Oscar nominations 2026 refer to the films and performances eligible for the 98th Academy Awards, honoring movies released in 2025. This guide explains how the nominees are selected, when to expect the official announcement, where to watch the nominations and ceremonies in the United States, and how eligibility and voting rules shape the results.
How the Oscar nominations are determined
The nomination process is managed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and follows a multi-step, weighted voting system designed to reduce bloc voting and broaden the pool of eligible nominees.
Eligibility rules
To be eligible, a feature film must have premiered theatrically in Los Angeles County and run for at least seven consecutive days during the calendar year. Short films and documentaries have their own eligibility windows and screening requirements. Only members of the relevant branch—such as directors for Best Director or actors for the acting categories—can nominate in those branches, while all eligible members may submit nominations for Best Picture.
Voting timeline and tabulation
The timeline includes a submission deadline for studios, a window for members to screen eligible films, and official nomination voting by branch members. Final voting then determines the winners. Each branch uses its own ballot to nominate candidates in category-specific races, before Academy staff tabulate the submissions to produce the official nomination list.
When to expect the 2026 nomination announcement
While exact dates vary by year, the Academy typically announces the nominations in mid- to late January, with ceremonies often held in early March. For 2026 eligibility, the nomination announcement is most likely in January 2026. Always check the official Academy press schedule closer to the date, as minor adjustments can occur.
Where to watch Oscar nominations 2026 in the United States
In the United States, the two major broadcast partners alternate coverage annually between ABC and NBC. Live coverage of the nominations announcement and both ceremonies is available on the respective network and their streaming apps, with network authentication through cable providers supported. Streaming services such as Max may carry replays or related content depending on annual carriage agreements.
Recommended viewing setup
- Antenna or live TV service for over-the-air channels in your market
- Authentication through your pay-TV provider for network apps where required
- Subscription to streaming tiers that include live news and entertainment where applicable
Oscar broadcast details at a glance
Because annual agreements can change, treat the following table as a reference based on recent patterns and confirm with official sources closer to the event.
| Item | Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Typical nomination announcement month | January | Historical pattern |
| Primary U.S. broadcast partners (alternating) | ABC, NBC | Official agreements |
| Where to verify official dates | Oscars.org press calendar | Direct source |
| Live streaming options | Network apps with TV provider login | Network policies |
Key factors that influence the nomination results
The composition of nominees reflects branch-specific voting, eligibility compliance, and strategic campaign factors. Understanding these elements helps explain variation from year to year and why certain films or performances gain traction.
- Eligibility adherence, including theatrical run requirements and submission accuracy
- Branch voting rules, where only qualified voters nominate in acting, directing, and craft categories
- Timing of premieres and awards season positioning
- Marketing and outreach by studios and filmmakers
What to do if you cannot access live coverage
If you miss the live announcement or ceremonies, you can still follow the results through official channels. The Academy and broadcast partners typically publish recap articles, highlight clips, and full nominee lists online. Streaming services may offer on-demand access to past coverage depending on licensing.
Common questions about Oscar nominations 2026
How are nominees for Best Picture selected?
All Academy members eligible for Best Picture may submit nominations, which are then tallied by the Academy’s voting body to determine the final nominees.
Can I watch the nominations announcement online without cable?
Yes, in most cases you can authenticate through participating TV provider apps or streaming services that include live network access. Antenna-based viewing of over-the-air channels is another option in many markets.
Are the nomination dates the same every year?
Dates vary slightly each cycle based on the Academy calendar, key award seasons, and logistical considerations. January remains the most common window for the nominations announcement.
What if my local channel changes its carriage agreement?
Check the network’s official site and your provider’s channel lineup periodically. Streaming options and on-demand content often remain available even if live coverage shifts.