The 98th Academy Awards could become one of the most historic ceremonies in Oscars history. As Hollywood prepares for the 2026 Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, dozens of records could be broken across multiple categories.
Industry insiders have identified more than 50 potential milestones that could be set during the ceremony, ranging from historic first-time wins to new records for individual filmmakers and performers.
Several of the most notable possibilities involve the year’s top contenders, including “Sinners,” “One Battle After Another,” and “Sentimental Value.”
According to data compiled by VegasInsider.com, the ceremony could mark several major firsts for actors, directors, and filmmakers from around the world.
‘Sinners’ and ‘One Battle After Another’ Could Break Major Oscars Records
One of the biggest potential milestones is the record for the most Oscars won by a single film in a single night.
“Sinners,” which already set a record with 16 nominations, could surpass the current record of 11 wins. That record is currently shared by three films: “Ben-Hur,” “Titanic,” and “The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King.”
“One Battle After Another,” which earned 13 nominations, could also challenge the record. However, two of its nominations fall in the same category, meaning the film could win up to 12 awards unless a rare tie occurs.
“Sinners” could also make history in the acting categories. The film features nominations for Delroy Lindo in best supporting actor and Wunmi Mosaku in best supporting actress. If both actors win, it would mark the first time a film has produced winners in both supporting categories with Black performers.
The film also received nominations for Michael B. Jordan for Best Actor and Lindo for Best Supporting Actor. If both performers win, it would become the first film in Oscars history to produce winners in both categories with Black male actors.
“Sentimental Value” could also set a major record. With nine nominations, the film could become the non-English-language film with the most Oscar wins in a single night. The current record is four wins, shared by “Fanny and Alexander,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Parasite,” and “All Quiet On The Western Front.”
Several Actors Could Make Oscars History
Several acting nominees could also set historic milestones during the ceremony.
Sean Penn, nominated for best supporting actor for “One Battle After Another,” could become only the fourth male actor to win three acting Oscars. Penn previously won best actor for “Milk” and “Mystic River.”
Amy Madigan, nominated for best supporting actress for “Weapons,” could set a record for the longest gap between a first nomination and a first Oscar win. If she wins, the victory would come more than 40 years after her first nomination for “Twice In A Lifetime.”
Several nominees could also represent historic national firsts. Wagner Moura, nominated for best actor for “The Secret Agent,” could become the first Brazilian actor to win an Oscar for acting.
Jessie Buckley, nominated for “Hamnet,” could become the first Irish actress to win Best Actress. Renate Reinsve, nominated for “Sentimental Value,” could become the first Norwegian actress to win in the category.
Emma Stone, nominated for “Bugonia,” could join an elite group of performers. If she wins, Stone would become only the third actress in Oscars history to win three best actress awards, joining Katharine Hepburn and Frances McDormand.
Historic Opportunities for Directors and Filmmakers
Several directors and filmmakers could also make history at the 2026 Oscars.
Ryan Coogler, nominated for directing “Sinners,” could become the first Black filmmaker to win the Best Director Oscar. A win could also allow Coogler to become the first Black director to win both directing and producing awards in the same evening.
Chloé Zhao, nominated for “Hamnet,” could become the first woman to win the Best Director Oscar twice. Zhao previously won the award for “Nomadland.”
Joachim Trier, nominated for directing “Sentimental Value,” could become the first Nordic filmmaker to win the best director category.
Other categories also include historic possibilities. Autumn Durald Arkapaw, nominated for cinematography for “Sinners,” could become the first woman to win in the category and the first Black cinematographer to receive the honor.
Ruth E. Carter, nominated for costume design for “Sinners,” could extend her record as the Black woman with the most Oscars if she wins a third award. Carter previously won for “Black Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
Several first-time national wins could also occur in technical categories, including cinematography, sound, and makeup.
Additional Historic Firsts Possible Across Multiple Academy Awards Categories
Other categories could also produce historic moments.
In the best original song category, songwriter Diane Warren is nominated for “Dear Me.” The nomination marks Warren’s 17th attempt at the award. If she wins, she will end her long run as the most-nominated songwriter without a win.
The song “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” could also make history as the first K-pop song to win an Oscar.
In the animated feature category, Natalie Portman could become the first performer to win both an acting Oscar and an animated feature Oscar as a producer if “Arco” wins. Portman previously won best actress for “Black Swan.”
Pixar could also extend its record in the category if “Elio” wins. The studio currently holds the record for the most wins in Best Animated Feature.
With dozens of possible milestones on the line, the 98th Academy Awards could deliver one of the most record-breaking ceremonies in Oscars history.
