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98th Oscars: New Casting Category & Tight Best Picture Race

3/13/2026

50 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026, will introduce a new Best Casting category with nominees Nina Gold and Jennifer Venditti.
"Sinners" leads with 16 nominations, while "One Battle After Another" follows with 13.
The Best Picture race is tight, with both films earning precursors, while Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" gains momentum in Best Director, potentially making him the first Black filmmaker to win.

History

Historical Context

The 95th Academy Awards on March 12, 2023, marked a pivotal moment in Hollywood, with "Everything Everywhere All at Once" winning seven Oscars, including Best Picture. This ceremony highlighted the Academy's ongoing efforts to embrace diversity, as Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian woman to win Best Actress. The anticipated introduction of a Best Casting category in 2026 further signifies the industry's evolving standards.

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Story summary

The 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026, will introduce a new Best Casting category with nominees Nina Gold and Jennifer Venditti.
"Sinners" leads with 16 nominations, while "One Battle After Another" follows with 13.
The Best Picture race is tight, with both films earning precursors, while Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" gains momentum in Best Director, potentially making him the first Black filmmaker to win.

1 / 2