The 2026 Oscars race is notable for its familial ties, as numerous filmmakers and actors are either collaborating or competing against one another for prestigious awards. This year’s nominations highlight a variety of family connections, illustrating how personal relationships intertwine with the film industry.
Notable Family Collaborations
Brothers Josh and Benny Safdie are both in contention for the Best Director award. Josh Safdie wrote and directed *Marty Supreme*, while Benny directed *The Smashing Machine*. Their collaboration is built on a foundation of previous successful projects, including *Good Time* and *Uncut Gems*.
In a compelling display of family dynamics, actor Daniel Day-Lewis has emerged from retirement to star in *Anemone*, the directorial debut of his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. The film marks Daniel’s first acting role since *Phantom Thread* in 2017, demonstrating the powerful bond between father and son in the creative process.
Another prominent duo is the husband-and-wife team of Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig. Gerwig stars as Lois in the film *Jay Kelly*, which Baumbach co-wrote and directed. Their collaboration reflects a deep professional synergy that has evolved over the years.
The Coogler household is also making waves, with husband and wife Zinzi and Ryan Coogler collaborating on *Sinners*, a project Ryan wrote, directed, and produced alongside Zinzi and Sev Ohanian. This partnership highlights the blending of personal and professional lives in the film industry.
Sibling and Spousal Connections
Several sibling relationships are also making headlines this awards season. The Jupe brothers, Noah and Jacobi, star together in Chloé Zhao‘s *Hamnet*, showcasing their familial bond on screen.
Additionally, actors Stellan Skarsgård and his three sons, Alexander, Bill, and Valter, are all nominated in various acting categories this season. This remarkable achievement emphasizes the prominence of the Skarsgård family in contemporary cinema.
In another notable instance, Rose Byrne stars in Mary Bronstein’s *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You*, while her husband, Bobby Cannavale, appears in Richard Linklater’s *Blue Moon*. The intersection of their careers adds another layer of interest to this year’s nominations.
Married couple Jack Fisk and Sissy Spacek are involved in different projects as well. Fisk serves as the production designer for *Marty Supreme*, while Spacek stars in *Die My Love*, alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson.
The relationship between actors Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst is also noteworthy. Plemons plays a conspiracy theorist in Yorgos Lanthimos’ *Bugonia*, while Dunst stars in Derek Cianfrance’s *Roofman*. Their collaboration underscores the personal connections that can exist between co-stars.
An honorable mention includes James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow, who were married from 1989 to 1991. Despite their divorce, the two have remained friends and collaborators. Cameron is currently in the running for directing *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, while Bigelow’s film, *A House of Dynamite*, is also receiving accolades this awards season.
As the 2026 Oscars approach, the intertwining stories of these family connections add a rich layer to the competition, illustrating how personal relationships can influence the cinematic landscape.
