victory over DiCaprio. That win positions him as a formidable frontrunner heading into Oscar voting.
The matchup between Chalamet and DiCaprio promises to become one of the season’s most watched rivalries.
Best Actress Category Showcases International Talent
Expected best actress nominees represent diverse storytelling perspectives:
- Jessie Buckley for “Hamnet”
- Rose Byrne for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”
- Chase Infiniti for “One Battle After Another”
- Renate Reinsve for “Sentimental Value”
- Emma Stone for “Bugonia”
Stone, a previous Oscar winner, returns to contention alongside breakthrough performers and international stars. Reinsve gained recognition through Norwegian cinema before crossing into mainstream Hollywood consideration.
Conan O’Brien Returns After Ratings Success
Conan O’Brien will host the ceremony following his 2025 debut that delivered the show’s biggest audience in five years. His comedic approach resonated with viewers who had drifted from awards telecasts in recent years.
The Academy’s decision to bring him back signals confidence in recapturing broader viewership beyond traditional film enthusiasts.
Mark Your Calendar for March 15
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony takes place March 15 at Hollywood’s iconic Dolby Theatre. ABC will broadcast the event live, with streaming available on Hulu for cord-cutters.
Between nomination morning Thursday and ceremony night in March, campaigns will intensify as studios push their contenders through screenings, panel discussions, and strategic media appearances. Every advantage matters in races this competitive.
With potential record-breakers, a new category, and star-studded lineups across all major races, this Oscar season promises unforgettable moments when nominations arrive Thursday morning.