The Awards Tape: 98th Academy Awards (2026) Final Oscar Nomination Predictions

After multiple drafts of way-too-early above the line predictions through the summer, a “state of the awards race” pulse check episode discussing the first round of major precursors, and our specialized prediction episodes that featured in depth discussions on 3-4 categories at a time, we have finally arrived at the conclusion of the nomination phase of award season with the Oscar nominations set to be announced on the morning on January 22. Today we cast our final prediction ballots in the biggest annual episode dissecting all 24 categories.

Category Order:

1. Shorts
2. Casting
3. Makeup and Hairstyling
4. Production Design
5. Costume Design
6. Sound 
7. Original Song
8. Original Score
9. Documentary Feature
10. International Feature
11. Animated Feature
12. Visual Effects
13. Film Editing
14. Cinematography
15. Supporting Actress
16. Supporting Actor
17. Lead Actress
18. Lead Actor
19. Adapted Screenplay
20. Original Screenplay
21. Director
22. Picture 

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View Our Predictions:
Oscar Board

Listen Here:
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Follow our team online:
Danny Jarabek
Adam Patla
Paul Rai
Gabe Lillianthal
Tate Fowler
Jacob Diedenhofer

Have questions? Email info@therollingtape.com

Credits:

• Theme music by Karl Vincent
• Artwork by Danny Jarabek
• Edited by Danny Jarabek