The Oscars Are Rewarding Hollywood’s Big Bets

January 22, 2026

TL;DR

Warner Bros. received numerous Oscar nominations for "One Battle After Another" and "Sinners."
"Sinners" became the most nominated film in Academy history with 16 nods.
The success of these films is seen as a boon for the industry, bringing adult audiences back to theaters.
Warner Bros. is involved in high-stakes merger discussions with Netflix and Paramount.
Chloé Zhao's "Hamnet" and A24's "Marty Supreme" also received multiple nominations.
Apple's "F1" is noted as a typical blockbuster contender.
Notable absences from Best Picture nominations include "Avatar: Fire and Ash" and "Wicked: For Good."
The Academy Awards' relevance is tied to its ability to attract audiences and promote theatergoing.
International and art-house films have gained more prominence in recent years, with wins at Cannes influencing Oscar success.
Neon had a strong showing with multiple films recognized in the International Feature Film category and Best Picture.
Surprises in acting categories included nominations for "Sinners" stars and Kate Hudson for "Song Sung Blue."
YouTube will acquire broadcast rights for the Oscars starting in 2029, securing the show's future funding and audience reach.
"One Battle After Another" has been a front-runner, but "Sinners'" nomination haul positions it as a major rival.

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