Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi Oscar wins on paper as nominations loom

As the Oscar nominations approach, the possibility of winning their first Oscar is starting to look real for several Hollywood stars.

While Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi and other actors are emerging as strong contenders in different categories, their potential breakthrough Oscar moments are seemingly just around the corner.

In a post on Instagram, the Academy announced on Monday, January 5 that the Oscar nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 22.

The latest update highlighted that art knows no borders as 15 films advanced to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category.

Here’s where they land on the map:

Argentina, BELÉN

Brazil, THE SECRET AGENT

France, IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT

Germany, FALLING SOUND

India, TOWARDS HOME

Iraq, THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE

Japan, KOKUHO

Jordan, WHAT’S LEFT OF YOU

Norway, SENTIMENTAL VALUE

Palestine, PALESTINE 36

south korea, NO OTHER CHOICE

Spain, SIRÂT

Switzerland, LATE SHIFT

taiwan, LEFT GIRL

tunisia, THE VOICE OF THE HIND RAJAB

As the Oscar nominations announcement date has been revealed, fans can’t wait to find out who gets the nod in which categories and, of course, speculate about potential snubs.

Since the 2026 Critics Choice Awards wins, Chalamet and Elordi’s potential Oscar wins have gained a lot of momentum.

THE Marty Supreme The star emerged as the front-runner for the Best Actor Oscar after winning the category at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards on January 4.

The two-time Oscar nominee’s performance as 1950s ping pong champion Marty Mouser in the A24 drama has been widely loved by fans and critics alike.

As for Elordi, 28, he won Best Supporting Actor for his role as The Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankensteinwhich has reshaped awards season predictions.

His win is considered a strong omen for an Oscar nomination. Notably, the Critics’ Choice winner in this category has secured an Oscar nomination every year for the past 30 years.

Additionally, his big win at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards on Jan. 4 is being described as a “monstrous” upset as he defeated several established frontrunners, including Benicio del Toro (One battle after another), Stellan Skarsgård (Sentiment Value), and Sean Penn (One battle after anotherr).

Adding to the list, fans want Ethan Hawke to win an Oscar in 2026 after his 2018 ‘Best Actor debacle’ for First Reformation.

With a career spanning more than 40 years, the four-time Oscar nominee wowed critics with his portrayal of In Blue Moon.

Notably, she received a Career Achievement Award at the Critics Choice Awards on January 4.

Additionally, despite facing a high-profile snub at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards, Michael B. Jordan remains a strong Oscar contender for his work in Ryan Coogler’s sinners.

Dwayne Johnson is also experiencing the strongest Oscar buzz of his career for his role as MMA legend Mark Kerr in the A24 drama The Smashing Machine.

Although he didn’t win at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards on January 4, he remains a major contender for a Best Actor Oscar nomination.

In case you forgot: The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, at the Dolby Theatre.