Hollywood is preparing for a closely contested Academy Awards ceremony, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another and Ryan Coogler’s Sinners emerging as the dominant contenders. Anderson’s film is considered the favorite for best picture, while Sinners leads with a record sixteen nominations. Both directors are seeking their first Oscar, and the best actor race between Michael B. Jordan and Timothée Chalamet remains especially tight.

The ceremony, hosted for a second consecutive year by Conan O’Brien, unfolds amid heightened security following the recent war involving the United States and Iran. Producers have promised an entertaining show despite global tensions, while several nominated films directly engage with current political themes, including immigration enforcement and international conflict.

The two leading films are notable big budget theatrical releases from Warner Bros., at a time of major industry consolidation. New additions to this year’s awards include a best casting category and a rule requiring voters to confirm they have watched all nominees in a category before casting ballots. With competitive acting races and politically resonant films in the spotlight, the ceremony is poised to reflect both Hollywood celebration and the broader moment beyond it.