2026 Oscars: Insights from Academy Voters

As the 98th Academy Awards approach on March 15, 2026, a glimpse into the voting process reveals the reasoning behind some selections. Several Academy voters have shared their ballots with Gold Derby, offering insight into their choices for Best Picture, Best Director and key acting categories. Here’s a breakdown of one voter’s perspective.

Best Picture: A Nod to Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’

One voter selected ‘One Battle After Another’ as their top choice for Best Picture, citing the film’s pacing, dynamic performances, and overall setup. While acknowledging the merits of other nominees, the voter expressed strong dislike for ‘Marty Supreme,’ and noted that ‘Frankenstein’ would have been a close second if ‘One Battle After Another’ hadn’t been so compelling.

Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson Recognized

The voter unequivocally chose Paul Thomas Anderson for Best Director for his work on ‘One Battle After Another,’ stating it was a deserved recognition of his talent.

Best Actress: Jessie Buckley’s Electric Performance in ‘Hamnet’

Jessie Buckley’s performance in ‘Hamnet’ resonated strongly with the voter, who described it as “electrical” and the most captivating aspect of the film. Kate Hudson and Rose Byrne were also acknowledged as strong contenders, but Buckley stood out.

Best Actor: Wagner Moura’s Breakthrough in ‘The Secret Agent’

Wagner Moura’s performance in ‘The Secret Agent’ earned the voter’s support, recognizing it as a standout role that came as a surprise. The voter acknowledged the political dynamics often present in this category and noted the increasing appeal of foreign language performances within the Academy, as well as the recent BAFTA upset of Robert Aramayo. They expressed a personal dislike for Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal in his nominated role, finding it “despicable.”

Best Supporting Actress: Teyana Taylor’s Intensity in ‘One Battle After Another’

Teyana Taylor’s performance in ‘One Battle After Another’ secured the voter’s vote for Best Supporting Actress. The voter praised her intensity and captivating presence on screen, emphasizing her crucial role in the film’s first third. Inga from ‘Sentimental Value’ was considered a close second.

Best Supporting Actor: Delroy Lindo’s Overdue Recognition in ‘Sinners’

Delroy Lindo’s performance in ‘Sinners’ received the voter’s vote, driven by a desire to recognize his consistently brilliant work, which they felt had been previously overlooked. Jacob Elordi was considered as an alternative choice, with the voter highlighting Lindo’s ability to portray tenderness in a role that could easily have been interpreted otherwise.

Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson’s Vision for ‘One Battle After Another’

The voter selected ‘One Battle After Another’ for Best Adapted Screenplay, praising Anderson’s ability to provoke thought and his significant influence over the film as both writer and director.

Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler’s Creativity in ‘Sinners’

Ryan Coogler’s original screenplay for ‘Sinners’ earned the voter’s vote, recognizing his innovative integration of a vampire storyline into the narrative in a seamless and natural way.

As the 98th Academy Awards draw near, these insights offer a valuable perspective on the considerations and preferences of Academy voters. The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu on March 15, 2026.