This year’s 2026 Academy Awards ceremony will acknowledge actors, actresses and animated movies who worked hard to achieve this recognition. The 98th Academy Awards Ceremony will be held at the Dolby Theatre and hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien on March 15. Streaming services such as Hulu will be airing the show live. Here are my predictions on who is likely to be announced as the winners at this year’s Academy Awards.  

Best Picture

I was extremely excited to see the trailer for Paul Thomas Anderson’s new movie “One Battle After Another.” Starring A-list stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Benicio del Toro, to newly rising actress Chase Infiniti, I knew this was going to be the movie of the year. Hearing that the movie would be politically motivated, filled with a ton of action, I reserved a seat for opening night. Having DiCaprio play a paranoid ex-revolutionary member in hiding with his daughter, Willa, played by Infiniti, was such a perfect casting choice. Penn was also an amazing casting choice for the movie. Throughout the film,I could see that Penn really put his all into this role as Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw. Del Toro followed their serious yet comedic acting and was able to bring such a fresh and humorous style of acting. Throughout the film, I was in awe for every minute. The acting, set, character and cinematography have made “One Battle After Another” winners of previous awards, such as a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy and will now do the same for the Academy Award. 

Performance by an actor in a leading role

As an experienced yet increasingly popular actor, Timothee Chalamet is now nominated for one of the most prestigious Academy Awards, Performance by an actor in a leading role, for his portrayal of Marty Mauser in “Marty Supreme.” Mauser, an egotistical table tennis player, pursues a reckless path to fame, creating chaos and havoc. Throughout the film, I was very impressed by how Chalamet immersed himself in such a derogatory persona, leaving viewers, including myself, in a mixture of emotions. With his impeccable acting skills in the film, Chalamet is this year’s contender to receive the Academy Award. 

Performance by an actress in a leading role

Academy Award winner Emma Stone is back and is nominated for a fourth time for her role as Michelle in “Bugonia.”  Michelle, who is a high-powered pharmaceutical CEO, is kidnapped by two conspiracy theorists due to being deemed an “alien” who wants to destroy Earth and humanity. During the film, viewers are confined to their seats while exploring capitalism, human greed and more. Stone’s performance in this film is one of her best from her career. The delivery of her fierce and captivating acting is why she should take the award. 

Best animated feature film

Bringing the genre of K-pop to the big screen has been “Golden” for Sony Pictures Animation’s “KPop demon Hunters.” The film follows the K-pop girl group Huntrix, who are also demon hunters, protecting a magical barrier that holds back demons, the Honmoon. They then meet a rival demon boy group, the Saja Boys, who attempt to seal the souls of their fans. This movie is packed with such raw emotions, an amazing soundtrack and beautiful themes. As this movie, including its soundtrack, has already won many awards, such as two Golden Globes, it is heavily predicted that the film will win this category.