The 2026 Oscar race reveals how a seasoned titan of the screen continues to dominate the landscape while fresh records are shattered by a new wave of cinematic excellence. Viewers can discover how the latest nominations cement Leonardo DiCaprio’s legendary status this year in the Oscar nominations. The official announcement on January 22, 2026, confirmed that some of the most recognizable faces in film are returning to the spotlight.

The announcements solidified a predictable yet impressive pattern for one of the most celebrated leading men in modern cinema.

Leonardo DiCaprio has once again secured a spot in the prestigious Best Actor category for his compelling performance in One Battle After Another. But that is not all.  His involvement in One Battle After Another adds to a staggering resume of films that have competed for the highest prize, Best Picture. Since his early days, the actor has consistently chosen projects that the Academy finds irresistible for the top honors of the night.

His career includes landmark Best Picture winners and nominees such as Titanic, Gangs of New York, The Aviator, and The Departed. One Battle After Another ties Leonardo DiCaprio with veteran actors like Robert De Niro for the most appearances in Best Picture–nominated films. And with six Best Actor nomination, he is tied with Richard Burton and Daniel Day-Lewis for the highest total in the category’s history.

Leonardo DiCaprio also led acclaimed projects like Inception, Django Unchained, The Wolf of Wall Street, and The Revenant. DiCaprio further demonstrated his knack for high-tier cinema with roles in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Don’t Look Up, and Killers of the Flower Moon. This latest nod for One Battle After Another ensures his presence at the March 15 ceremony hosted by Conan O’Brien.

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While the veteran star celebrates his individual achievement, a supernatural thriller has managed to steal the numerical spotlight this year.

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners has officially made history by earning an incredible sixteen nominations, the highest count for any film this season. This tally placed it well ahead of One Battle After Another, which secured thirteen impressive nods of its own. 

The supernatural thriller resonated across almost every branch, from major categories like Best Picture and Best Director to technical feats in Sound and Cinematography. Michael B. Jordan leads the charge for the film with a nomination for Best Actor, where he will face off directly against Leonardo DiCaprio.

The movie further demonstrated its versatility by appearing in the brand-new Best Casting category and the Makeup and Hairstyling list, leaving behind major action and fantasy films like Avatar: Fire and Ash. Its dominance in both the creative and technical fields indicates a consensus among the diverse voting members of the Academy. As the buzz intensifies, the industry is watching closely to see if this record-breaking momentum will translate into a Best Picture victory.

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