The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled its Oscar shortlists across 12 categories, offering the clearest picture yet of how the 2026 awards race is taking shape. While final nominations are still weeks away, the preliminary Oscar voting results establish a strong field of technical and creative standouts with Sinners and Wicked: For Good emerging as early leaders.

Warner Bros.’ Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, landed eight shortlist mentions. The film appeared in casting, cinematography, makeup and hairstyling, sound, visual effects and earned two slots in original song, fueled by work from Ludwig Göransson and collaborators Raphael Saadiq, Miles Caton and Alice Smith. Universal’s Wicked: For Good matched that total, securing recognition in casting, cinematography, original score, sound, visual effects and two original songs by Stephen Schwartz. 

Netflix’s Frankenstein also made a formidable showing with six mentions, including cinematography for Dan Laustsen and original score by Alexandre Desplat, positioning the gothic reimagining as a likely favorite in several technical races once the noms are officially announced. A24’s Marty Supreme, Josh Safdie’s high-energy character study, surfaced repeatedly as well appearing in casting, cinematography and makeup and hairstyling. Over at Warner Bros.’ One Battle After Another showed its strength in sound and cinematography in the immersive, large-scale pic.

The international feature shortlist highlighted the might of Neon, with the distributor securing five of the 15 available slots. Brazil’s The Secret Agent, Spain’s Sirât and Norway’s Sentimental Value all appeared not only in the international race but also in other categories. Sirât in particular stood out with mentions in cinematography, sound and original score.

In the newly introduced cinematography shortlist, Autumn Durald Arkapaw (Sinners), Seamus McGarvey (Die My Love) and Amy Vincent (Song Sung Blue) all got a nod. And composers Hans Zimmer (F1), Hildur Guðnadóttir (Hedda) and Jonny Greenwood (One Battle After Another) joined Göransson and Desplat in a crowded original score field.

Final nominations will be decided in January, with Oscar voting opening Jan. 12 and closing Jan. 16. The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will take place March 15.