Academy Awards Unveils 2026 Shortlist: Nine Inch Nails, Sheeran & K-pop in the Running
Table of Contents
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and sciences has revealed its shortlist for the 98th Academy Awards, announcing contenders across 12 categories, with a particular focus on original song and original score compositions. The final nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 2, with the awards ceremony set to premiere on ABC on March 15.
A Diverse Range of Musical Talent
This year’s selection showcases a broad spectrum of musical styles and established artists. Among the 15 potential nominees for Best Original Song are industry giants like Nine Inch Nails,Ed Sheeran,and Miley Cyrus,alongside a rising track from KPop group KPop Demon Hunters. This eclectic mix signals a potential shift towards embracing more contemporary sounds within the traditionally orchestral-leaning awards.
The Original Score selections are equally notable,featuring composers Jerskin Fendrix (for Bugonia),Alexandre Desplat (frankenstein),and Daniel lopatin of Oneohtrix Point Never (Marty Supreme).These selections,alongside 17 additional picks,demonstrate the Academy’s commitment to recognizing innovative and impactful film scoring.
Spotlight on Key Contenders
several films appear to be generating notable buzz within the musical categories. Wicked: For Good boasts two nominated songs – “The Girl In The Bubble” performed by Ariana Grande, and “No Place Like Home” sung by Cynthia Erivo. Avatar: Fire and Ash also has a strong presence with “Dream As One” featuring Miley Cyrus.
Here’s a complete list of the nominated songs:
- “As Alive As You Need Me To be” from Tron: Ares (Nine Inch Nails)
- “Dear Me” from Diane Warren: Relentless (Kesha)
- “Dream As One” from Avatar: Fire and Ash (Miley Cyrus)
- “Drive” from F1 (Ed Sheeran)
- “Dying To Live” from Billy Idol Should Be Dead (Billy Idol)
- “The Girl In The Bubble” from Wicked: For good (Ariana Grande)
- “golden” from KPop Demon Hunters (Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami)
- “Highest 2 Lowest” from Highest 2 Lowest (Aiyana-Lee)
- “I Lied to You” from Sinners (Miles Caton)
- “Last Time (I Seen The Sun)” from Sinners (Miles caton and Alice Smith)
- “No Place Like Home” from Wicked: For Good (Cynthia Erivo)
- “Our Love” from The Ballad of Wallis Island (Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan)
- “Salt Then Sour Then Sweet” from Come See Me in the Good Light (Sara Bareilles and Brandi Carlile)
- “Sweet Dreams Of Joy” from Viva Verdi! (Ana MarÃa MartÃnez)
- “Train Dreams” from Train Dreams (Nick Cave)
And the nominated scores:
- Avatar: Fire and Ash
- bugonia
- Captain America: Brave New World
- Diane Warren: Relentless
- F1
- Frankenstein
- Hamnet
- Hedda
- A House of Dynamite
- Jay kelly
- Marty Supreme
- Nuremberg
- One Battle after Another
- Sinners
- Sirât
- Train Dreams
- Tron: Ares
- Truth and Treason
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
- Wicked: For Good
Looking Ahead to the Ceremony
the declaration of the shortlist sets the stage for a highly anticipated awards season. With a diverse range of nominees and a blend of established and emerging talent, the 98th Academy Awards promises to be a festivity of cinematic and musical achievement. Fans can find the full shortlist for all categories here.
