The golden statuettes are waiting in the wings as the film industry prepares for its most prestigious night of the year.  Every year, hundreds of cinematic works flicker across the silver screen, yet only a select few possess the artistry required to captivate the Academy.

From sprawling epics to intimate documentaries, the journey to the podium is a rigorous test of creative excellence and technical mastery. As the final calendar for the season locks into place, people are waiting to know when the 98th Academy Awards will be announced.

The road to Hollywood’s biggest night begins with a series of high-stakes voting windows.

The official nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The quest for Oscar glory officially intensifies on January 12, 2026, at 9 a.m. PT, when the nomination voting period begins. Academy members have a five-day window to cast their secret online ballots before the polls close on January 16, 5 p.m. PT, according to the Academy Press Office.

Following the announcement of the finalists, the global film community will turn its attention to the live broadcast on March 15, 2026. The 98th Oscars will take place at the iconic Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, reaching audiences in over 200 territories.

The Academy recently narrowed the field by releasing shortlists in twelve diverse technical and creative categories, according to the Academy Press Office. This selection includes everything from Visual Effects and Sound to Original Score and Makeup and Hairstyling. These lists represent the bridge between general eligibility and the final ballot, highlighting the best work of the year.

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The shortlist reveal provides a fascinating look at the frontrunners in several competitive films and fields.

The International Feature Film category sees fifteen films advancing from an initial pool representing 86 countries. Notable entries include Argentina’s Belén and Japan’s Kokuho, showcasing a broad spectrum of global storytelling. To vote in the next round, Academy members must commit to viewing all fifteen selections to ensure a fair evaluation.

In the Cinematography branch, sixteen films have moved forward, featuring high-profile titles like F1 and Wicked: For Good. The Documentary Feature and Short Film categories also cut their large entry pools down to fifteen contenders each.

The Live Action and Animated Short Film categories remain equally competitive, with fifteen films apiece moving to the next stage. Projects such as Jane Austen’s Period Drama and The Singers are among those vying for the final five nomination spots. These short-form works often serve as a launching pad for the next generation of visionary directors and producers.

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