This evening brought the much-anticipated announcement of the 98th Academy Awards nominations, presented by Lewis Pullman and Danielle Brooks. The nominations largely followed predictions, with “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” establishing themselves as the dominant forces in this year’s Oscar race.
The breadth of nominations for both frontrunners underscores their exceptional quality. Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” received recognition for its direction, adapted screenplay, and multiple performances, while also earning technical nominations. The film’s Golden Globes success translated into strong Academy support across the board.
Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” demonstrated similar strength with nominations spanning creative and technical categories. The film’s visual storytelling particularly resonated with voters, earning recognition for cinematography, production design, and costume design. Strong performances from the ensemble cast also received acknowledgment.
The nomination landscape included diverse films across all categories, from blockbusters like “Avatar: Fire and Ash” to intimate dramas like “Sentimental Value.” However, the complete absence of Neeraj Ghaywan’s “Homebound” from the nominations list stands as the morning’s most notable disappointment.
Cinema’s biggest celebration arrives on March 15 when the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles hosts the 98th Academy Awards. The ceremony will air at 7 p.m. ET on ABC, where nominees will discover which recognition translates into victory.