Predictions

• The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released shortlists for 10 categories on April 16, narrowing 300+ films to 15 each for the 99th Oscars ceremony on March 7, 2027. • Standouts include 'Dune: Part Two' with 8 nods and 'Wicked' securing spots in song and score, per The Hollywood Reporter analysis. • Industry insiders predict 'Anora' leading Best Picture contenders with 92% odds from Gold Derby, impacting awards season campaigns worth millions.

Markets now forecast one rate rise this year, down from two on Tuesday, although mortgage rates may not fall quicklyBusiness live – latest updates City traders have cut their forecasts for UK interest rate rises this year, after the US and Iran agreed a two-week ceasefire.The money markets are now fully pricing in only one rise in UK interest rates by December, which would take the Bank of England’s base rate back up to 4%. On Tuesday, two rate rises were fully priced in, as Donald Trump threatened that a “whole civilisation will die” unless Tehran complied with his demands to reopen the strait of Hormuz. Continue reading...

• ABC News' Kelley Carter and Variety's Clayton Davis predict Oscar victors ahead of the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026. • Discussion covers tight competitions in major categories like best picture amid high anticipation for Hollywood's biggest night. • Predictions highlight potential surprises in film races, drawing from awards season trends and expert analysis.

• The 98th Academy Awards ceremony takes place Sunday evening with Hollywood's biggest stars competing across major categories, with entertainment experts from ABC News and Variety sharing final predictions on who will take home Oscar gold. • The Dolby Theatre is completing final preparations with the red carpet set to roll out, while ABC's coverage begins at 12:30 p.m., followed by E!'s red carpet broadcast at 1 p.m., with Amelia Dimoldenberg returning as social media ambassador for a third consecutive year. • 'Sinners' has gained unexpected momentum heading into the ceremony after its stars Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were subjected to a racial slur at the BAFTAs, with the film receiving a record-breaking 16 nominations despite being overshadowed much of awards season by Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another.'

Warner Bros.' 'One Battle After Another' and 'Sinners' are favored to dominate the 2026 Oscars on March 15, positioning the studio for major wins amid a potential $110 billion takeover by Paramount and Skydance. Industry buzz highlights the films' strong precursor awards performance, with 'Sinners' eyed for record-breaking achievements in multiple categories. This comes as Hollywood navigates AI disruptions and layoffs, making Warner Bros.' success a rare bright spot. Post-Oscars, merger outcomes could reshape the studio's future slate.

Kelley Carter, senior entertainment reporter at ESPN's Andscape, previewed her 2026 Oscars predictions on ABC News Live, highlighting frontrunners in key categories. The segment aired as Hollywood gears up for Conan O'Brien's hosting debut this Sunday at the Dolby Theatre. Carter's insights come amid widespread speculation on winners like Warner Bros' contenders. Fans anticipate surprises in best picture and acting races during the live broadcast.