Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman to Announce 2026 Oscar Nominations: Everything You Need to Know
Oscar nominee Brooks and Emmy nominee Pullman will reveal the 98th Academy Awards contenders January 22 in a historic race featuring new casting category and intense Best Picture competition
The Announcement Details
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed today on "Good Morning America" that actress Danielle Brooks and actor Lewis Pullman will announce the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The announcement marks a significant milestone in what's shaping up to be one of the most competitive and culturally significant Oscar races in recent memory.
Brooks and Pullman will reveal nominees across all 24 categories, including the newly introduced Best Casting award, in a live presentation from the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater starting at 5:30 a.m. PT / 8:30 a.m. ET.
How to Watch the Nominations Announcement
The global live stream will be available across multiple platforms to ensure maximum accessibility:
Television: ABC's "Good Morning America" and ABC News Live
Streaming Services: Hulu and Disney+
Official Academy Platforms: Oscar.com and Oscars.org
Social Media: The Academy's TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook pages
Accessibility: American Sign Language (ASL) services will be available on YouTube
Meet the Announcement Hosts
Danielle Brooks: From Broadway to Oscar Nominee
Danielle Brooks brings both star power and personal Oscar experience to the announcement. She was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2024 Academy Awards for her powerful portrayal of Sofia in Blitz Bazawule's big-screen musical adaptation of "The Color Purple," a role she originated on Broadway in 2015.
Brooks' journey from Broadway to the Oscars exemplifies the kind of career trajectory the Academy celebrates. Her performance in "The Color Purple" showcased her ability to transition seamlessly between stage and screen while maintaining the emotional depth and vocal power that made her a theatrical sensation.
Most recently, Brooks earned a Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work in HBO Max's "Peacemaker," demonstrating her versatility across dramatic and comedic roles. She also starred alongside Michelle Pfeiffer in Amazon Prime's holiday film "Oh. What. Fun," continuing to build her impressive screen resume.
As a Black actress who has navigated the awards circuit as both nominee and presenter, Brooks represents the Academy's ongoing efforts to showcase diverse voices and recognize talent across all backgrounds. Her presence at the nominations announcement sends a powerful message about representation both on and off screen.
Lewis Pullman: Blockbuster Star and Emmy Nominee
Lewis Pullman has become one of Hollywood's most versatile performers, moving effortlessly between blockbuster action films and intimate character-driven dramas. He's best known to mainstream audiences for his role in "Top Gun: Maverick," one of the highest-grossing films in recent years and a 2023 Best Picture nominee.
Pullman earned an Emmy nomination in 2024 for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for his nuanced performance opposite Brie Larson in Apple TV+'s "Lessons in Chemistry." This recognition highlighted his ability to bring depth and sensitivity to supporting roles in prestige television.
Most recently, Pullman appears in "The Testament of Ann Lee" alongside Amanda Seyfried, playing the supportive brother of Seyfried's title character who became the leader of the Shakers. The period drama has already garnered significant awards season attention, including two Critics Choice Award nominations for Best Actress and Best Song, plus a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
Pullman's involvement in Marvel's upcoming "Thunderbolts" further cements his status as a sought-after performer capable of anchoring both independent films and major franchise tentpoles. His selection to announce the nominations reflects the Academy's recognition of performers who navigate multiple corners of the industry with equal skill.
The 2026 Oscar Race: A Battle of Titans and Newcomers
The 98th Academy Awards nominations arrive during one of the most fiercely contested Oscar races in years, with 317 feature films eligible for consideration and 201 qualifying for Best Picture. The competition spans auteur-driven dramas, international masterworks, and genre-defying entertainments, reflecting cinema's continued evolution in a streaming-dominated landscape.
The Best Picture Frontrunners
According to industry predictions and guild nominations, the Best Picture race appears to be a three-way battle between:
"One Battle After Another" (Warner Bros.): Paul Thomas Anderson's latest opus has emerged as the frontrunner following dominant performances at the Directors Guild of America Awards and the Actor Awards, where it set an all-time guild record with seven nominations. Leonardo DiCaprio leads an ensemble cast in what many are calling Anderson's most accessible film since "There Will Be Blood." The film's exploration of race and racism in America, coupled with Anderson's technical mastery, has made it a critical darling. However, its lackluster box office performance raises questions about whether voters will embrace it as widely as industry insiders have.
"Sinners" (Warner Bros.): Ryan Coogler's period horror-thriller starring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role has become the populist favorite in the race. The film is predicted by some industry watchers to break the all-time Oscar nomination record with potentially 15 nods across multiple categories. It's earned widespread praise for its cinematography, original score by Ludwig Göransson, and Coogler's bold directorial vision. The film cost less and earned more than "One Battle After Another" while receiving superior audience reviews, making it a genuine threat to upset the presumed frontrunner. Some prognosticators see echoes of the "Moonlight" versus "La La Land" dynamic from 2017, where the Academy's evolving electorate executed a decisive course correction on Oscar night.
"Hamnet" (Focus Features): Chloé Zhao's literary adaptation starring Jessie Buckley has captured hearts with its intimate portrayal of grief, artistic creation, and Shakespeare's family life. The film represents a more emotionally direct entry in the race, offering voters a chance to reward beautiful storytelling that doesn't rely on technical virtuosity or genre subversion. Buckley is considered the frontrunner for Best Actress, which could give "Hamnet" significant momentum heading into the ceremony.
Additional strong contenders include Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" (Netflix), Josh Safdie's "Marty Supreme" starring Timothée Chalamet (A24), Joachim Trier's "Sentimental Value" (Neon), and potential dark horses like Richard Linklater's "Blue Moon" (Sony Pictures Classics) and "F1" (Apple/Warner Bros.).
Representation and the 2026 Race
The 2026 Oscar race has sparked important conversations about representation, both in front of and behind the camera. The Academy's ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion has manifested in several ways this season, though not without controversy.
The Casting Director Recognition
For the first time in Oscar history, casting directors will be honored at the 98th Academy Awards. This long-overdue recognition acknowledges the crucial role casting plays in bringing filmmakers' visions to life and discovering new talent. The new category celebrates the artistry involved in assembling ensembles and finding performers who can embody complex characters.
International Cinema's Moment
Two international films have emerged as serious Best Picture contenders: "Sentimental Value" from Norway and "The Secret Agent" from Brazil. Wagner Moura's Golden Globe-winning performance in "The Secret Agent" has energized campaigns for international recognition, making him a Best Actor contender alongside DiCaprio, Chalamet, and Jordan.
The Secret Agent" became the first Brazilian film nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama at the Golden Globes and has emerged as Brazil's official entry for Best International Feature Film. The film's success at Cannes (where it won Best Actor for Moura, Best Director for Kleber Mendonça Filho, and multiple other prizes) positions it as a potential history-maker if it can break through in major categories beyond International Feature.
The Diversity Debate
While the Academy has implemented representation standards for Best Picture eligibility (requiring films to meet two of four diversity standards via the RAISE form), questions persist about whether these efforts translate into actual recognition at the top of the ballot.
Some industry observers have noted patterns where films centering Black stories and performers receive recognition in screenplay categories but struggle to win top prizes. Previous examples include "Get Out," "BlacKkKlansman," "Precious," and "American Fiction." If "Sinners" earns a record-breaking number of nominations but loses Best Picture and Best Director to "One Battle After Another," it could reignite debates about the Academy's commitment to recognizing Black filmmakers and stories at the highest levels.
The fact that "One Battle After Another" is directed by a white filmmaker (Anderson) but tells a story about race complicates these conversations further. Anderson has somehow navigated these waters more successfully than most white directors tackling similar material, but the optics of his presumed victory over Coogler's "Sinners" have not gone unnoticed by cultural critics.
The Acting Categories: Competitive Across All Four Races
Best Actor: A Generational Showdown
The Best Actor race features a fascinating mix of industry veterans and emerging stars:
Leonardo DiCaprio ("One Battle After Another") leads the predictions with what critics are calling one of his finest performances. Having won for "The Revenant" in 2016, DiCaprio doesn't have the "overdue" narrative working in his favor, but the strength of his work and the film's frontrunner status give him a clear path to victory.
Timothée Chalamet ("Marty Supreme") delivers what many consider a career-best performance in Josh Safdie's sports drama. As both star and producer, Chalamet has aggressively campaigned for the film, conducting an extensive press tour to drive audiences to theaters. Whether this commercial focus helps or hurts his Oscar chances remains to be seen.
Michael B. Jordan ("Sinners") plays dual roles in Coogler's thriller, showcasing remarkable range and physicality. His recent loss to Chalamet at the Critics Choice Awards sparked discussion about whether the Academy will recognize his work appropriately.
Wagner Moura ("The Secret Agent") became the first Brazilian actor to win the Best Actor prize at Cannes and followed it with a Golden Globe win. His passionate speeches about political resistance and artistic integrity have made him a favorite among international voters.
Ethan Hawke ("Blue Moon") delivers a subtle, introspective performance that has earned quiet admiration from voters, though the film's limited plot may hurt its chances for broader recognition.
Best Actress: Jessie Buckley's to Lose?
Industry consensus suggests Jessie Buckley ("Hamnet") is the overwhelming favorite for Best Actress, with critics noting it would "take an act of God" to deny her the award. However, the category also includes strong performances from actresses in films ranging from musical blockbusters to international arthouse cinema.
Supporting Categories: Wide Open Fields
The supporting categories feature diverse slates including breakthrough performances from newcomers and scene-stealing turns from industry veterans. Notable contenders include Teyana Taylor and Wunmi Mosaku from "Sinners," Ariana Grande from "Wicked: For Good," and various performers from "One Battle After Another" and "Frankenstein."
Technical Excellence: "Sinners" Leading the Way
Several categories appear largely settled heading into nominations, with "Sinners" expected to dominate technical categories:
Best Cinematography: "Sinners" is the presumed frontrunner for its visually stunning work.
Best Original Score: Ludwig Göransson's score for "Sinners" has earned universal acclaim.
Best Song: Multiple films are competing, including "The Testament of Ann Lee."
The Academy announced shortlists in December 2025 for 12 categories: Animated Short Film, Cinematography, Documentary Feature Film, Documentary Short Film, International Feature Film, Live Action Short Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Sound, Visual Effects, and the new Casting category.
The Road to Oscar Night
Nominations voting for the 98th Academy Awards began Monday, January 12, and concludes Friday, January 16. Academy members across all branches are currently casting their ballots to determine the final nominees in each category.
Following the January 22 announcement, the campaign season will intensify with screenings, Q&As, and industry events leading up to the final voting period (February 26 - March 5). Results will be tabulated by PricewaterhouseCoopers before being revealed during the live ceremony.
The 98th Academy Awards will air on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC. Conan O'Brien will return to host for the second consecutive year after successfully helming the 2025 ceremony. His return suggests the Academy was pleased with his balance of humor, respect for the nominees, and ability to keep the show moving at a brisk pace.
Last year's ceremony drew 18.07 million viewers initially (with additional digital viewing bringing the total even higher), representing the first time the Oscars streamed live on Hulu. The multiplatform approach helped reverse years of declining viewership, suggesting the Academy's digital strategy is paying dividends.
Historical Significance and Oscar Trivia
The 2026 Oscar race includes several films and performers with interesting historical connections:
Sequel Recognition: Prior to 2026, only 11 sequels have been nominated for Best Picture. If "Zootopia 2" makes the cut in Best Animated Feature, it would join "Toy Story 3" and "Toy Story 4" as sequels that matched or exceeded their predecessors' Oscar success.
PTA's Quest: Paul Thomas Anderson remains one of cinema's most celebrated directors who has never won a competitive Oscar. Having been nominated multiple times for films like "There Will Be Blood," "Magnolia," "Phantom Thread," and "Licorice Pizza," many in the industry view "One Battle After Another" as his overdue moment.
Musician Biopics: If "Marty Supreme" (which some reports suggest includes musical elements) earns a Best Picture nomination, it would continue a streak of music-related biographical films nominated at the last four Academy Awards ceremonies.
Ryan Coogler's Journey: Coogler co-directed "Moonlight" (uncredited) and was a producer on the 2016 Best Picture winner. "Sinners" represents his first film as sole director in the Oscar race, giving him a chance to prove he can carry a campaign on his own shoulders.
Why Brooks and Pullman Matter
The selection of Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman to announce the nominations sends several important signals about the Academy's priorities and values.
Brooks' presence highlights the Academy's ongoing commitment to amplifying diverse voices and recognizing performers who excel across multiple mediums. Her journey from Broadway to Oscar nominee to announcement host embodies the kind of career path the Academy wants to celebrate and normalize.
Pullman represents a newer generation of Hollywood talent that moves fluidly between prestige television, independent film, and blockbuster franchises. His ability to maintain artistic credibility while participating in major commercial projects reflects the evolving nature of film careers in the streaming era.
Together, Brooks and Pullman represent the Academy's attempt to appeal to both traditional film lovers and younger, more diverse audiences who consume content across multiple platforms. Their chemistry and credibility will be crucial in generating excitement for the nominations and building momentum toward the March ceremony.
Key Questions Heading Into Nominations Morning
As nominations voting concludes this Friday, several key questions loom over the race:
Will "Sinners" break the nomination record? Some predictors have it earning 15 nominations across multiple categories, which would shatter previous records and establish it as a serious threat to "One Battle After Another."
How will international films fare? "The Secret Agent" and "Sentimental Value" performed well at the Golden Globes after being overlooked by American guilds. Will the Academy's increasingly international membership reward these films with nominations beyond International Feature?
Can Ryan Coogler overcome the screenplay-only pattern? Historically, Black-themed films have earned recognition in screenplay categories but struggled to win top prizes. Will "Sinners" break this pattern, or will it join "Get Out," "BlacKkKlansman," and "American Fiction" as films that earned writing nods but fell short elsewhere?
Who are the surprise nominees? Every year brings unexpected nominations that shock observers. Will films like "Blue Moon," "The Smashing Machine," or "Weapons" sneak into major categories? Will any international performers break through in acting races?
How will the new casting category shake out? With no precedent to guide predictions, the inaugural Best Casting award remains one of the morning's biggest mysteries.
Why This Moment Matters
Oscar nominations morning has always represented more than just a list of names and titles. It's Hollywood's annual reckoning with its own values, a public declaration of what the industry believes constitutes excellence, and a preview of the narratives that will dominate cultural conversations for the next two months.
With Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman as guides, audiences around the world will discover which films, performances, and artists have broken through the noise of an increasingly crowded entertainment landscape. The morning will produce moments of joy and disappointment, validate months of campaigning, and set the stage for one of the most competitive Oscar ceremonies in recent memory.
For those of us who cover awards season, January 22 represents the true beginning of the race's final chapter. Everything that came before—the festival premieres, the critic's awards, the guild nominations—has been prologue. The nominations themselves transform speculation into reality, creating the actual field of competitors who will battle for gold statuettes on March 15.
Set your alarms, prepare your coffee, and get ready for what promises to be a thrilling morning of revelations. The 98th Academy Awards nominations are almost here, and Hollywood is holding its collective breath.
2026 Oscar Nominations: Quick Facts
Announcement Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 5:30 a.m. PT / 8:30 a.m. ET
Hosts: Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman
Location: Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater
Streaming Platforms: ABC, ABC News Live, Hulu, Disney+, Oscar.com, Oscars.org, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
Categories: 24 total (including new Best Casting award)
Eligible Films: 317 feature films, 201 qualifying for Best Picture
Voting Period: January 12-16, 2026
Final Voting: February 26 - March 5, 2026
Ceremony Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026, 7 p.m. ET on ABC
Ceremony Host: Conan O'Brien (returning)
Stay tuned to Cup of Soul Show for comprehensive coverage of the 2026 Oscar nominations, including instant analysis, diversity breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with nominees. Follow us for the latest awards season news and cultural commentary on cinema's biggest night.