The Oscars are an opportunity to either applaud the Academy on their amazing picks or boo them for their snubs.
I watched all of the major 2026 Oscar nominations that I could. Last year was a phenomenal year for film, so I recommend you take a break from studying and decide on some winners for yourself.
Actor in a Leading Role
Selecting a winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role was a no-brainer; it undeniably needs to be awarded to Michael B. Jordan for his performance(s) in Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners.”
Jordan played the roles of both Smoke and Stack, a set of twins that could not be any more different. Despite having the same face, there were numerous times throughout the film where I forgot they were played by the same actor.
Actor in a Supporting Role
Of the nominees for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, it would feel monstrous for Jacob Elordi’s role as The Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” not to win. Elordi’s portrayal of The Creature, unlike his previous roles as jocks and heartthrobs, allowed him to explore an all-new vulnerability and multi-dimensioned character.
Elordi managed to exceed the physical demands of the role as well as live up to the pressure that surrounds playing a two-hundred-year-old character that has been adapted countless times. I would even argue he could have been nominated for a leading role based on how much screen-time he had.
Actress in a Leading Role
Jessie Buckley’s performance as Agnes in “Hamnet” was one of the most haunting and poignant portrayals of motherhood I have seen in any film, not just from this year’s nominees. Her range was impeccable — she had beautiful on-screen chemistry with Paul Mescal, and her embodiment of grief is one that deserves to be studied by aspiring actors.
She poured so much of her heart into this role that it would be wrong to give the Oscar to anyone else. If she wins, she’ll make history as the first Irish woman to win in this category!
Actress in a Supporting Role
I didn’t love “One Battle After Another” as much as other people did, but Teyana Taylor’s performance as Perfidia Beverly Hills saved the film for me. She is well deserving of this Oscar.
Perfidia’s character felt more archetypal than complexly written, but I think Taylor’s incredible acting is what redeemed her. For her limited screentime, she left such a lasting impact on the movie that carried out the narrative. Taylor’s performance was nuanced, immensely entertaining and had the perfect level of irony.
Cinematography
There were two films in this category that had me stumped for a while: “Sinners” and the criminally underrated “Train Dreams.” After much consideration — and looking up film stills online — I’ve decided that the Oscar needs to go to Adolpho Veloso for his work on the film “Train Dreams.”
While “Sinners” was a beautiful movie, its cinematography is not where it gets its acclaim from me. “Train Dreams” was beautifully stylized. The lighting was perfectly reflective of the mood and never flat. Each shot’s use of symmetry made it feel like a painting, and I have zero notes on the color grading other than that it was absolute perfection.
Directing
Online discussions tend to be favoring Paul Thomas Anderson to win Best Director, but my vote is for Ryan Coogler.
Coogler’s work on “Sinners” masterfully brought a delicate, important theme to life without feeling too on-the-nose. The film overall stuck to its genre — horror — yet subtly encapsulated moving, complex themes. I have no notes on the pacing; there was never a dull moment. It would feel wrong to pick Jordan to win Best Actor yet not acknowledge the man who directed the acting.
If Coogler wins, he’ll be the first black director to win this award in Oscar history, which would be monumental.
Costume Design
My pick for Best Costume Design is Kate Hawley’s work on “Frankenstein.” Each of the other films had very immersive outfits, but “Frankenstein” was next level.
One of the most impactful elements from that movie were the costumes. Between Mia Goth’s massive, feathered headdresses and Jacob Elordi’s tattered shawl, there was just a certain stylization that made Hawley stand out.
When “Frankenstein” first came out, I wrote that Hawley deserved to be nominated for this category, and that if she wasn’t I would lose all faith in the Academy. My thoughts on the Oscars are mixed, but this was something they did right. Horror and science-fiction tend to get overlooked by the Academy, so I’m happy with the nomination.
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
My pick for this category is “Frankenstein.” The mere transformation Jacob Elordi went through to become The Creature was enough to justify this win without a doubt. Mia Goth played two different characters that were unrecognizable from one another, and this was largely due to their distinctive makeup.
Comparing Elordi’s 42 prosthetics he wore to embody The Creature to characters from other films hardly even seems fair. If “Frankenstein” doesn’t win this category, I may start boycotting the Oscars like I’ve always wanted.
Best Picture
Each of the ten nominees stood out for something that made narrowing down to one winner very difficult. “Bugonia” had refreshingly unique aesthetics, “Frankenstein” had some impeccable acting, the writing of characters in “Marty Supreme” was astounding — you get the point.
After much debate, what stood out the most to me was “Sinners.” Its commentary on systemic racism, oppression and identity through the metaphoric guise of vampires carries a thematic weight that will be talked about for years to come. The set design and costuming fully transported me to the southern 1930s and the soundtrack still stands out to me, months after my initial viewing.
“Sinners” blended styles of horror, drama, action, and musical. It was refreshing to see a blockbuster that wasn’t exclusive to A-listers and formulaic genre conventions. It attracted massive hype and its cultural impact is undeniable.
The 2026 Oscars will be on Mar. 15. Picture by LA Film School.