Oscar nominations anticipation builds as Leonardo DiCaprio’s new film leads a year marked by fewer blockbusters and major shifts in awards trends

Anticipation intensified across the global film industry on Thursday as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences prepared to announce this year’s Oscar nominations, with a politically charged thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio emerging as the dominant frontrunner.

Also read: #OscarsSoWhite Bickering as female directors, actors of color almost virtually ignored

The nominations are due to be unveiled later today, with shortlists released from 13:30 GMT, offering the clearest signal yet of which films and performances have resonated with Academy voters ahead of the ceremony on 15 March.

At the centre of Oscar nominations anticipation is One Battle After Another, a provocative drama written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

The film is widely tipped to secure a commanding presence across major categories in a year marked by fewer traditional blockbusters and a stronger showing from prestige dramas and international cinema.

Other titles expected to perform strongly include Marty Supreme, Frankenstein, Sentimental Value, Bugonia and The Secret Agent, reflecting an awards season shaped by risk taking storytelling rather than box office dominance.

British talent faces a difficult year, with UK actors notably underrepresented in awards conversations.

Wunmi Mosaku stands out as Britain’s strongest contender following acclaim for her role in the vampire horror film Sinners.

A clean sweep against UK performers would mark the first absence of British acting nominees at the Oscars since 1986.

In contrast, Irish actors are enjoying a standout year.

Jessie Buckley is widely considered the favourite for best actress for Hamnet, while Paul Mescal is expected to earn a supporting actor nomination for the same adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel.

The ceremony itself will be hosted by US comedian Conan O’Brien, returning to the role as Hollywood navigates a shifting awards landscape and evolving audience expectations.

Major blockbuster franchises have failed to maintain awards momentum. Wicked: For Good and Avatar: Fire and Ash are not expected to replicate the success of earlier instalments, with critical fatigue and muted campaigning limiting their prospects.

Director James Cameron has publicly downplayed awards strategy, reinforcing expectations that Avatar will sit outside the best picture race.

Paul Thomas Anderson, despite 11 previous Oscar nominations, has never won the industry’s top prize.

That narrative could change decisively this year.

One Battle After Another, despite modest financial returns, has surged through awards circuits and benefited from a formidable ensemble cast that could occupy a significant share of acting nominations.

The best actor category is particularly crowded.

Leonardo DiCaprio faces intense competition from Timothée Chalamet, Michael B Jordan, Ethan Hawke and Jesse Plemons, while several high profile performers who featured earlier in the season have seen momentum fade.

The field also highlights a mix of rising stars and overdue recognition.

Young actors such as Chase Infiniti, Elle Fanning and Jacob Elordi are in contention alongside veterans including Rose Byrne, Wagner Moura, Joel Edgerton and Stellan Skarsgård, all seeking their first Academy nominations.

A potential breakthrough moment looms for Adam Sandler, whose performance in Jay Kelly could earn his first Oscar nod after decades of box office success and critical scepticism.

This year introduces the Academy Award for best casting, acknowledging the creative impact of ensemble selection, while new voting rules now require members to confirm they have watched nominated films.

The changes underscore a decisive shift in how the Academy defines credibility and excellence.

The nominations will be announced by actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman and streamed across the Academy’s digital platforms.

Also read: Golden Globes Awards: War film ‘1917’, Awkwafina shine, Netflix flops

As Hollywood waits, Oscar nominations anticipation reflects a year defined by political storytelling, generational change and a reimagining of what awards success now means.