Oscars 2026: Who will win vs who should win? Final predictions ahead of tonight's Academy Awards

Oscars 2026: The spotlight is firmly on Hollywood as the Oscars 2026, officially the 98th Academy Awards, arrive with one of the most competitive races in recent years. Film enthusiasts around the world are debating not only who will win but also who should win across major categories at the Academy Awards 2026.

The ceremony will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with comedian Conan O’Brien serving as the Oscar host 2026. As anticipation builds, audiences are searching online for details about when the Oscars, how to watch the Oscars 2026, and predictions about potential winners.

With films like Sinners, One Battle After Another, and Hamnet dominating the conversation, the race for the top awards promises plenty of drama.

Oscars 2026 ceremony: When and where to watch

The Academy Awards ceremony will be held at the Dolby Theatre, the traditional home of the Oscars since 2001.

The broadcast is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, and viewers across the globe can follow the event live, as per a report by USA Today.

For audiences wondering how to watch the Oscars 2026, the ceremony will air on ABC and can also be streamed through platforms including Hulu, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and AT&T TV. Many viewers are expected to follow the event via streaming platforms as interest in the Oscars continues to grow globally.

Here’s a list of who are expected to win and who should win based on various media reports kike The Guardian and The Hollywood Reporter.

Oscars 2026 Best Picture: The biggest race of the night

The race for Best Picture at the Academy Awards 2026 appears to be a two-way contest between Sinners and One Battle After Another.

• Sinners, a genre-driven film that secured a record 16 Oscar nominations, has emerged as one of the most talked-about films of the year. However, One Battle After Another has dominated several precursor awards, including honors from the Directors Guild, Producers Guild, Golden Globes and BAFTA.
  

Will win: One Battle After Another
Should win: One Battle After Another

Another potential surprise contender is Hamnet, which has quietly built momentum during the awards season.

Oscars 2026 Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson vs Ryan Coogler

The Best Director category has also sparked intense debate.

Paul Thomas Anderson, who directed One Battle After Another, has long been considered overdue for an Oscar despite multiple nominations over the years. His film’s strong performance across major industry awards has positioned him as the frontrunner.

Meanwhile, Sinners director Ryan Coogler has received widespread praise for his ambitious storytelling and layered themes.

Will win: Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
Should win: Ryan Coogler – Sinners

A victory for Coogler would also mark a historic moment in the Oscars.

Oscars 2026 Best Actress and Best Actor predictions

In the acting categories, the Academy Awards appear to have clear favorites, although critics remain divided over who truly deserves the honors.

Best Actress

Irish actress Jessie Buckley has swept multiple awards for her performance in Hamnet, including major wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTA and Critics Choice Awards.

Will win: Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
Should win: Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value

Best Actor

The race for Best Actor could be one of the closest of the evening. Michael B. Jordan’s performance as twin characters in Sinners has earned strong support, while Timothée Chalamet’s role in Marty Supreme has also attracted attention.

Will win: Michael B. Jordan – Sinners
Should win: Wagner Moura – The Secret Agent

Oscars 2026: Supporting categories and screenplay races

The supporting acting categories may also produce interesting results during the Oscars 2026.

Best Supporting Actor
Will win: Sean Penn – One Battle After Another
Should win: Stellan Skarsgård – Sentimental Value

Best Supporting Actress
Will win: Amy Madigan – Weapons
Should win: Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners

In writing categories, One Battle After Another appears poised to win Best Adapted Screenplay, while Sinners is widely expected to take Best Original Screenplay.

Oscars 2026: International and animated film highlights

Outside the main categories, the Academy Awards 2026 feature strong contenders in international and animated cinema.

The Norwegian film Sentimental Value is considered a leading contender for Best International Feature, while the global hit KPop Demon Hunters has dominated the Best Animated Feature race throughout the awards season.

Meanwhile, the documentary category remains one of the most unpredictable competitions this year.

FAQs

When are the Oscars 2026?

The Oscars 2026 will take place on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood as part of the 98th Academy Awards ceremony.

What time are the Oscars?

The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, with red carpet coverage starting earlier.