2026 Oscars: Picks

As I say every year, these are picks, not predictions. Regardless of who wins tomorrow night, these are the people/movies I want to see win. There’s a definite theme this year, and it emerges quickly.

Best Leading Actor – Michael B. Jordan (Sinners)

I’ve loved Jordan since Creed, and I thought his work was excellent. In addition to the clear differentiation between the twins in his performance, without going too over-the-top with it, he plays the emotions of both Smoke and Stack wonderfully, and I fully buy their separate relationships with Annie and Mary.

Best Leading Actress – Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)

Oof, this was a hard one—so many fantastic performances here! But Buckley is just so good throughout Hamnet, and that final sequence at the Globe is exquisite.

Best Supporting Actor – Delroy Lindo (Sinners)

There are a number of great performances in this category, and I also really loved Jacob Elordi in Frankenstein. But I have to go with Lindo. He’s moving, he’s funny, he’s tragic—what a strong anchor among an excellent ensemble!

Best Supporting Actress – Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners)

A solid category here, but Mosaku is the clear choice for me. Her performance is so strong and earthy, very grounding and lovely. She plays off the other actors beautifully.

Best Director – Sinners

Come on, you knew what I was gonna say. Come and get it, Ryan Coogler!!! Some other great direction here, but it’s really no contest.

Best Original Screenplay – Sinners

Strong category all around, but again, this is an obvious choice. Such masterful storytelling! The characters, the themes, the dialogue, the plot—just wonderful work.

Best Adapted Screenplay – Frankenstein

I debated between this one and Hamnet. I love both, and Frankenstein certainly takes all kinds of liberties as an adaptation. It creates such a powerful story out of the characters and themes, though—it definitely stuck with me.

Best Cinematography – Sinners

I know I sound like a broken record on this one. I’m okay with it. While I’d also be happy with a Frankenstein win for this category, I’m rooting for Sinners again!

Best Picture – Sinners

Look, despite my lackluster reaction to some of the nominations when they were first announced, I wound up liking this year’s crop of movies more than I expected. But in my estimation, Sinners is far and away the best film of the year.