2026 Oscar Predictions

It’s that time of year again. It’s time for the Oscars! While this seemed like a toss-up in many categories a few weeks ago, predictions in my research are actually pretty consistent, so we’ll have to wait and see how it goes. As per tradition, here are my predictions for this year’s Academy Awards, as well as some personal picks and some movies I wish were nominated.

Best Picture - One Battle After Another

Best Director - Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another

Best Actor - Michael B. Jordan, Sinners

Best Actress - Jessie Buckley, Hamnet

Best Supporting Actor - Sean Penn, One Battle After Another

Best Supporting Actress - Amy Madigan, Weapons

Best Original Screenplay - Sinners

Best Adapted Screenplay - One Battle After Another

Best Animated Feature Film - KPop Demon Hunters

Best International Feature - Sentimental Value

Best Documentary Feature Film - The Perfect Neighbor

Best Documentary Short Film - All the Empty Rooms

Best Live Action Short Film - Two People Exchanging Saliva

Best Animated Short Film - Butterfly

Best Original Score - Sinners

Best Original Song - “Golden,” KPop Demon Hunters

Best Sound - F1

Best Casting - Sinners

Best Production Design - Frankenstein

Best Cinematography - One Battle After Another

Best Makeup and Hairstyling - Frankenstein

Best Costume Design - Frankenstein

Best Film Editing - One Battle After Another

Best Visual Effects - Avatar: Fire and Ash

Personal Picks:

Best Animated Feature Film - Zootopia 2

Best Documentary Feature Film - Mr. Nobody Against Putin

Best Live Action Short Film - Jane Austen’s Period Drama

Best Cinematography - Train Dreams

Should Have Been Nominated:

Best Picture - Wicked: For Good, Wake Up Dead Man

Best Supporting Actress - Ariana Grande, Wicked: For Good

Best Original Screenplay - Wake Up Dead Man

Best Animated Feature Film - The Bad Guys 2

Best Original Song - “Zoo,” Zootopia 2, “No Place Like Home,” Wicked: For Good, “The Girl in the Bubble,” Wicked: For Good

Best Makeup and Hairstyling - Wicked: For Good

Best Costume Design - Wicked: For Good