Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman to Announce 2026 Oscar Nominations Next Week as ‘Sinners’ and ‘One Battle After Another’ Lead the Awards Buzz
Hollywood is officially on awards-season alert as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirms that actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman will host the 2026 Oscar nominations announcement next week on Thursday, January 22, live at 8:30 AM ET / 5:30 AM PT. The pair — celebrated for their breakout roles in recent critically acclaimed films — will reveal the year’s contenders across all 23 categories in a broadcast watched globally by press, industry insiders, and fans.
Brooks, an Oscar nominee for The Color Purple, and Pullman, known for his standout roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Lesson in Chemistry, bring both rising-star excitement and industry credibility to the spotlight as they prepare to unveil cinema’s most influential shortlist.
The Front-Runners: All Eyes on Sinners and One Battle After Another
With the countdown now underway, awards analysts are aligning around two films expected to dominate the nominations: Ryan Coogler’s Sinners and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another.
Sinners, a bold and genre-blending supernatural thriller, has led nearly every major precursor conversation so far. Its combination of visionary direction, powerhouse performances, and technical mastery has made it a top contender for categories including Best Picture, Best Director, Acting, and multiple craft awards. Many insiders believe it could lead the entire nomination field.
One Battle After Another has carved out its own impressive path this season. With Paul Thomas Anderson’s signature storytelling, complex performances, and strong reception at several critics’ awards, the film is widely viewed as the biggest challenger to Sinners. Analysts expect it to appear prominently in Picture, Director, Acting, and screenplay categories — and potentially rack up double-digit nominations.
Industry watchers are already predicting that these two films may define this year’s Oscar race, echoing past seasons where two cinematic heavyweights dominated nominations.
What to Expect on January 22
Next week’s nomination announcement will confirm contenders in every Oscar category, including:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actress / Best Actor
Supporting Categories
Original and Adapted Screenplay
Editing, Cinematography and Production Design
International Feature and Documentary Feature
While Sinners and One Battle After Another remain the consensus frontrunners, several other films — from ambitious studio dramas to breakthrough independent titles — are positioned to earn key nominations and shake up the race.
Why Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman Are Inspired Choice
The Academy’s selection of Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman reflects a desire to spotlight performers who are both critically respected and beloved by audiences. Brooks brings charisma and commanding screen presence, while Pullman’s steady rise has positioned him as one of the most intriguing actors of his generation.
Their energy, relatability, and industry insight are likely to make the nominations broadcast one of the more engaging in recent memory.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Oscars
Once the nominations are announced next week, the final stretch toward the 98th Academy Awards begins. Campaigns will intensify, frontrunners will solidify — or be upended — and the global film community will zero in on who will ultimately take home Hollywood’s highest honors.
For now, all eyes are on Thursday, January 22, when Brooks and Pullman take the stage and officially set the tone for what promises to be one of the most competitive and exciting Oscar races in years.
