Diverse Lineup of Films and Artists Advance on the 2026 Oscar Shortlist Ahead of Nominations

As the awards season intensifies, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the shortlists for the 98th Academy Awards, offering the first clear look at the films and creative achievements that could secure nominations next month. The Academy released lists in 12 categories, ranging from visual effects and sound to original song and international feature film, signaling both expected contenders and surprising entries that could shape the Oscar race.

At the forefront of the buzz are films such as Sinners and Wicked: For Good, which received multiple mentions across the shortlists, including makeup and hairstyling, sound, and visual effects—an early indicator of broad support from voters.

In the Visual Effects shortlist, titles like Avatar: Fire and Ash, Superman, Tron: Ares, F1, and Frankenstein made the cut, alongside several others under consideration for nominations. The Sound category similarly features these films along with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere, showcasing technical achievements across genres.

Music categories also drew attention, with original songs from KPop Demon Hunters, Wicked: For Good, Sinners, and F1 advancing, and celebrated composers such as Ludwig Göransson, Alexandre Desplat, and others represented in the original score shortlist.

The International Feature Film shortlist highlights the global scope of the Oscars this year, featuring 15 films from countries including Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, India, and Spain. Notably, Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound from India secured a place on the list, marking a significant moment for South Asian cinema on the Academy stage.

Below-the-line crafts such as cinematography, casting, and makeup also saw a competitive array of contenders like Hamnet, One Battle After Another, Marty Supreme, and Sirât, pointing to a richly varied field of films that could translate into multiple nominations when official Oscar nominations are announced on January 22, 2026.

With nominations voting scheduled from January 12 to January 16, and the ceremony set for March 15, 2026, these shortlists provide a first snapshot of potential Oscar competitors, spotlighting both critical favorites and crowd-pleasing blockbusters as the industry prepares for Hollywood’s biggest night.