The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, will introduce a new category for the upcoming 2026 ceremony, marking the first change of this nature in over 20 years. The 98th edition of the prestigious film awards, scheduled for early next year, will now feature 24 categories, an increase from the previous 23.
The last time a new category was added was in 2002, with the introduction of the award for Best Animated Feature, a title that was won by “Shrek.” Currently, predictions regarding nominees are speculative, as the official nominations will be announced closer to the event.
The complete list of categories for the 2026 Oscars includes:
- Best Supporting Actress
- Best Ensemble
- Best Animated Short Film
- Best Animated Feature
- Best Original Screenplay
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best Makeup and Hairstyling
- Best Production Design
- Best Costume Design
- Best Supporting Actor
- Best Documentary
- Best Live Action Short Film
- Best Cinematography
- Best International Feature Film
- Best Documentary Short Film
- Best Original Score
- Best Visual Effects
- Best Sound
- Best Original Song
- Best Film Editing
- Best Director
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Picture
In recent comments, actor Denzel Washington voiced his frustrations regarding the Oscars, despite having received ten nominations and winning twice. In an interview, he stated, “People ask me if I do this for the Oscars. I have been doing this for a long time, and there are Oscars I won that I shouldn”t have, and there were times I didn”t win when I should have. People ask, “Where do you keep them?” Well, next to the others. It”s not about bragging! I”m just expressing how I feel.”
With this new addition, the Oscars aim to continue evolving and adapting to the changing landscape of the film industry, reflecting both contemporary achievements and the diverse ways in which storytelling is expressed through cinema.
