If your favorite season is awards, then you might have noticed it’s running a bit long this year.
The 2026 Oscars are scheduled for March 14th, which is later in the year than usual.
Hollywood’s annual awards season culminates in a grand ceremony – this year hosted by Conan O’Brien at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. While it traditionally begins in January, the 2026 season started with the Critics Choice Awards on January 4th. This early start may have shifted the date of the Golden Globes to the second week of January.
As a longtime fan, I was definitely noticing things were a little off with awards season this year! Not only were the Oscars delayed, but the Actor Awards – we used to know them as the SAG Awards – didn’t happen until March for the first time in over two decades. They usually take place in January, but since the pandemic, they’ve been moved to late February, and this year they actually landed on March 1st. It just felt different!
The Oscars have faced scheduling challenges in recent years. The 2021 ceremony was delayed until April 25th due to the pandemic, and this year, the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortino (February 6-22) created another conflict. Previously, in 2022, the Oscars were also postponed until March 27th, following both the Winter Games and the Super Bowl.
Holding the Oscars in March is a return to tradition, as most of the show’s 98 ceremonies have been held in March or April. This changed in 2004 when the Oscars were held on February 29th – the first time the event had taken place in February since 1942.
The Academy Awards made the change to try and attract more viewers, as they stated in 2002 when the decision was announced.
John Pavlik, who used to be the Academy’s head of communications, explained to The New York Times that the main goal of this change was to boost viewership and ratings for the Oscars. He noted that ratings had been declining recently, and this was one effort to reverse that trend.
The change was well-received, and Terry Press, who previously led marketing at DreamWorks, pointed out that it reduced the overlap and repetition often seen during awards season.
She told the New York Times that the Academy Awards have become predictable. “By the time the night actually arrives, it feels like we already know who will win,” she explained. “The same actors and actresses win repeatedly, so by the Oscars, we’ve already seen Julia Roberts celebrated in multiple outfits. The Academy needed to revitalize the show and regain its excitement.”
The Oscars are always an exciting event, no matter when they take place. Here’s a preview of some of the people nominated for awards at the 2026 Academy Awards.
The actor expressed their gratitude upon hearing the news this morning, thanking the Academy for acknowledging their film, The Secret Agent. They also congratulated Gabriel Domingues and the film’s incredibly talented and diverse cast.
He congratulated his friends, Kleber Mendonça Filho and Emilie Lesclaux, saying he shared the nomination with Brazil and its people, recognizing their strong support, pride, and love for their culture.
I’m incredibly honored to be nominated and thrilled to be back in Norway with my cast and crew, especially with our film receiving a record-breaking nine nominations – it feels unreal! This movie was a true team effort, guided by the amazing Joachim Trier. It’s a wonderful day for all of us, including my talented co-stars Stellan, Inga, and Elle, our fantastic co-writer Eskil, and Olivier, our editor who always elevates our work.
She concluded, “I’m so grateful our story is being met with such generosity by the Academy.”
She expressed how much the nomination meant to her, saying it was difficult to put into words. She described the making of “SINNERS” as a labor of love, courage, and meticulous care, and was deeply touched that the entire film was being recognized. She praised the director’s bold vision, the exceptional work of the crew, and the talent and kindness of her co-stars, calling the experience unforgettable.
She expressed deep gratitude to Ryan, her fellow cast members, and everyone who contributed their skills to bringing this story to life. She also thanked the Academy for recognizing their work.
I’ve loved acting and actors for as long as I can remember. It’s wonderful to be performing alongside people I’ve admired for years. I want to thank my close friend Guillermo del Toro, my partners Oscar and Mia, and our entire creative team. I’m passionate about this character and about film in general. Thank you to the Academy and to everyone watching at home.
“I can’t believe this!” said the actor from One Battle After Another. “This is the best way for an actor to start the day. Thank you to the Academy for this incredible honor. It’s so humbling to be recognized alongside such talented peers, including my fellow actor, Sean, who has all done amazing work.”
He shared that playing Sensei was a wonderful opportunity. Working with Paul and Leo to create his character and story, especially one that felt so relevant and was told on such a grand scale, was a truly enjoyable experience for him, both as an actor and as a film enthusiast. He concluded by quoting Sensei: ‘Ocean waves for everyone!’
Emma expressed her gratitude to the Academy for the nominations received by Bugonia. In a statement, she credited director Yorgos Lanthimos as essential to the film’s creation, highlighting their strong working relationship and friendship. She also shared the recognition with Jesse Plemons, along with the entire cast, crew, and production team. Emma said it was a great honor to be nominated alongside such talented individuals and expressed her sincere thanks to everyone involved.
Stellan expressed his gratitude and joy at being nominated for an Oscar, and at the film’s overall success. He noted it was particularly special because it’s the first time a Norwegian film has received so many nominations. He explained the film was made with a lot of dedication, despite having a limited marketing budget, and he was thrilled it resonated with a wide audience. He ended by saying he’s excited to celebrate with everyone soon, calling the experience a wonderful ‘traveling circus’.
In a statement, Leo described making the film as a deeply meaningful and collaborative experience. He credited the generosity, bravery, and skill of the cast – including Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, Benny del Toro, Sean Penn, and Regina Hall – as well as the dedication of the entire crew for making it possible.
Leonardo DiCaprio said the film wouldn’t have happened without director Paul Thomas Anderson’s creative vision, hard work, and faith in the project. He praised Anderson for bringing a complicated but timely story to the screen, and expressed his gratitude that the Academy had acknowledged it.
Leo finished by congratulating the other nominees on a fantastic season and thanking the Academy once more.
Kate expressed her excitement and gratitude after receiving a nomination. “It’s such an incredible feeling!” she said in a statement. “I’m overjoyed and so happy to be celebrating alongside the other talented women nominated. Being a part of Song Sung Blue has been a true honor for me.”
“I’m just stunned by this!” said the star of Sentimental Value. “I’m incredibly happy and proud of Elle, Stellan, and Renate for being recognized for their fantastic work in the film, and also for our amazing editor, Olivier.”
Honestly, working on this film has been a dream come true, and it all starts with our incredible director, Joachim. His vision, along with the beautiful story he crafted with Eskil, really resonated with me – these characters feel so real, and it’s been such a fulfilling experience. Today feels monumental for Norwegian cinema, and this nomination means everything. I’m incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my family, especially my husband and son, who are my whole world. I truly couldn’t do any of this without them!
I was completely shocked when I heard the news and just started screaming,” she told Deadline right after the nominations were revealed. “I honestly can’t believe it – it’s such an incredible honor, and I’m speechless.
Byrne expressed her shock and gratitude at being nominated alongside such talented actresses – Jessie Buckley, Renate Reinsve, Kate Hudson, and Emma Stone. She called the film a unique and unforgettable experience, and playing Linda a true gift. She was deeply honored by the Academy’s recognition of the film and its punk rock spirit, and shared the honor with Mary Bronstein, adding that this acknowledgement exceeded her expectations.
The actor said playing the role of Larry Hart was the biggest challenge he’d faced in his four decades of acting. He also expressed how honored he was to work with his close friend and highly respected director, Richard Linklater, on the film Blue Moon.
Reflecting on the journey, I remember being captivated by the first time I read Robert Kaplow’s incredible script – the one now nominated for an Oscar. It beautifully portrays both the risks and rewards of dedicating yourself to art. I’m grateful to The Academy for acknowledging our film, and for recognizing the hard work of our talented cast, crew, and everyone involved in bringing BLUE MOON to life in Ireland.
The star of Sentimental Value expressed her disbelief on Instagram after the nominations were announced. “Is this real? Is this a dream?” she wrote, adding that she was completely shocked and honored. She shared that her first Academy Award nomination was for a film celebrating the impact of movies and the importance of family, and that her mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt were with her to share the exciting moment.
Elle expressed her excitement and joy, saying, “I’m so happy for everyone! The entire cast received nominations!”
“To be an Academy Award nominee is beyond anything I ever allowed myself to fully believe was possible,” the One Battle After Another star shared in a statement. “I am so deeply emotional, so humbled, and so grateful for every person who has walked this road with me & honored to be nominated alongside these amazing women in my category.”
I’m incredibly grateful to the Academy for this honor,” said the celebrated performer. “It’s amazing to think it’s been forty years since my first Academy Award nomination for TWICE IN A LIFETIME, and I never imagined I’d be experiencing this again. Playing Aunt Gladys and seeing how much people loved the character has been a true joy. I’m deeply humbled by this nomination and proud to be recognized alongside such talented actresses.
Maggie was thrilled when the movie based on her book received a Best Picture nomination, calling the news “astonishing and joyous.”
She expressed her gratitude to the Academy for the nominations, acknowledging the hard work of everyone involved in Hamnet. She admitted that receiving these nominations was beyond her expectations while writing the novel, and she still feels like she’s dreaming.
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2026-03-03 02:48