"Sinners" leads 2026 Oscars with top nominations, as Warner Bros. prepares for a major merger.

"Sinners" and "One Battle After Another," both produced by Warner Bros., are the top contenders at the 2026 Academy Awards, with "Sinners" leading in nominations and Michael B. Jordan and Leonardo DiCaprio among the leading actors in the running. The ceremony, hosted by Conan O'Brien for a second year, will air live on ABC and Hulu, with heightened security due to recent U.S.-Iran tensions. Despite the popularity of streaming films like "KPop Demon Hunters," industry analysts expect the best picture award to go to a major theatrical release. The event marks a pivotal moment for Warner Bros., which is preparing for a $111 billion merger with Paramount Skydance.