AceShowbiz - With the 2026 Oscars ceremony complete and all the awards distributed, the spotlight now shifts to what the nominees are pursuing next in their careers. From blockbuster franchises to intimate indie dramas and television projects, the recent nominees are already hard at work preparing their upcoming ventures.

Starting with the Actor in a Leading Role category, Timothée Chalamet remains a dominant figure among younger audiences and multiplex staples. Following his nomination for Marty Supreme, Chalamet is set to star in the third installment of the Dune series, continuing his collaboration with Denis Villeneuve. Additionally, he is attached to Paramount's motocross heist film, reuniting with director James Mangold, known for A Complete Unknown.

Veteran actor Leonardo DiCaprio, nominated for One Battle After Another, is currently in production on a new mystery thriller titled What Happens at Night. This project marks yet another collaboration with acclaimed director Martin Scorsese. DiCaprio will star alongside Jennifer Lawrence in this highly anticipated film.

Five-time Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke, recognized for his role in Blue Moon, is preparing for the second season of his critically acclaimed FX series The Lowdown. In addition to his television work, he is also teaming up again with director Michael Almereyda for the indie drama Tonight at Noon, following their previous collaboration on Tesla.

Michael B. Jordan, nominated for Sinners, is currently juggling roles as both actor and director on Amazon MGM’s remake of The Thomas Crown Affair. His upcoming slate also includes Joseph Kosinski’s anticipated Miami Vice film and an in-development sequel to the Creed franchise, showcasing his expanding influence in Hollywood.

Brazilian actor Wagner Moura, nominated for The Secret Agent, is preparing to make his English-language directorial debut with the dramedy Last Night at the Lobster. This project follows his starring role opposite Alicia Vikander in the drama The Last Day, marking a busy period for the actor-director.

Turning to the Actor in a Supporting Role category, Benicio del Toro will next star alongside Cameron Diaz and Ana de Armas in Grant Singer’s original feature Reenactment. This project follows his nomination for One Battle After Another and continues his trend of diverse roles.

Jacob Elordi, nominated for his role in Frankenstein, is set to return to television with the third season of the HBO series Euphoria. He also stars in Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic movie The Dog Stars, sharing the screen with Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley, promising intense performances in both mediums.

Delroy Lindo, recognized for Sinners, is continuing his engagement with genre projects. He stars in the Neil Gaiman miniseries The Anansi Boys and appears in the high-profile Prime Video and Legendary co-production Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, blending supernatural elements with blockbuster spectacle.

Sean Penn’s nomination for One Battle After Another marked his return to studio films after years focused on independent projects like Daddio. While he has yet to announce his next film, his selective approach suggests a deliberate choice for his upcoming work.

Stellan Skarsgård, nominated for Sentimental Value, has not publicly revealed his forthcoming projects. However, insiders report that he declined a role in Matt Reeves’ The Batman sequel and is currently considering an offer to star alongside Dakota Fanning in the Apple drama Ella Morgan.

In the Actress in a Leading Role category, Jessie Buckley is progressing from Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride! to starring in Three Incestuous Sisters alongside Saoirse Ronan and Dakota Johnson. This ensemble promises a compelling dynamic among acclaimed actresses.

Rose Byrne, nominated for If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, has multiple projects lined up. She stars in the indie drama Tow, which is scheduled for release on March 20. She is also performing in the Broadway play Fallen Angels, opening April 19. Afterward, she will appear in the Peacock series The Good Daughter, featuring Meghann Fahy.

Kate Hudson, recognized for Song Sung Blue, will return to television in producer Mindy Kaling’s Netflix series Running Point. She is also set to revisit her romantic comedy roots, co-starring with Javier Bardem in the upcoming film Hello & Paris, blending charm with humor.

Renate Reinsve, nominated for Sentimental Value, is one of the busiest nominees this year with six films in post-production. She will soon appear in A24’s horror film Backrooms and is involved in another A24 project, The Governesses, directed by Joe Talbot, showcasing her rising profile.

Emma Stone, nominated for Bugonia, is preparing for the Universal romantic comedy The Catch. On the production side, her banner Fruit Tree supports Jesse Eisenberg’s musical comedy at A24. Additionally, rumors suggest she may be involved in a Miss Piggy movie starring Cole Escola, indicating a diverse slate of projects.

For the Actress in a Supporting Role category, Elle Fanning, nominated for Sentimental Value, will star in David E. Kelley’s Apple series Margo's Got Money Troubles. She will also appear with her sister Dakota Fanning in the long-awaited adaptation of The Nightingale. Moreover, she is cast as young Effie Trinket in the upcoming Hunger Games installment Sunrise on the Reaping.

Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, also nominated for Sentimental Value, has not announced any new projects yet. However, having signed with the prestigious U.S. agency CAA earlier this year, it is expected that her next work will be revealed soon.

Amy Madigan, recognized for Weapons, is set to star in the Apple thriller Sponsor, directed by James Ponsoldt and co-starring Jason Segel. There have been talks of a prequel focusing on Madigan’s character’s Aunt Gladys, but details remain unconfirmed.

Wunmi Mosaku, nominated for Sinners, has an impressive lineup. She stars in Aaron Sorkin’s Facebook whistleblower drama The Social Reckoning at Sony. She also appears in Idris Elba’s thriller This Is How It Goes, set for Apple, and the prison thriller The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd Film by Tim Blake Nelson, demonstrating her versatility.

Teyana Taylor, nominated for One Battle After Another, is preparing to release her directorial debut, the coming-of-age story Get Lite, through Paramount in 2027. Before that, she will star opposite Kevin Hart in the Netflix comedy 72 Hours, directed by Tim Story, marking a dynamic shift into directing and comedy.

As the 2026 Oscar nominees move beyond the awards season, their diverse upcoming projects highlight a mix of franchise sequels, indie films, television series, and directorial debuts. Each nominee continues to build on their recent successes, promising an exciting year ahead for audiences worldwide.