With the 98th Academy Awards coming up on March 15, 2026, there has been a lot of talk about the top contenders for the most coveted categories. The Academy Awards conclude what is dubbed as the “award season,” crowning the ultimate winners of the past year in film. 

Notable films nominated this year include, “Sinners,” “One Battle After Another” and “Marty Supreme.” “Sinners” drew special attention this year as it is the most nominated film in the history of the Academy Awards. 

“‘Sinners’ was such an amazing film,” senior Layla Venchiarutti said. “I am really hoping that it takes home many of the awards that it is nominated for,” 

Oscar winners are nominated and selected by the over ten thousand selected members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in a secret voting ballot. The Academy consists of industry professionals across all areas of film making and production. 

This year, one of the most competitive categories is that of Best Actor in a Motion Picture. The nominees include Timothee Chalamet for “Marty Supreme,” Michael B. Jordan for “Sinners,” Leonardo DiCaprio for “One Battle After Another,” Wagner Moura for “Secret Agent” and Ethan Hawke for “Blue Moon.”

On many Academy Awards prediction sites like Gold Derby, official predictions are made for the winners of each category. For a long time, Timothee Chalamet was the front runner for the win, however following his comments about ballet and opera being “dying art forms,” his chances have gone down by more than 20%, with Michael B. Jordan taking his place as the top contender. 

“I think Timothee Chalamet really hurt himself by saying those things about the ballet and opera,” senior Aoibhinn Reidy said. “As he also works in the arts industry, I think he ought to support other artforms instead of tearing them down.”

Chalamet claimed that “nobody cares” about ballet and the opera, instead urging people to attend the cinema. Chalamet received backlash and criticism from other actors, professional ballerinas and opera performers, as well as from the general public for his comments on the subject. 

Michael B. Jordan now has a significant lead in the race, with a 53% chance of the win, compared to Chalamet’s 33%. Many people believe that the academy will consider Chalemet’s comments when selecting the winner of the coveted award, according to Venchiarutti. 

“I liked both ‘Sinners’ and ‘Marty Supreme’,” Venchiarutti said. “I always wanted Michael B. Jordan to win, and now I think he has a far greater chance than before.”