Author: Stephen Ibrahim

The 98th Academy Awards nominations, announced on January 22, 2026, have delivered one of the most competitive and wide-ranging Oscars line-ups in recent memory. From record-breaking nomination tallies to the rise of technically ambitious filmmaking, this year’s list reflects an industry that continues to evolve in scale, storytelling, and global reach.

The ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

This year’s race is led by Sinners, which emerged as the most nominated film with 16 nods, setting a new Academy record. Close behind is One Battle After Another, which secured 13 nominations, firmly positioning it as a top Best Picture and directing contender.

Other major players include Frankenstein, Marty Supreme, Hamnet, Sentimental Value, Bugonia, and Train Dreams, each earning recognition across acting, writing, and technical categories.

Best Picture Nominees

• Bugonia
• F1
• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• The Secret Agent
• Sentimental Value
• Sinners
• Train Dreams

Acting Categories

Best Actor

• Timothée Chalamet — Marty Supreme
• Leonardo DiCaprio — One Battle After Another
• Ethan Hawke — Blue Moon
• Michael B. Jordan — Sinners
• Wagner Moura — The Secret Agent

Best Actress

• Jessie Buckley — Hamnet
• Rose Byrne — If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
• Kate Hudson — Song Sung Blue
• Renate Reinsve — Sentimental Value
• Emma Stone — Bugonia

Best Supporting Actor

• Benicio Del Toro — One Battle After Another
• Jacob Elordi — Frankenstein
• Delroy Lindo — Sinners
• Sean Penn — One Battle After Another
• Stellan Skarsgård — Sentimental Value

Best Supporting Actress

• Elle Fanning — Sentimental Value
• Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas — Sentimental Value
• Amy Madigan — Weapons
• Wunmi Mosaku — Sinners
• Teyana Taylor — One Battle After Another

Directing & Writing

Best Director

• Chloé Zhao — Hamnet
• Josh Safdie — Marty Supreme
• Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another
• Joachim Trier — Sentimental Value
• Ryan Coogler — Sinners

Best Adapted Screenplay

• Bugonia
• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• One Battle After Another
• Train Dreams

Best Original Screenplay

• Blue Moon
• It Was Just an Accident
• Marty Supreme
• Sentimental Value
• Sinners

International & Animated Features

Best International Feature Film

• The Secret Agent (Brazil)
• It Was Just an Accident (France)
• Sentimental Value (Norway)
• Sirāt (Spain)
• The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia)

Best Animated Feature

• Arco
• Elio
• KPop: Demon Hunters
• Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
• Zootopia 2

Music, Sound & Technical Categories

Best Original Score

• Bugonia
• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• One Battle After Another
• Sinners

Best Original Song

• “Dear Me” — Diane Warren: Relentless
• “Golden” — KPop: Demon Hunters
• “I Lied to You” — Sinners
• “Sweet Dreams of Joy” — Viva Verdi
• “Train Dreams” — Train Dreams

Best Sound

• F1
• Frankenstein
• One Battle After Another
• Sinners
• Sirāt

Best Film Editing

• F1
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• Sentimental Value
• Sinners

Best Cinematography

• Frankenstein
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• Sinners
• Train Dreams

Best Production Design

• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• Sinners

Best Costume Design

• Avatar: Fire and Ash
• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• Sinners

Best Makeup & Hairstyling

• Frankenstein
• Kokuho
• Sinners
• The Smashing Machine
• The Ugly Stepsister

Best Visual Effects

• Avatar: Fire and Ash
• F1
• Jurassic World: Rebirth
• The Lost Bus
• Sinners 

Hollywood has a new record-holder. Timothée Chalamet, 26, has officially become the youngest actor in history to earn three Best Actor nominations at the Oscars, a milestone last approached by Marlon Brando in 1954.

Chalamet’s trio of nominations comes from performances in three critically acclaimed films:

• Call Me By Your Name (2018) – His breakout role as Elio Perlman earned him his first Best Actor nod, establishing him as a formidable talent.
• A Complete Unknown (2024) – Chalamet showcased his range in this psychological drama, solidifying his reputation for versatility and emotional depth.
• Marty Supreme (2025) – His latest performance has not only earned him his third nomination but also placed him in contention as a frontrunner for this year’s Oscars.

With these three nominations, Chalamet joins a select group of actors in Oscar history to receive multiple Best Actor nods before the age of 30. He surpasses notable young talents of the modern era and mirrors the early career success of legendary performers like Marlon Brando and James Dean.

With Marty Supreme generating major Oscar buzz, Chalamet is expected to dominate media attention leading up to the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, hosted by Conan O’Brien. Whether he takes home the trophy this year or not, his three-time nomination record ensures that his name is now permanently etched in Oscar history.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially commenced enforcement of the long-standing ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic beverages packaged in PET bottles below 200 ml across Nigeria.

The move marks the end of a multi-year grace period given to manufacturers and distributors and signals a decisive regulatory shift aimed at addressing growing public health and youth safety concerns.

The sachet alcohol ban was first introduced in 2018 following consultations between NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and industry stakeholders.

At the time, regulators cited the widespread availability of high-alcohol products in small, inexpensive packaging as a major risk factor for underage drinking, alcohol abuse, and unsafe consumption habits.

Manufacturers were initially granted a phase-out period, which was later extended multiple times. The final deadline for compliance was set for December 31, 2025, after which full enforcement was mandated.

Earlier this year, the Nigerian Senate directed NAFDAC to proceed with enforcement nationwide, ruling out any further extensions.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye confirmed that the agency has begun coordinated enforcement actions to halt the production, distribution, and sale of sachet alcohol and sub-200 ml PET-packaged alcoholic drinks.

According to NAFDAC, some of the banned products previously contained extremely high alcohol concentrations, in some cases exceeding levels considered safe for responsible consumption.

Public health advocates have largely welcomed the enforcement, arguing that sachet alcohol’s affordability and portability made it particularly appealing to minors and vulnerable groups.

However, industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the economic impact, warning that the ban could affect small-scale manufacturers, distributors, and retailers who rely heavily on sachet sales.

Some industry groups have also cautioned that enforcement without sufficient consumer education could drive demand toward unregulated or illicit alcohol products, a risk NAFDAC says it is monitoring closely.

NAFDAC has reiterated its commitment to public awareness campaigns while urging manufacturers and sellers to comply fully with the law.

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners has officially entered the history books. The supernatural period thriller has earned 16 nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, making it the most-nominated film in Oscars history.

The feat sees Sinners surpass the long-standing record of 14 nominations, previously shared by All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997), and La La Land (2016). With this milestone, Coogler’s film now stands alone at the top of the Academy’s nomination leaderboard.

Set in the 1930s American South, Sinners blends historical drama with supernatural horror, following twin brothers both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan as they confront racism, faith, and an emerging vampire threat within their community.

The film’s sweeping nomination haul reflects broad Academy recognition across acting, directing, writing, music, and technical craft, signaling rare consensus support from voters.

All 16 Oscar Nominations for “Sinners”

Sinners received nominations in the following categories:

1. Best Picture
2. Best Director — Ryan Coogler
3. Best Actor — Michael B. Jordan
4. Best Supporting Actor — Delroy Lindo
5. Best Supporting Actress — Wunmi Mosaku
6. Best Original Screenplay — Ryan Coogler
7. Best Casting
8. Best Costume Design
9. Best Production Design
10. Best Cinematography
11. Best Film Editing
12. Best Makeup and Hairstyling
13. Best Sound
14. Best Visual Effects
15. Best Original Score
16. Best Original Song — “I Lied to You”

The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Conan O’Brien set to host. While final outcomes remain unpredictable, Sinners enters the ceremony as the clear frontrunner and the most talked-about film of the season.

Paris Fashion Week 2026 has once again reinforced the city’s position as the global capital of fashion, delivering a season defined by creative precision, heritage revival, and refined experimentation. The Fall/Winter 2026 menswear showcases brought together luxury houses, experimental designers, and industry insiders for a week that went beyond trends; pointing clearly toward where modern menswear is headed.

From immersive runway environments to collections rooted in craftsmanship, Paris Fashion Week 2026 reflected an industry in recalibration.

Louis Vuitton opened the week with one of the most closely watched shows of the season. Under Pharrell Williams, the brand presented its Fall/Winter 2026 menswear collection inside an architectural structure known as “Drophaus,” a transparent, house-like installation that blurred the lines between fashion, design, and spatial storytelling.

The collection itself leaned into discreet elegance. Long tailored coats, countryside-inspired textures, softened silhouettes, and muted colour palettes dominated the runway. Rather than relying on bold statements, the emphasis was placed on craft, proportion, and wearability.

Live orchestral and gospel elements added emotional depth, reinforcing the collection’s restrained yet expressive tone.

At Dior Homme, creative director Jonathan Anderson continued to push the house’s menswear evolution forward. His Fall/Winter 2026/27 collection balanced classic tailoring with artistic eccentricity, playing with proportion, texture, and historical references.

Structured outerwear, sculptural silhouettes, and layered compositions defined the runway. The collection suggested a return to formality without rigidity signaling traditional menswear codes can still feel contemporary, expressive, and intellectually engaging.

Dior’s presentation stood out for its confidence and clarity, reinforcing the brand’s status as one of the most creatively ambitious houses in Paris.

Across the runways and presentations, several clear themes emerged: Designers moved away from exaggerated proportions, favoring clean cuts, long coats, and refined silhouettes that emphasize structure and longevity. 

Branding took a quieter approach this season. Muted tones, tactile materials, and thoughtful construction replaced overt logos and visual noise.

Paris Fashion Week 2026 signals a clear shift in menswear. The season reflects an industry moving away from shock value and trend-chasing, and toward intentional design, craftsmanship, and emotional resonance.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a sweeping, industry-wide offensive against the growing threat of digital fraud, introducing new measures aimed at slashing fraud response times across Nigeria’s financial system to under 30 minutes.

The initiative was unveiled at the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) Technical Kick-Off Session, bringing together regulators, commercial banks, fintech firms, payment service providers, and law enforcement agencies in a coordinated push to strengthen fraud prevention and response mechanisms nationwide.

At the heart of the new framework is speed. The CBN has directed financial institutions to significantly shorten the time it takes to detect, escalate, and respond to fraud incidents, warning that delays allow criminals to move stolen funds across multiple platforms before recovery efforts begin.

By enforcing a sub-30-minute response window, the apex bank aims to improve recovery rates, limit customer losses, and reduce systemic risk within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital payments ecosystem.

The initiative emphasizes deep collaboration across the financial ecosystem, requiring banks, fintechs, and payment processors to break down operational silos and share intelligence in real time. According to the CBN, coordinated monitoring and joint response protocols are now critical as fraud schemes become more sophisticated and cross-platform.

Stakeholders are also expected to align their internal systems with shared industry standards for fraud detection, reporting, and escalation.

Nigeria’s digital economy has expanded rapidly, driven by mobile banking, instant transfers, and fintech adoption. While recent reports indicate a moderation in electronic fraud cases, the CBN has stressed that cybercriminals continue to evolve, making proactive regulation and faster intervention essential.

The regulator reaffirmed its commitment to stronger identity verification frameworks, including the continued integration of Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and National Identification Numbers (NIN), alongside advanced analytics and real-time transaction monitoring tools.

CBN officials signaled that compliance with the new response-time benchmark will be closely monitored. Banks and payment service providers are expected to invest in robust fraud prevention infrastructure and staff capacity to meet the regulator’s expectations.

The move reflects a firmer regulatory stance as the CBN seeks to protect consumer confidence, strengthen financial stability, and support long-term growth in Nigeria’s digital financial services sector.

By framing digital fraud as a collective industry challenge, the CBN’s latest initiative marks a strategic shift in how Nigeria confronts financial crime. If fully implemented, the sub-30-minute response target could redefine fraud management standards and significantly weaken the operating space for digital fraudsters.

Warner Bros. Discovery has officially announced a global 25th anniversary celebration for Harry Potter, marking 25 years since the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first film in the iconic franchise.

The year-long celebration, scheduled for 2026, will feature cinema re-releases, global fan events, immersive experiences, special merchandise, and studio tour activations, reinforcing the franchise’s enduring cultural and commercial impact.

Released in 2001, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone introduced audiences to the wizarding world and went on to launch one of the most successful film franchises of all time. Over eight films, the series grossed more than $7.7 billion worldwide, becoming a defining cultural moment for an entire generation.

According to Warner Bros. Discovery, the 25th anniversary celebration is designed to honour both long-time fans and a new generation discovering the films for the first time.

As part of the anniversary rollout, Warner Bros. Discovery has outlined several global activations:

• Butterbeer Season: A travelling Butterbeer experience will appear in select cities worldwide, offering themed drinks, merchandise, and fan activities.
• Harry Potter’s Birthday (July 31): Official celebrations tied to Harry’s birthday will take place across Harry Potter retail locations and partner venues.
• Back to Hogwarts Campaign: The annual fan celebration will be expanded in 2026 as part of the anniversary programme. These events are expected to run across North America, Europe, Asia, and other major markets.

One of the centre pieces of the celebration will be the global theatrical re-release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

The film is scheduled to return to cinemas between August 27 and September 3, 2026, with screenings featuring previously unseen behind-the-scenes footage, offering fans a deeper look at how the original film was made.

In addition, selected locations will host “Shared Reality” immersive screenings, blending the movie with enhanced visual elements for a more interactive viewing experience.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter will also mark the milestone with a special anniversary feature running from May to September 2026.

Visitors will be able to explore original sets, props, and costumes from the first film, with new exhibits highlighting the early creative decisions that shaped the franchise.

Warner Bros. Discovery will roll out 25th anniversary-branded merchandise throughout 2026, featuring a commemorative logo inspired by the magical imagery of the films.

Major global brands, including LEGO, Loungefly, Crocs, Hallmark, and others, are set to release special collections. Exclusive items will also be available at official Harry Potter stores in cities such as London, Tokyo, and across the United States.

In a historic moment for the global digital community, IShowSpeed (Darren Jason Watkins Jr.) has officially surpassed 50 million subscribers on YouTube and he did it live on his 21st birthday while streaming from Nigeria. The milestone marks a defining moment not only for Speed’s career but also for Black creators on the platform.

Fans from around the world watched as the YouTube subscriber counter ticked past 50 million during his Africa tour livestream. Nigeria, one of the stops on his “Speed Does Africa” tour, became the backdrop for what many are calling a landmark achievement for Black creators in YouTube history. Social media exploded as viewers celebrated both his birthday and the historic milestone.

Social media reports confirms that IShowSpeed’s main channel now officially stands at 50,000,000 subscribers, cementing him as a true digital powerhouse.

One of the standout moments from Speed’s time in Nigeria was his verdict on Nigerian jollof rice live on stream, he declared Nigerian jollof the best he’d had so far in comparison with Senegalese jollof, a declaration that delighted viewers and reignited the long‑standing West African jollof debate. 

Social posts from fans also echoed that sentiment, noting how the streamer reacted to the spiciness and flavour of local dishes during his livestream in Lagos. 

Real‑time posts on community forums show Nigerians celebrating his presence, reacting positively to his content, and noting that he’s actively absorbing cultural experiences rather than just passing through. Many locals highlighted how he engages with audiences and talks about Nigerian culture to his millions of viewers live on stream. 

The ongoing stream content indicates that Speed has been interacting with his surroundings, food, and local energy in Lagos; typical of how he’s been doing in other countries on the tour. 

This milestone is more than just numbers; it’s a statement about the power of youth, global audiences, and cultural representation in the digital space. 

Nigeria is emerging as one of the world’s most active users of artificial intelligence, according to a new Google-Ipsos study. The report reveals that 88% of Nigerian adults have used an AI chatbot, placing the country far ahead of the global average of 62%.

Titled Our Life with AI: Helpfulness in the Hands of More People, the study highlights how Nigerians are already integrating AI into education, work, and income-generating activities not as a future concept, but as a practical everyday tool.

The data positions Nigeria among the highest adopters of AI chat tools globally, with usage rising sharply over the past year. Google notes that chatbot adoption in Nigeria increased by 18 percentage points, a growth rate that outpaces most regions surveyed.

This level of engagement suggests that AI tools are no longer niche technologies in Nigeria. Instead, they are becoming mainstream digital utilities, used across age groups and professional backgrounds.

One of the strongest use cases identified in the report is learning.

According to the survey: 93% of Nigerians use AI to learn or understand complex topics, compared to a global average of 74%.

Students, professionals, and self-learners are increasingly turning to AI chatbots to:

• Break down difficult subjects
• Explain concepts in simpler terms
• Support exam preparation and research
• Learn new digital and professional skills

Beyond education, AI is playing a growing role in workplace productivity.

The report shows that: 91% of Nigerian respondents use AI to assist with work tasks

These tasks range from:

• Writing and editing content
• Research and information gathering
• Planning and organising projects
• Brainstorming ideas and presentations

Perhaps most notably, the report highlights AI’s role in entrepreneurship and side hustles, a critical part of Nigeria’s economy.

Google’s findings reveal that: 80% of Nigerians use AI to explore business ideas or career opportunities, nearly double the global average of 42%.

In a country where many people combine multiple income sources, AI is becoming a low-cost tool for experimentation and growth.

The Davido and Anu paternity saga has once again dominated conversations online and in the media. This time, the spotlight is on Deji Adeleke, Davido’s billionaire father, who has broken his silence regarding the long-running controversy. In a recent statement, Deji Adeleke emphasized the importance of truth, verification, and protecting minors, highlighting the family’s perspective amid years of public speculation.

Billionaire businessman Deji Adeleke, father of Afrobeats superstar Davido, addressed reporters this week for the first time regarding the controversy surrounding Anu Adeleke, a teenager claiming to be Davido’s daughter.

In his statement, Deji Adeleke said:

“I have 14 grandchildren. Family matters, especially those involving minors, should be treated with care. It’s important to verify claims with facts and evidence before making public statements.”

His comments come after renewed debates on social media, where the issue of Anu’s paternity resurfaced following her public plea for a DNA test as she approaches her 13th birthday. 

The controversy began in 2014 when Anu’s mother, Ayo Labinjoh, claimed that Davido fathered her child following an encounter in Lagos. Over the years, the matter remained largely private, with occasional public statements and denials.

Recently, Anu, now 13 years old, posted on social media appealing for a DNA test, stating that she wanted clarity about her identity. Her appeal included emotional statements about the impact of growing up amid uncertainty and online scrutiny. 

This plea reignited public interest, drawing thousands of comments and shares across platforms. Fans, media outlets, and social commentators weighed in, debating both the legitimacy of the claims and the emotional implications for Anu.

Davido has repeatedly denied paternity, stating that multiple DNA tests conducted over the years all returned negative results. According to reports, at least five separate tests were carried out; some by Davido’s team and others by the opposing side and every result reportedly confirmed non-paternity. 

Deji Adeleke’s involvement behind the scenes has been significant. He has revealed that he has consistently pushed for scientific verification and proper communication, stressing the need to approach the matter responsibly and protect minors from public pressure. 

Despite Davido’s denials, Anu and her mother continue to advocate for a fresh, independently verified DNA test.

Ayo Labinjoh, Anu’s mother, claims that previous tests were inaccurate or misrepresented. She insists that no officially verified test confirming non-paternity has been released, and she seeks independent verification for clarity. 

The conflicting narratives have fueled online debate, with supporters on both sides voicing strong opinions. Some argue that repeated testing and official denials should suffice, while others stress that Anu’s rights and emotional wellbeing are the priority.

This is not the first time the paternity question involving Anu has emerged publicly:

• 2014: Initial paternity claim by Anu’s mother.
• 2015–2018: Media reports of DNA tests and family denials surfaced intermittently.
• 2019–2022: Davido reiterated his position on social media, denying paternity and emphasizing prior test results.
• 2026: Anu’s public plea reignites debate, leading to Deji Adeleke’s statement, which adds authority and perspective to the discussion.

Whether the matter will be conclusively resolved with a DNA test or fade into public memory depends on the next steps taken by all parties involved. Until then, the story remains a cautionary tale of family disputes in the public eye.

"I have 14 grandchildren…"

Davido's father, Deji Adeleke addresses the press regarding the controversies surrounding the paternity of Anu. pic.twitter.com/lsJnuePiIE

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) January 21, 2026