2026 Oscars: Surprising Snubs and Noteworthy Nominations

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The 2026 Oscar nominations delivered shocks and surprises, reflecting one of the strongest cinematic years. With numerous outstanding performances vying for limited slots, even seasoned awards analysts were caught off guard by the Academy's picks announced on Thursday. Notable omissions and overdue recognitions captured the headlines.

Below are the standout snubs and surprises from this year's nominations.

Ariana Grande Overlooked in “Wicked”

One of the morning's major talking points was the absence of “Wicked: For Good,” which failed to earn any nominations after its predecessor secured 10 last year. Ariana Grande's anticipated return to the supporting actress category for her role as Glinda was notably missed, despite her vibrant performance. The sequel's mixed reviews contributed to Cynthia Erivo's exclusion in the best actress race as well.

A Moment for Delroy Lindo

In a delightful turn, Delroy Lindo earned his first Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Delta Slim in “Sinners.” This acknowledgment has been long awaited for one of the industry's most respected talents.

Paul Mescal Left Behind

Unfortunately for Paul Mescal, his anticipated nomination for “Hamnet” did not materialize. His poignant performance as a grieving William Shakespeare was expected to lead to a nod, but Mescal will have to wait longer for his second Oscar recognition.

Guillermo del Toro's Surprise Absence

Another shock was Guillermo del Toro's exclusion from the best director category for “Frankenstein.” Despite the film receiving nine nominations, the Academy chose Joachim Trier instead. Interestingly, this marks del Toro's only second nomination in this category, having won previously for “The Shape of Water.”

Kate Hudson's Return

Conversely, Kate Hudson made a surprise comeback with a nomination for “Song Sung Blue.” Her portrayal in this Neil Diamond tribute duo resonates as her first nomination in 25 years, sparking considerable excitement.

Chase Infiniti and Amanda Seyfried Miss the Cut

Hudson's success pushed Chase Infiniti out of the race despite her acclaimed performance in “One Battle After Another.” Likewise, Amanda Seyfried's remarkable portrayal in “The Testament of Ann Lee” also went unrecognized, leaving her fans puzzled.

Horror Gains Recognition

In a year that embraced genre films, Amy Madigan received a surprising nomination for her role in “Weapons,” challenging the Oscars' typical horror exclusion. However, her nomination came at the expense of finalists from competing films.

Jafar Panahi's Partial Recognition

While Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi secured nominations for original screenplay and international feature with “It Was Just an Accident,” many argue that his omission from the best picture and director categories is a significant oversight.

Anime Continues to Be Ignored

Despite grossing over $722 million, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” remained absent from the animation category, continuing the Academy's trend of overlooking popular anime films.

Jesse Plemons Excluded, Ethan Hawke Included

A surprising decision emerged with Jesse Plemons not receiving a nomination for “Bugonia.” His acclaimed performance opened the door for Ethan Hawke, who earned a nod for “Blue Moon.”

Unexpected Best Picture Nominee: “F1”

“F1,” a Formula One drama that resonated with audiences, secured a nomination for best picture, marking one of the Academy's more unexpected choices for this top category.

Noah Baumbach's “Jay Kelly” Ignored

Lastly, “Jay Kelly” received no nominations despite initial expectations, highlighting the unpredictability of the Oscars.