Placing a bet on the 2026 Oscars’ biggest categories is easier said than done.
As the countdown continues for Hollywood’s biggest night, movie fans are making their predictions for who will win big in the top categories, including best actor, best actress and best director.
Although Sinners dominates the nominations list with a record-breaking 16 opportunities to take home a trophy, the Academy is full of surprises. After all, some pop-culture fans are still shocked at Wicked: For Good and other projects being completely snubbed from the list of potential winners.
Before the 2026 Oscar winners are revealed on ABC Sunday, March 15, Us Weekly is breaking down some of the biggest categories that are simply too close to call.
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Throughout much of awards season, all eyes have been on Marty Supreme’s Timothée Chalamet.
After winning best actor at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards and 2026 Golden Globes, Chalamet appeared to be the frontrunner to win on Oscar Sunday.
During the SAG’s 2026 Actor Awards, however, Michael B. Jordan pulled out a surprise win for his role in Sinners.
“I wasn’t expecting this at all,” Jordan shared in his acceptance speech. “I’m so honored and privileged. This ride has been unbelievable, so thank you for welcoming me in and making me feel seen.”
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
One Battle After Another’s Teyana Taylor won the 2026 Golden Globe, while Weapons’ Amy Madigan took home the 2026 Critics Choice Award and SAG’s 2026 Actor Award in the supporting actress category.
Madigan may have an advantage as the only repeat nominee in the category, having initially competed nearly 40 years ago for Twice in a Lifetime.
No matter who wins or loses, Taylor teased that she’s going to look her best at the final awards show of the season.
“I was nearly in tears,” she told Variety on Tuesday, March 10, about seeing her Oscars dress. “It’s so good. My final fitting is on Thursday. It’s so major. I can’t wait for you to see it.”
Best Picture
If there’s anything we’ve learned from live awards shows, always keep watching until the very end. (Yes, we’re still thinking about the La La Land and Moonlight mix-up at the 2017 Oscars.)
Just because Sinners has the most nominations this year doesn’t mean it will automatically win the top trophy of the night. Voters had the difficult task of listing their 10 choices by preference in order to get a “consensus.”
Based on past awards shows this season, viewers may want to keep their eyes on Hamnet and One Battle After Another for the last award of the evening.
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
It’s hard not to root for every nominee in this competitive category. At 73 years old, Sinners star Delroy Lindo is celebrating his first-ever Oscar nomination. Meanwhile, Sentimental Value’s Stellan Skarsgård has his first nod at the age of 74.
As some argue, however, age is only a number. Jacob Elordi, 28, certainly deserved positive reviews for his performance in Frankenstein.
Meanwhile, Hollywood favorite Sean Penn just earned the trophy at the SAG’s 2026 Actor Awards. All will be revealed in a matter of time.
