Oscars 2026 Predictions: Expert Forecasts the Biggest Winners at the Academy Awards

The Oscars, a beacon of cinematic brilliance, once again promise to captivate audiences with their annual celebration of film excellence in New York. This prestigious event continues to set the benchmark for cinematic achievements, a sentiment echoed by Erik Davis, a seasoned film expert and managing editor at Fandango.

As anticipation builds for this year’s Academy Awards, there’s much to celebrate in the realm of film, with the potential for groundbreaking moments. The 2023 ceremony stands on the brink of making history, with movies that showcase both seasoned veterans and emerging talents vying for the top honors.

One standout contender is the film “Sinners,” which has already carved its name into the record books with a staggering 16 nominations, the most ever received by a single film in the history of the Oscars. “It feels like a thrilling clash of old-school legends against new-school innovators,” Davis remarked, highlighting the dynamic and competitive landscape of this year’s nominations.

When pressed for his prediction on the best actor category, Davis has his favorites, though he remains tight-lipped, offering only a hint of the suspense and excitement that defines this year’s race for Oscar glory.

Davis’ pick for best actor?

“I’m looking at Michael B. Jordan, lot of fan favor for him,” Davis said. “This is his first ever nominee. Played two, some would argue, three roles.”

Best supporting actor?

“This is Stellan Skarsgard’s first ever Oscar nomination, and he’s going against, you know, Jacob Elordi, who is a big deal right now,” Davis said. “And then I look at Delroy Lindo. He’s got a long, illustrious career, 73 years old, first ever Oscar nomination.”

Best supporting actress?

“Amy Madigan, who sort of was nominated 40 years ago for her first Oscar, nominated now for her second Oscar for ‘Weapons,’ an original horror movie,” Davis said. “And then you have Teyana Taylor. Teyana won the Golden Globe. Amy won the Critics Choice.”

Could the best actress be Jessie Buckley for “Hamnet?”

“I think when she wins this Oscar, she’s going to be a household name,” Davis said.

But the biggest battle of the night will be the one for Hollywood’s highest honor: best picture.

“I can almost envision a world where ‘Sinners’ wins the best casting, sort of a big award for that film, big recognition for that film, and ‘One Battle After Another’ takes best picture,” Davis said.

While the surprises await, a few things on Sunday are certain – lives will be changed and Oscar dreams will come true.

March 15 is Oscar Sunday! Watch the 2026 Oscars live on ABC and Hulu.

Live red carpet coverage starts at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT with “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars.”Catch all the action on the red carpet live on ABC, or stream on Hulu and OnTheRedCarpet.com.The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. and will be followed by “The Bachelorette: Before the First Rose.”