Spain has returned to the global film stage: the movie “Sirat” by director Óliver Laxe has received two Oscar nominations for 2026. The film will compete for Best International Feature and in the Best Sound category. For Laxe, who already made his name at the Cannes Festival, this marks another step toward Hollywood recognition. But the true sensation is the drama “Los pecadores” (“The Sinners”) by American director Ryan Coogler, which has racked up a record 16 nominations—more than such giants as “Titanic” or “La La Land” ever received.
This year’s race for the top awards promises to be especially fierce. “Los pecadores” is featured in major categories: Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor, where Michael B. Jordan is vying for the prize with a dual performance. Trailing behind are “Una batalla tras otra” with 13 nominations, as well as “Valor sentimental,” “Frankenstein,” and “Marty Supreme,” each with 9. “Hamnet” follows close with 8 chances to win.
International acclaim
The Spanish film is not the only contender to break into the main categories. The Norwegian film “Valor sentimental” (directed by Joachim Trier) is featured not only among international nominees, but also as a contender for Best Picture, Best Director, and acting categories. Also notable is the success of Brazilian production “El agente secreto,” starring Wagner Moura, which received three nominations—including the Oscar’s new category, Best Casting.
This year, the Academy will for the first time present an award for Best Casting. The inaugural nominees in this category are “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “Una batalla tras otra,” “El agente secreto,” and, of course, “Los pecadores.” The introduction of this new category has already sparked lively debate within the professional community.
Stars and Ceremony
The task of announcing the nominees was entrusted to actress Danielle Brooks, known for her role in “Orange Is the New Black,” and actor Lewis Pullman, who appeared in “Top Gun” and “Thunderbolts.” They revealed the contenders in 24 categories from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Comedian Connor O’Brien will once again host the ceremony, promising to bring sharp wit and humor to the show.
A key change: starting in 2029, the ceremony will be available to watch live on YouTube worldwide. This year, the broadcast will traditionally air on Movistar+ overnight from the 15th to the 16th.
Major Categories
Ten films are nominated for Best Picture: “Bugonia,” “F1: la película,” “Frankenstein,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “Una batalla tras otra,” “El agente secreto,” “Valor sentimental,” “Los pecadores,” and “Sueños de trenes.” The directing award will be contested by Chloé Zhao for “Hamnet,” Josh Safdie for “Marty Supreme,” Paul Thomas Anderson for “Una batalla tras otra,” Joachim Trier for “Valor sentimental,” and Ryan Coogler for “Los pecadores.”
The acting nominations feature a star-studded lineup. Competing for Best Actor are Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, and Wagner Moura. Among the actresses: Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone.
The Spanish Angle
“Sirat” is Spain’s sole representative in the main categories, but its success is already a source of national pride. The film will compete against Norway’s “Valor sentimental,” Brazil’s “El agente secreto,” France’s “Un simple accidente,” and Tunisia’s “La voz de Hind” for Best International Feature. In the Best Sound category, the Spanish entry will face heavyweights like “F1: La película,” “Frankenstein,” “Una batalla tras otra,” and “Los pecadores.”
Animation and documentaries brought plenty of surprises as well. Competing for Best Animated Feature are “Arco,” “Elio,” “Las guerreas del k-pop,” “Little Maelie or the character of rain,” and “Zootropolis.” In the documentary categories, contenders include “The Alabama solution,” “Come see me in the good light,” “Cutting through rocks,” and more.
Drama and records
“Los pecadores” has already made history with 16 nominations—a record high for the awards. Previously, “Titanic,” “All About Eve,” and “La La Land” led with 14. This year, the competition promises to be particularly fierce, with each category featuring some of the strongest entries from around the globe.
Spanish cinema has once again shown it can surprise and compete on equal footing with the world’s best. All that’s left is to see who will step onto the iconic stage with the coveted golden statuette in hand.
