Photographed by Hannah Reyes Morales for the March 2026 Issue of Vogue Philippines
As the 98th Academy Awards approach on March 15, 2026, these are the first-time nominees across major categories being recognized at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
The 98th Academy Awards are just around the corner, with Conan O’Brien returning to host on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Every year, the Oscars celebrate the best in film, recognizing outstanding artistic and technical achievements across categories like Best Picture, Acting, and Directing.
Since its debut in 1929, the ceremony has become one of the most anticipated nights in entertainment, spotlighting the performances, stories, and filmmaking craft that shape the industry. While some nominees are long overdue for recognition on the main stage, this year also highlights fresh talent making their mark in Hollywood. Several artists received their first-ever Academy Award nominations across major categories, stepping onto the Oscars’ global stage as nominees for the very first time.
From breakthrough performances to spotlighted work in filmmaking, here are a few of the individuals receiving their first Oscar nominations this year.
Michael B. Jordan, Best Actor
Playing twins Smoke and Stack in Ryan Coogler’s genre-defying film Sinners, Michael B. Jordan receives his first nomination for Best Actor. The role also earned him recognition at the BAFTA Awards, the Golden Globes, and the Actor Awards. His other notable work includes Creed (2015) and Black Panther (2018).
Renate Reinsve, Best Actress
Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve was nominated for Best Actress for her role as Nora Borg in Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value. The performance also brought her a BAFTA nomination and a win at the 2026 European Film Awards. She first gained international attention in The Worst Person in the World, winning Best Actress at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.
Rose Byrne, Best Actress
In If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Linda is brought to life with a Best Actress nod going to Rose Byrne. The performance also earned her a Golden Globe win and a SAG nomination. Her most well-known films include Bridesmaids (2011), Neighbors (2014), Spy (2015), X-Men: First Class (2011), Insidious (2010), and Troy (2004).
Jacob Elordi, Best Supporting Actor
A Best Supporting Actor nomination went to the Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, a role that has brought Jacob Elordi increasing recognition. He first gained attention as Noah Flynn in The Kissing Booth trilogy (2018–2021) and as Nate Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria. Recent work includes his portrayals of Elvis Presley in Priscilla (2023) and Felix Catton in Saltburn (2023).
Delroy Lindo, Best Supporting Actor
A Best Supporting Actor nomination goes to Delroy Lindo’s performance as Delta Slim in Sinners, marking a new milestone in his 50-year career. Lindo’s other notable performances include his work in Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods (2020), Crooklyn (1994), and Malcolm X (1992), as well as his portrayal of Herald Loomis in the original Broadway staging of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, which earned him a Tony nomination.
Elle Fanning, Best Supporting Actress
A Best Supporting Actress nomination recognizes Elle Fanning in the Norwegian drama Sentimental Value. Her career highlights include Maleficent (2014) and its sequel, Super 8 (2011), The Neon Demon (2016), and 20th Century Women (2016). Earlier roles in Babel (2006) and Somewhere (2010) helped establish her career, later starring in We Bought a Zoo (2011) and the Hulu series The Great.
Wunmi Mosaku, Best Supporting Actress
Playing Annie in Sinners, Wunmi Mosaku earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination. The Nigerian-British actress, also known for her work in Remi Weekes’s His House and the Marvel series Loki, was part of the film’s record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations and won a BAFTA for this role.
Teyana Taylor, Best Supporting Actress
Gaining attention as Perfidia in One Battle After Another, Teyana Taylor received a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Oscars. The performance also earned her a Golden Globe win, as well as recognition from the NAACP Image Awards and the Critics’ Choice Awards during the 2026 awards season.
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Best Supporting Actress
Norwegian actress Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role as Agnes in Sentimental Value. This nomination marks her major international breakthrough, following a career in Norwegian theater.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Best Cinematography
A Best Cinematography nomination went to director of photography Autumn Durald Arkapaw for Sinners, making her the first woman of color and the first Filipino to be recognized in this category. She is the fourth woman ever nominated for cinematography at the Oscars and the first female DP to shoot a feature in Ultra Panavision and IMAX 65mm. Her previous work includes A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019), which starred Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), and The Last Showgirl (2024).
Ryan Coogler, Best Director
A Best Director nomination went to Ryan Coogler for Sinners (2025), a film that achieved a record-breaking 16 nominations at the 98th Academy Awards. He also received a Best Director nod from the Las Vegas Film Critics Society. Coogler is known for his previous work on Black Panther (2018), Creed (2015), Fruitvale Station (2013), and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022).
Josh Safdie, Best Director
Marty Supreme earned multiple nominations, including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture, marking Josh Safdie’s first solo recognition by the Academy. He is known for his collaborative work with his brother Benny Safdie on acclaimed films such asUncut Gems (2019) and Good Time (2017).
