The most awaited moment of the awards season is almost here, with the 2026 Oscar nominations set to be announced on January 22 at 7 PM IST. As anticipation peaks, several high-profile films are tipped to dominate the nominations list, potentially making Academy Awards history.
One Battle After Another leads the race
Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another has emerged as the strongest contender this season, following an impressive run at precursor awards. The film clinched Best Picture (Comedy or Musical) and Best Director at the Golden Globes, alongside wins and nominations for screenplay and acting categories.
At the Oscars, the film is widely expected to secure nominations across all four acting categories — a rare achievement. Leonardo DiCaprio, Chase Infiniti, Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn and Teyana Taylor are all predicted to feature, which could make the film only the 16th in Oscar history to earn nominations in Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress. The last film to do so was American Hustle in 2013.
Beyond performances, One Battle After Another is also likely to dominate technical and creative categories, putting it firmly on track for double-digit nominations.
Sinners could challenge nomination records
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, led by Michael B. Jordan in a dual role, is another major player. Industry predictions suggest the film could land up to 14 nominations, potentially tying the all-time record held by All About Eve, Titanic and La La Land. The film is expected to perform strongly in craft categories, while also securing nods for Best Picture, Best Director and acting honours.
Can India’s Homebound secure a historic nod?
The spotlight will also be on the fiercely competitive Best International Feature Film category. India’s official entry, Homebound by Neeraj Ghaywan, is seen as a dark horse contender. While frontrunners include Norway’s Sentimental Value, Brazil’s The Secret Agent, France’s It Was Just an Accident and Spain’s Sirāt, the fifth slot remains open — offering Homebound a genuine chance to sneak in.
The film, starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, follows two childhood friends whose shared dream of joining the police force shapes their lives, and has earned quiet but consistent critical praise on the international circuit.
Alongside these, other major titles expected to feature prominently include Hamnet, Frankenstein, Marty Supreme, Wicked: For Good and Train Dreams, setting the stage for one of the most competitive Oscar line-ups in recent years.