Oscars 2026: 8 surprising facts you might have missed about this year’s nominees

The 2026 Academy Awards are shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent years, with several major races still too close to call ahead of Sunday’s ceremony.

Films such as Sinners and One Battle After Another are among the biggest contenders for best picture, while this year’s nominations have also produced several surprising records and milestones across the industry.

Here are eight interesting facts about the films and stars competing for Oscars this year.

Zootopia 2 is the biggest box office hit among nominees

The highest-grossing nominated film this year is Zootopia 2, which has earned about $1.86 billion worldwide.

However, the animated sequel has a different title in Europe. Because of a trademark dispute with a Danish zoo, the franchise is released there as Zootropolis.

Emma Stone has broken an Oscar nominations record

At 37, Emma Stone has become the youngest woman ever to receive seven Oscar nominations.

Her recognised films include Birdman, The Favourite, Bugonia, La La Land and Poor Things, with wins for the last two.

Frankenstein closes a 207-year gap

Guillermo del Toro’s Netflix adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein arrives 207 years after the original novel was published in 1818.

The long gap places it among the largest time spans between source material and film adaptation in Oscars history.

Jessie Buckley could make history for Ireland

Hamnet star Jessie Buckley is widely expected to win best actress this year.

If she does, she will become the first Irish performer to win the leading actress category at the Academy Awards.

Michael B Jordan and Ryan Coogler continue a major partnership

Best picture contender Sinners marks the fifth collaboration between actor Michael B Jordan and director Ryan Coogler.

The pair previously worked together on films including Creed and Black Panther, making theirs one of Hollywood’s most successful creative partnerships.

Timothée Chalamet joins rare Oscars company

At 30, Timothée Chalamet has become the youngest actor since Marlon Brando to earn three Oscar nominations for acting.

He is nominated this year for his performance in Marty Supreme.

Brad Pitt’s F1 nomination breaks a long Oscars trend

The racing drama F1, starring Brad Pitt, secured a best picture nomination despite not receiving nominations for directing, acting or screenplay.

The last film to achieve this unusual feat was Beauty and the Beast in 1991.

Leonardo DiCaprio matches a Hollywood record

One Battle After Another marks Leonardo DiCaprio’s 12th film to receive a best picture nomination, tying him with Robert De Niro.

The milestone places both actors among the most successful performers in Oscar history.

The 2026 Academy Awards will take place on Sunday in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live on ABC.