And The Oscar Goes To... 2026 Oscars Winners

 Actor in a Leading Role

Winner

Michael B. Jordan

Sinners

Nominees

Timothée Chalamet

Marty Supreme

Leonardo DiCaprio

One Battle after Another

Ethan Hawke

Blue Moon

Wagner Moura

The Secret Agent

Actor in a Supporting Role

Winner

Sean Penn

One Battle after Another

Nominees

Benicio Del Toro

One Battle after Another

Jacob Elordi

Frankenstein

Delroy Lindo

Sinners

Stellan Skarsgård

Sentimental Value

Actress in a Leading Role

Winner

Jessie Buckley

Hamnet

Nominees

Rose Byrne

If I Had Legs I'd Kick You

Kate Hudson

Song Sung Blue

Renate Reinsve

Sentimental Value

Emma Stone

Bugonia

Actress in a Supporting Role

Winner

Amy Madigan

Weapons

Nominees

Elle Fanning

Sentimental Value

Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas

Sentimental Value

Wunmi Mosaku

Sinners

Teyana Taylor

One Battle after Another

Animated Feature Film

Winner

KPop Demon Hunters

Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans and Michelle L.M. Wong

Nominees

Arco

Ugo Bienvenu, Félix de Givry, Sophie Mas and Natalie Portman

Elio

Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina and Mary Alice Drumm

Little Amélie or the Character of Rain

Maïlys Vallade, Liane-Cho Han, Nidia Santiago and Henri Magalon

Zootopia 2

Jared Bush, Byron Howard and Yvett Merino

Animated Short Film

Winner

The Girl Who Cried Pearls

Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski

Nominees

Butterfly

Florence Miailhe and Ron Dyens

Forevergreen

Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears

Retirement Plan

John Kelly and Andrew Freedman

The Three Sisters

Konstantin Bronzit

Casting

Winner

One Battle after Another

Cassandra Kulukundis

Nominees

Hamnet

Nina Gold

Marty Supreme

Jennifer Venditti

The Secret Agent

Gabriel Domingues

Sinners

Francine Maisler

Cinematography

Winner

Sinners

Autumn Durald Arkapaw

Nominees

Frankenstein

Dan Laustsen

Marty Supreme

Darius Khondji

One Battle after Another

Michael Bauman

Train Dreams

Adolpho Veloso

Costume Design

Winner

Frankenstein

Kate Hawley

Nominees

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Deborah L. Scott

Hamnet

Malgosia Turzanska

Marty Supreme

Miyako Bellizzi

Sinners

Ruth E. Carter

Directing

Winner

One Battle after Another

Paul Thomas Anderson

Nominees

Hamnet

Chloé Zhao

Marty Supreme

Josh Safdie

Sentimental Value

Joachim Trier

Sinners

Ryan Coogler

Documentary Feature Film

Winner

Mr. Nobody against Putin

David Borenstein, Pavel Talankin, Helle Faber and Alžběta Karásková

Nominees

The Alabama Solution

Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman

Come See Me in the Good Light

Ryan White, Jessica Hargrave, Tig Notaro and Stef Willen

Cutting through Rocks

Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni

The Perfect Neighbor

Geeta Gandbhir, Alisa Payne, Nikon Kwantu and Sam Bisbee

Documentary Short Film

Winner

All the Empty Rooms

Joshua Seftel and Conall Jones

Nominees

Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud

Craig Renaud and Juan Arredondo

Children No More: "Were and Are Gone"

Hilla Medalia and Sheila Nevins

The Devil Is Busy

Christalyn Hampton and Geeta Gandbhir

Perfectly a Strangeness

Alison McAlpine

Film Editing

Winner

One Battle after Another

Andy Jurgensen

Nominees

F1

Stephen Mirrione

Marty Supreme

Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie

Sentimental Value

Olivier Bugge Coutté

Sinners

Michael P. Shawver

International Feature Film

Winner

Norway

Sentimental Value

Nominees

Brazil

The Secret Agent

France

It Was Just an Accident

Spain

Sirāt

Tunisia

The Voice of Hind Rajab

Live Action Short Film

Winner

The Singers

Sam A. Davis and Jack Piatt

Winner

Two People Exchanging Saliva

Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata

Nominees

Butcher's Stain

Meyer Levinson-Blount and Oron Caspi

A Friend of Dorothy

Lee Knight and James Dean

Jane Austen's Period Drama

Julia Aks and Steve Pinder

Makeup and Hairstyling

Winner

Frankenstein

Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel and Cliona Furey

Nominees

Kokuho

Kyoko Toyokawa, Naomi Hibino and Tadashi Nishimatsu

Sinners

Ken Diaz, Mike Fontaine and Shunika Terry

The Smashing Machine

Kazu Hiro, Glen Griffin and Bjoern Rehbein

The Ugly Stepsister

Thomas Foldberg and Anne Cathrine Sauerberg

Music (Original Score)

Winner

Sinners

Ludwig Goransson

Nominees

Bugonia

Jerskin Fendrix

Frankenstein

Alexandre Desplat

Hamnet

Max Richter

One Battle after Another

Jonny Greenwood

Music (Original Song)

Winner

Golden

from KPop Demon Hunters; Music and Lyric by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo and Teddy Park

Nominees

Dear Me

from Diane Warren: Relentless; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren

I Lied To You

from Sinners; Music and Lyric by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Goransson

Sweet Dreams Of Joy

from Viva Verdi!; Music and Lyric by Nicholas Pike

Train Dreams

from Train Dreams; Music by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner; Lyric by Nick Cave

Best Picture

Winner

One Battle after Another

Adam Somner, Sara Murphy and Paul Thomas Anderson, Producers

Nominees

Bugonia

Ed Guiney & Andrew Lowe, Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone and Lars Knudsen, Producers

F1

Chad Oman, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer, Producers

Frankenstein

Guillermo del Toro, J. Miles Dale and Scott Stuber, Producers

Hamnet

Liza Marshall, Pippa Harris, Nicolas Gonda, Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes, Producers

Marty Supreme

Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie, Anthony Katagas and Timothée Chalamet, Producers

The Secret Agent

Emilie Lesclaux, Producer

Sentimental Value

Maria Ekerhovd and Andrea Berentsen Ottmar, Producers

Sinners

Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Ryan Coogler, Producers

Train Dreams

Marissa McMahon, Teddy Schwarzman, Will Janowitz, Ashley Schlaifer and Michael Heimler, Producers

Production Design

Winner

Frankenstein

Production Design: Tamara Deverell; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau

Nominees

Hamnet

Production Design: Fiona Crombie; Set Decoration: Alice Felton

Marty Supreme

Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Adam Willis

One Battle after Another

Production Design: Florencia Martin; Set Decoration: Anthony Carlino

Sinners

Production Design: Hannah Beachler; Set Decoration: Monique Champagne

Sound

Winner

F1

Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo and Juan Peralta

Nominees

Frankenstein

Greg Chapman, Nathan Robitaille, Nelson Ferreira, Christian Cooke and Brad Zoern

One Battle after Another

José Antonio García, Christopher Scarabosio and Tony Villaflor

Sinners

Chris Welcker, Benjamin A. Burtt, Felipe Pacheco, Brandon Proctor and Steve Boeddeker

Sirāt

Amanda Villavieja, Laia Casanovas and Yasmina Praderas

Visual Effects

Winner

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon and Daniel Barrett

Nominees

F1

Ryan Tudhope, Nicolas Chevallier, Robert Harrington and Keith Dawson

Jurassic World Rebirth

David Vickery, Stephen Aplin, Charmaine Chan and Neil Corbould

The Lost Bus

Charlie Noble, David Zaretti, Russell Bowen and Brandon K. McLaughlin

Sinners

Michael Ralla, Espen Nordahl, Guido Wolter and Donnie Dean

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

Winner

One Battle after Another

Written by Paul Thomas Anderson

Nominees

Bugonia

Screenplay by Will Tracy

Frankenstein

Written for the Screen by Guillermo del Toro

Hamnet

Screenplay by Chloé Zhao & Maggie O'Farrell

Train Dreams

Screenplay by Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar

Writing (Original Screenplay)

Winner

Sinners

Written by Ryan Coogler

Nominees

Blue Moon

Written by Robert Kaplow

It Was Just an Accident

Written by Jafar Panahi; Script collaborators - Nader Saïvar, Shadmehr Rastin, Mehdi Mahmoudian

Marty Supreme

Written by Ronald Bronstein & Josh Safdie

Sentimental Value

Written by Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier

2026 Oscars Predictions

Here are my annual predictions for the Oscars. 

Best Picture: Sinners 

Best Actor in a Leading Role: Michael B. Jordan

Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Stellan Skarsgard

Best Actress in a Leading Role: Jessie Buckley

Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Amy Madigan 

Animated Feature Film: K-Pop Demon Hunters (But prefer Zootopia 2)

Casting (New Category): Sinners 

Cinematography: Sinners 

Costume Design: Sinners (But Prefer Avatar: Fire and Ash) 

Best Director: Ryan Coogler for Sinners

Makeup and Hairstyling: Frankenstein (But prefer Sinners) 

Score: Ludwig Goransson for Sinners

Best Original Song: Golden from K-Pop Demon Hunters 

Production Design: Sinners

Sound: Sinners

Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash 

Writing Adapted Screenplay: Frankenstein 

Writing Original Screenplay: Sinners 

Logo Courtesy of ABC and the AMPAS

Oscars 2025 Predictions

My yearly prediction for the Oscars (Main Categories) 

Best Actress in a Leading Role- Cynthia Erivo for Wicked 

Best Supporting Actress- Ariana Grande-Butera for Wicked

Best Actor in a Leading Role- Ralph Fiennes for Conclave 

Best Supporting Actor- Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain 

Best Animated Feature Film- Inside Out 2 

Cinematography- Dune Part 2

Costume Design- Wicked

Best Director- James Mangold for A Complete Unknown

Make-Up and Hairstyling- Wicked 

Score- Wicked 

Best Picture- Wicked 

Production Design- Wicked 

Sound- Dune Part 2 

Visuals- Wicked

Logo Courtesy of the AMPAS

Wicked Part One (2024)

One of history's most celebrated musicals finally gets its silver screen treatment. For over 20 years, the iconic musical phenomenon "Wicked" has captured the hearts of all. This film adaptation is incredible, wonderous, and beautiful in every sense of the word. The prequel to one of the most beloved films is a masterpiece. 

The "Wizard of Oz" legacy continues to amplify its presence in this film. The story gives audiences the backstory of the friends turned enemies in this film. It is beyond beautiful. This is one of the best films of the year, all powered by an incredible cast lead by Cynthia Erivo as the green "Wicked Witch of the West" and Ariana Grande as Glinda "the Good Witch". 

Jon M. Chu does an amazing job at this film. His vision to recreate one of the most popular musicals into a gigantic cinematic experience is phenomenal. The sets are incredible, colorful, and grand. The musical numbers and efforts of the leading ladies are nothing short of enchanting. Chu's direction is truly one of the best in musical film adaptations. 

Not only are Grande and Erivo perfect for these roles, but their singing performances are just as great as expected. The vocal talent they bring to the iconic musical is nothing short of remarkable. Their chemistry is surely one of the best in performances this year. Musical theatre fans of all ages cannot miss what this film offers. It truly is the best film of the year and the best musical film adaptation to date. 

Poster Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Rate: A+

Director: Jon M. Chu 

Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Peter Dinklage

MPAA Rating: PG (Some scary action, brief suggestive material, thematic material) 

Runtime: 2 Hours and 40 Minutes

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

"Top Gun: Maverick" is a thrilling and nostalgic ride that soars to new heights, paying homage to the original while carving its own path in the sky. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, this long-awaited sequel delivers a perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping action, emotional depth, and stunning visuals.

Tom Cruise returns as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, and his performance is nothing short of electrifying. Cruise effortlessly steps back into the iconic role, bringing a mix of seasoned wisdom and rebellious spirit that makes Maverick as compelling as ever. His on-screen presence is magnetic, and his dedication to performing his own stunts adds an extra layer of authenticity and excitement to the film.

The supporting cast, including Miles Teller as Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw, the son of Maverick’s late friend Goose, brings fresh energy and emotional resonance to the story. Teller's performance is heartfelt and layered, capturing the complexities of a young pilot trying to step out of his father's shadow while grappling with his feelings towards Maverick. Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, and Glen Powell also shine in their respective roles, adding depth and dimension to the ensemble.

The film's aerial sequences are breathtaking, showcasing some of the most impressive and realistic flight choreography ever seen on screen. The use of practical effects and real aircraft gives the action an exhilarating, immersive quality that CGI alone can't replicate. The dogfights and training exercises are intense and visually spectacular, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

At its core, "Top Gun: Maverick" is a story about legacy, redemption, and the enduring spirit of pushing boundaries. The script perfectly balances high-octane action and heartfelt moments, exploring themes of friendship, loss, and the passage of time. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of new music and iconic tracks from the original film, further elevates the viewing experience, evoking a sense of nostalgia while propelling the story forward.

"Top Gun: Maverick" is a must-see for fans of the original and newcomers alike. It’s a triumphant return to the danger zone that reminds us why we fell in love with Maverick and his high-flying adventures in the first place. This film celebrates the past and a thrilling journey into the future, proving that some legends never die.

Poster Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Rate: A

Director: Joseph Kosinski 

Starring: Tom Cruise, Glenn Powell, Miles Teller, Jon Hamm, Jennifer Connelly and Val Kilmer

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Some Strong Language|Sequences of Intense Action)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 16 Minutes

Synopsis: After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. When he finds himself training a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a specialized mission the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen, Maverick encounters Lt. Bradley Bradshaw (Miles Teller), call sign: “Rooster,” the son of Maverick’s late friend and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Nick Bradshaw, aka “Goose”. Facing an uncertain future and confronting the ghosts of his past, Maverick is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it.

Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

"Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1" is an exhilarating triumph that redefines the action genre with its breathtaking stunts, intricate plot, and stellar performances. Tom Cruise once again proves why he is the king of action, delivering a riveting portrayal of Ethan Hunt that is both intense and deeply human. The film's pacing is relentless, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Director Christopher McQuarrie masterfully weaves a complex narrative that is engaging and thought-provoking, blending high-octane action sequences with moments of genuine emotion. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty and danger of each locale, while the meticulously choreographed stunts push the boundaries of what we thought possible on the big screen.

The supporting cast, including Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg, and Ving Rhames, deliver outstanding performances that add depth and camaraderie to the story. Newcomers to the franchise also shine, bringing fresh energy and perspectives that enrich the overall experience.

"Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1" is a must-see for action aficionados and movie lovers. It sets a new standard for the genre and leaves audiences eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this phenomenal series. 

Rate: A 

Poster Courtesy of Paramount and Skydance 

Director: Christopher McQuarrie 

Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Vanessa Kirby

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Intense Sequences of Violence|Action|Some Language|Suggestive Material)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 43 Minutes

Synopsis: In Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces from Ethan's past closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission -- not even the lives of those he cares about most.

Dune Part Two (2024)

Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune Part Two” is a mesmerizing continuation of the epic saga, showcasing an impeccable blend of visual grandeur, compelling narrative, and exceptional performances. This film elevates the franchise to new heights, firmly establishing it as a landmark in modern science fiction cinema.

The story picks up where the first installment left off, plunging us deeper into the political and mystical complexities of the desert planet Arrakis. Villeneuve masterfully balances the intricate plot with breathtaking action sequences, ensuring that both newcomers and fans of Frank Herbert’s novel remain thoroughly engaged. The director’s vision for “Dune” is grand and ambitious, and “Part Two” realizes this vision with an astounding level of detail and authenticity.

Timothée Chalamet once again shines as Paul Atreides, portraying his character’s evolution with a nuanced performance that captures the weight of his destiny. Zendaya’s role as Chani is significantly expanded, bringing depth and strength to her character. Their chemistry on screen is palpable, adding a rich layer of emotional resonance to the film.

The supporting cast, including Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, and Javier Bardem, deliver stellar performances, further enriching the film’s dynamic ensemble. Each actor brings a distinct presence to their role, contributing to the film’s overall impact.

Visually, “Dune Part Two” is a tour de force. The sweeping desert landscapes, intricate set designs, and innovative special effects create an immersive experience that transports audiences to another world. Hans Zimmer’s score complements the visual spectacle perfectly, heightening the film’s epic scale and emotional depth.

One of the standout aspects of the film is its ability to balance spectacle with substance. While the action scenes are thrilling and impeccably choreographed, the film always retains its core themes of power, survival, and destiny. Villeneuve’s direction ensures that every scene serves the story, building tension and intrigue towards a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion.

“Dune Part Two” is a cinematic triumph that solidifies Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation as a definitive interpretation of Herbert’s work. It is a must-see for fans of the genre and a testament to the power of visionary filmmaking. This film not only meets the high expectations set by its predecessor but exceeds them, promising an unforgettable journey through the sands of Arrakis.

Poster Courtesy of Warner Bros. 

Rate: B

Director: Denis Villeneuve 

Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Stellan Skarsgard 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (For Sequences of Strong Violence|Brief Strong Language|Some Suggestive Material)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 46 Minutes

Synopsis: "Dune: Part Two" will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.