The nominations for the prestigious Best Director award at the 2026 Oscars have been officially announced, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated contests in this year's awards season.
Nominees Revealed on Live Broadcast
Actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman unveiled the highly anticipated list during a special broadcast on ABC's Good Morning America and simultaneously on the Oscars YouTube channel. This live reveal has generated significant buzz across the entertainment industry and among film enthusiasts worldwide.
The Contenders for Best Director
The Academy has selected five exceptional filmmakers to compete for the coveted Best Director trophy. The nominees are:
- Chloé Zhao for the historical drama Hamnet, starring Jessie Buckley as Agnes Hathaway, wife of William Shakespeare.
- Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme, continuing his distinctive style of intense, character-driven cinema.
- Paul Thomas Anderson for the caper film One Battle After Another, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio in a leading role.
- Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value, bringing his nuanced European sensibility to the competition.
- Ryan Coogler for Sinners, which has already achieved record-breaking attention this awards season.
Following Golden Globes Success
This year's Oscar nominations arrive shortly after the Golden Globes ceremony, where several of these directors and their films already secured notable victories. Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another and Chloé Zhao's Hamnet both earned significant accolades at the Globes, positioning them as strong contenders for the Academy Awards.
Ceremony Details Confirmed
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 15 March 2026. In an exciting development for the event, comedian and television host Conan O'Brien has been confirmed as the master of ceremonies. His selection promises to bring a unique blend of humour and sophistication to the prestigious night.
With these nominations now public, the film industry and audiences alike will be closely watching as the campaign season intensifies, leading up to what promises to be a memorable Oscars ceremony celebrating cinematic excellence.
