The 2026 Oscars will conclude an exciting and unpredictable awards season. Hollywood’s biggest night takes place on Sunday, and several categories remain too close to call.
Predicting winners is always challenging. However, earlier awards ceremonies often provide clues about which films and actors have gained strong support. Events such as the Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards help indicate momentum.
More than 11,000 film industry professionals vote for the winners through the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Their choices will decide the final results.
Below is a look at the leading contenders in the major categories.
Best Picture
The political thriller One Battle After Another currently appears to be the strongest contender for Best Picture. The film has won several top prizes at earlier industry awards.
Its director, Paul Thomas Anderson, could also secure the Best Director award.
However, the vampire horror film Sinners remains a serious challenger. The film has received 16 Oscar nominations, breaking the previous record held by films such as Titanic and La La Land.
With strong support from voters, the race between these two films could produce a surprise result.
Best Actor
The Best Actor category remains highly unpredictable this year.
Timothée Chalamet earned early attention for his role in Marty Supreme. Meanwhile, Wagner Moura gained recognition for his performance in The Secret Agent.
Recently, Michael B. Jordan has gained strong momentum after winning a major acting award for Sinners.
With multiple contenders showing strong performances this season, the Best Actor race remains one of the hardest to predict.
Best Actress
The Best Actress category has a clear frontrunner.
Jessie Buckley has consistently won awards for her role in Hamnet throughout the season.
Although surprises can still happen, Buckley currently appears to be the strongest favorite in any major category at the 2026 Oscars.
Best Supporting Actor
The Supporting Actor race started with mixed results. Early winners included Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein and Stellan Skarsgård for Sentimental Value.
In recent weeks, Sean Penn has taken the lead after winning major awards for his role in One Battle After Another.
If he wins on Oscar night, Penn could claim the third Academy Award of his career.
Best Supporting Actress
The Supporting Actress category remains wide open.
Teyana Taylor earned nominations across all major ceremonies for her role in One Battle After Another and won the Golden Globe Awards.
Meanwhile, Wunmi Mosaku won the BAFTA Awards for her performance in Sinners.
Amy Madigan also remains a strong contender after winning prizes at the Critics’ Choice and Actor Awards for Weapons.
The final result could go to any of these three performers, making this one of the most exciting categories this year.
