This video from ABC News provides a comprehensive preview of the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026), hosted by Conan O'Brien. It breaks down major races, highlights historic nominations, and showcases fresh faces.
Key Oscar Races & Records: (0:44)
The thriller Sinners broke records with 16 nominations, including Best Picture, after dominating the SAG Awards (0:58).
This video outlines major Oscar records that are considered highly unlikely to be broken, categorized by individual achievements, film milestones, and acting accomplishments. It highlights Walt Disney for holding the most wins (26) and nominations (59), as well as the longest streak of wins (0:00-0:37, 10:03). The video also spotlights technical and cinematic records, such as The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King being the only film to win every category it was nominated in (11 for 11) (3:55-4:27).
Highlights of Records Mentioned:
Big Five Sweep: Only three films have won Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay (1:17).
Most Acting Nominations:Meryl Streep holds the record with 21 nominations (1:56).
Most Wins by a Film:Ben-Hur, Titanic, and Return of the King are tied with 11 wins (2:38).
Oldest/Youngest Nominees:John Williams (91) for oldest (16:06), and Justin Henry (8) for youngest (16:47).
Longest/Shortest Performance:Vivien Leigh for longest screen time for a winner (5:23), and Hermione Baddeley for shortest performance nominated (6:04).
This video from WatchMojo counts down the 20 most glaring miscalculations and controversial decisions in Oscar history. It highlights instances where the Academy Awards honored undeserving winners, overlooked deserving talent, and made baffling omissions that left both Hollywood and audiences stunned.
Here are some of the most shocking moments covered:
Saving Private Ryan vs. Shakespeare in Love (21:40): A shocking best picture win for Shakespeare in Love over Steven Spielberg's masterpiece, attributed to an aggressive marketing campaign.
Crash beating Brokeback Mountain (18:33): Widely regarded as one of the biggest upsets, where Crash took home Best Picture over the critical favorite.
Martin Scorsese's Snubs (16:40): Raging Bull losing to Ordinary People, and Goodfellas losing to Dances with Wolves.
This MsMojo video takes an in-depth look at the fascinating and surprising stories from the Academy Awards, ranking and exploring various aspects of Hollywood's biggest night (0:02).Youngest Oscar Nominees: (0:24-12:03)
The list features child actors nominated before driving age, ranked by age rather than performance quality (0:37).
Justin Henry holds the record as the youngest nominee ever, nominated at age eight for Kramer vs. Kramer (10:58).Most Controversial Oscar Winners: (12:03-24:03)
This segment covers scandalous or heavily debated recipients.
Bohemian Rhapsody's win for Best Film Editing was criticized for its rough transitions (12:33).
Life of Pi's Best Cinematography win sparked debate over the line between live-action filming and visual effects (14:59).
Marisa Tomei's win for My Cousin Vinnie was a major upset, as she wasn't a favorite going in (15:52).
Crash winning Best Picture over Brokeback Mountain remains controversial (17:42).
Will Smith's Best Actor win for King Richard was overshadowed by him slapping Chris Rock earlier that evening (18:10).
Shakespeare in Love winning Best Picture over Saving Private Ryan is still questioned (21:55).
Roman Polanski winning Best Director for The Pianist caused backlash due to his legal issues, preventing him from attending (22:52).Shortest Screen-Time Winners: (24:03-38:11)
This segment highlights actors who won awards with very little screen time.
Jason Robards won Best Supporting Actor for Julia despite appearing for just under 11 minutes (28:43).
Ben Johnson won for The Last Picture Show with less than 10 minutes of screen time (31:37).
Gloria Grahame won Best Supporting Actress for The Bad and the Beautiful in under 10 minutes (32:59).
Maureen Stapleton won for Reds appearing in less than 5% of the film (34:03).Stars Banned from the Oscars: (38:11-46:21)
Covers individuals barred or expelled from the Academy.
Richard Gere was effectively barred for two decades after making political comments about Tibet while presenting in 1993 (38:47).
Carmine Caridi was the first person formally expelled for sharing unauthorized screeners (39:46).Iconic Oscar-Winning Songs: (46:21-1:21:42)
This video explores allegations that Jay-Z is overly sensitive regarding criticism, while also discussing Nicki Minaj's sister, Ming, appearing to align with Cardi B.
Jay-Z's Sensitivity and Influence: (0:05 - 6:52)
DJ Funk Flex and Joe Budden allege that Jay-Z is highly sensitive to criticism and will make phone calls to check individuals who critique him or his business, Roc Nation (0:31-1:20).
Jay-Z reportedly contacted T.I. after T.I. ranked Tupac above him on a best rappers list (1:57).
Jay-Z reportedly engaged in a passionate disagreement with Michael Eric Dyson regarding Dyson's defense of Drake against Kendrick Lamar (4:33-5:40), suggesting to the narrator that Jay-Z may not favor Drake (5:53).
Nicki Minaj's Sister and Cardi B: (6:52 - 11:55)
Nicki Minaj's sister, Ming, is facing backlash for attending Cardi B's concert and hanging out with her, which some view as disloyalty given the conflict between Cardi and Nicki (7:01-7:21).
Ming responded by stating she is a grown woman and does not have to take sides (7:36).
The narrator suggests that Cardi B is using Ming to get under Nicki's skin, highlighting the often treacherous nature of the music industry (8:48-9:46).
Award shows, once significant cultural events, are experiencing a decline in viewership and relevance (0:03). Shows like the Grammys and VMAs have seen drastic drops in live viewership, with some, such as the MTV EMAs and BET Hip Hop Awards, being canceled or suspended indefinitely (0:59-1:26).
Reasons for this decline include:
The rise of social media (5:21): Viral moments from award shows are consumed as short clips online, eliminating the need for viewers to watch the full live broadcast (5:40-5:57).
The impact of the pandemic (5:59): Ceremonies without live audiences felt "awkward," further pushing viewers towards online content consumption (6:02-6:11).
Death of monoculture (6:17): With diverse ways to consume music and entertainment, there's no longer a shared cultural experience where everyone watches the same events (6:22-6:44).
Celebrity overexposure (6:52): Celebrities are less interesting due to their constant presence on social media and perceived focus on greed, making elaborate award ceremonies less appealing (6:54-7:10).
Loss of meaning (7:11): The purpose of award shows has become unclear, whether they are for industry validation, marketing, or streaming metrics (7:15-7:22).
While some shows are adapting with digital distribution and shorter formats, the "magic" and cultural impact of the past are largely gone (7:31-7:44). The video concludes by suggesting that while people still crave spectacle and drama, a 3-hour live broadcast is no longer necessary to get it, implying that award shows are "on life support" (7:51-8:01).
This video discusses the potential disbandment of the global pop girl group KATSEYE, formed by Geffen and Hybe (0:24). The group's future is uncertain due to subpar music (1:07) and internal issues, particularly the alleged removal of member Manon (1:20).
Manon's Hiatus and Allegations:
KATSEYE's labels announced Manon was taking a hiatus for "health and well-being" (1:40).
Manon denied this, stating she is healthy and implying the decision was not hers (1:49).
The video suggests Manon was kicked out for unauthorized "side quests" like a short film and a guest judge appearance on Germany's Next Top Model (2:10).
Celebrities like SZA, Normani, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Chloe Bailey have publicly supported Manon (4:47).
Fans have noticed Hybe's alleged attempts to phase out Manon (5:32), citing instances like her absence from a Glossier billboard (5:48) and a Gabriella dance shoot (6:01).
A confidential internal document about KATSEYE was leaked, outlining plans for a five-member group (6:28).
This video pays tribute to the legendary actor Robert Duvall, who passed away at 95, by ranking his top 10 performances (0:04). The host, Brian Rowe, notes that Duvall's career spanned seven decades, from the 1960s to the 2020s, and he received seven Oscar nominations, winning one for Best Actor in Tender Mercies (0:12).
Here's a countdown of Duvall's top 10 performances:
THX 1138 (0:47): His fascinating performance in George Lucas's first feature film, where he conveys much with expressions and presence due to minimal dialogue.
The Judge (1:56): His final Oscar-nominated role, showcasing his enduring power as an actor late in his career, playing a small-town judge suspected of murder.
Falling Down (3:01): As a detective on the verge of retirement, he elevates this genre film with his presence, playing opposite Michael Douglas.
A Civil Action (4:27): His subtle yet impactful portrayal of a defense attorney, which earned him an Oscar nomination and a SAG award.
Network (6:05): Despite not being Oscar-nominated amidst many other cast members, his role as a soulless corporate executive is deemed crucial to the film.
The Great Santini (7:37): A powerful and mesmerizing performance as a frustrated marine pilot with an estranged relationship with his son, earning him an Oscar nomination.
The Apostle (9:09): Considered his best performance of the 1990s, where he directs and stars as a preacher, delivering a phenomenal and deeply shaded portrayal.
The Godfather (1 & 2) (10:51): His quiet intensity as Tom Hagen, the Corleone family's counselor, is highlighted as essential to the saga, earning him his first Oscar nomination.
Apocalypse Now (12:53): A mesmerizing and iconic supporting role as Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore, known for his memorable lines and strong presence, earning him an Oscar nomination.
Tender Mercies (16:55): Ranked as his greatest performance, this Oscar-winning role as a weary, broken-down country singer showcases his ability to convey deep emotion with reserved and lived-in acting, making the film entirely dependent on his performance.
The video also lists other outstanding performances by Duvall that didn't make the top 10, including his screen debut in To Kill a Mockingbird (14:45), MASH (15:01), Lonesome Dove (15:27), and Widows (16:34).
This video highlights eight singles (0:10) released in the 2020s that significantly hindered or "killed" the intended success of their respective album eras due to various reasons, from poor reception to controversy and misguided promotional efforts (0:03).
The featured singles include:
"Yummy" by Justin Bieber (0:16): This song suffered from a desperate rollout and failed to connect with critics and listeners, poisoning the Changes album era (0:43-1:11).
"J Christ" by Lil Nas X (1:37): Despite anticipation for his Dream Boy era, this single sparked immediate backlash due to its controversial religious imagery and underperformed commercially (2:00-2:32).
"Mother" by Meghan Trainor (3:03): Intended to capitalize on the viral success of "Made You Look," "Mother" was seen as inauthentic and failed to gain traction, leading to the fizzling out of her era (3:26-3:54).
"Think U The Sht (Fart)" by Ice Spice** (3:57): This lead single for her Y2K album was instantly mocked for its lyrics and faced accusations of copying, effectively killing the early hype (4:39-5:14).
"Falling Back" by Drake (5:34): Drake's pivot to house and dance music with this single from Honestly, Nevermind was met with harsh criticism for its boring production and failed to connect with fans (5:56-6:18).
"No Angels" by Justin Timberlake (6:44): Released as a follow-up single, "No Angels" was considered bland and failed to chart meaningfully, becoming the "nail in the coffin" for his Everything I Thought I Was album (7:13-7:43).
"I LUV IT" by Camila Cabello featuring Playboi Carti (7:50): This single, marking a chaotic hyperpop pivot for her CXOXO album, was called a "failed experiment" and alienated her fanbase, ending her mainstream success streak (8:19-8:58).
"Woman's World" by Katy Perry (9:03): Intended as an empowering anthem, this single was slammed for its hypocritical message due to her collaboration with Dr. Luke and was deemed musically cheesy, marking a career low (9:26-10:05).
This video essay explores the extraordinary acting career of Denzel Washington, highlighting his unique ability to deliver consistently powerful and intellectually engaged performances over four decades (0:00). The essay argues that Washington's strength lies not in extreme transformation, but in his meticulous refinement of characters, his control over intensity, and his profound understanding of moral tension (0:34).
The video analyzes several of his iconic roles:
Private Trip in Glory (1:35): Washington's portrayal of an escaped enslaved man in this Civil War drama showcases his ability to channel raw volatility and deep-seated anger, emphasizing resistance through restraint even in the face of humiliation (2:12).
Joe Miller in Philadelphia (4:39): This legal drama highlights Washington's nuanced depiction of a subtly prejudiced lawyer, whose gradual evolution is marked by eroding certainty and a reluctant confrontation with his own biases (5:00).
Alonzo Harris in Training Day (7:44): The video discusses Washington's chilling portrayal of a corrupt narcotics detective, emphasizing his radiating dominance, casual confidence, and the way he uses dialogue and charisma as tools of psychological manipulation (8:49).
John Creasy in Man on Fire (10:53): This revenge thriller features Washington as an emotionally inert former CIA operative whose transformation into a brutal force of vengeance is depicted with deliberate inversion, showing grief hardening into purpose (11:58).
Lord Macbeth in The Tragedy of Macbeth (14:51): In this abstract adaptation, Washington's Macbeth is defined by fatigue and belated ambition, portraying a man consumed by power, with his paranoia manifesting as withdrawal and emotional isolation (15:57).
The essay concludes that Denzel Washington's career is defined by his structural range—his ability to recalibrate presence, rhythm, and moral weight for each role (17:41). He understands control, knowing when to withhold and when to simplify, ensuring an interior logic guides every performance (17:55).
In this video, Brian, the host of The Awards Contender, shares his personal picks for the winners of the 98th Academy Awards, if he were an Academy member (0:04-0:12). He covers various categories, starting with the "below-the-line" technical categories and then moving on to the top eight major awards (0:25-0:29).
Here's a breakdown of his choices and reasoning:
Best Animated Feature: Brian chooses K-pop Demon Hunters, praising it as a "lovely surprise" (1:08-1:26).
Best Casting: Having worked in casting previously, Brian highlights the difficulty of the job and selects Marty Supreme for its creative and brilliant casting choices (1:30-2:56).
Best Cinematography: He picks One Battle After Another, his favorite film of the year, specifically commending the third act's car chase scene (3:34-5:01).
Best Costume Design: Brian leans towards Frankenstein due to the variety and superb quality of its costumes, especially Mia Goth's outfits (5:54-6:58).
Best Documentary Feature Film: He emotionally selects Come See Me in the Good Lights, an LGBTQ+ documentary about a couple's journey through illness (7:28-8:07).
Film Editing: Brian votes for One Battle After Another, emphasizing its extraordinary editing that seamlessly navigates different storylines and characters (9:19-10:27).
International Feature Film: His choice is Sentimental Value, which he considers brilliantly written, directed, and acted (11:00-11:49).
Makeup and Hair Styling: Brian's clear pick is Frankenstein for Jacob Elordi's "all-timer" makeup (12:24-12:52).
Best Original Score: He selects Bugonia for its boldness and creativity, though he also expresses disappointment that Marty Supreme wasn't nominated (13:36-14:23).
Original Song: Brian chooses "I Lied to You" from Sinners, appreciating its deeper role in the film's narrative compared to other nominees (14:45-15:27).
Production Design: He again picks Frankenstein, commending its outstanding production design that "wows the viewer" (15:30-16:37).
Best Sound: Brian's vote goes to Sinners for its phenomenal sound design, particularly the blending of music with action and terror scenes (17:08-17:40).
Best Visual Effects: He unequivocally chooses Avatar: Fire and Ash, acknowledging its astonishing and seamless visual effects work (17:45-18:59).
Best Adapted Screenplay: Brian selects One Battle After Another, driven by his desire to see Paul Thomas Anderson finally win an Oscar (19:23-20:28).
Best Original Screenplay: He picks Marty Supreme, considering it a masterpiece (20:51-21:43).
Best Supporting Actor: His vote goes to Shawn Penn for One Battle After Another, highlighting his "villain character for the ages" (22:44-24:43).
Best Supporting Actress: Brian makes it a "landslide" choice for Amy Madigan in Weapons, praising her impressive performance (25:53-26:32).
Best Actor: He chooses Timothy Chalamet for Marty Supreme, calling his performance an "all-timer" (27:40-28:45).
Best Actress: Brian picks Jesse Buckley for Hamnet, deeming it the "performance of the year" that deeply moved him (29:24-30:39).
Best Director: He again selects Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another, emphasizing his long-awaited Oscar win (30:42-32:30).
Best Picture: As his favorite film of 2025, Brian's ultimate choice for Best Picture is One Battle After Another (32:59-33:33).