Oscars 2026 Nominations Unveiled: Major Snubs and Unexpected Contenders Shake Up Awards Season
The nominations for the 2026 Academy Awards were officially released on Thursday morning, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry and leaving fans in a state of surprise. While several anticipated films and performers secured their spots, the list is equally notable for its unexpected omissions and inclusions, highlighting a year of unpredictable choices by the Academy.
Notable Snubs That Left Hollywood Stunned
The 2026 Oscars nominations have sparked significant discussion due to several high-profile absences. Among the most talked-about snubs is Ariana Grande, who failed to secure a nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role as Glenda in Wicked: For Good. This comes as a particular surprise given that the original Wicked film garnered ten nominations last year, yet its sequel received zero recognition overall. Additionally, Cynthia Erivo was overlooked for Best Actress, and the film missed out on song and craft categories entirely.
Another shocking omission is Guillermo del Toro, whose long-awaited project Frankenstein did not earn him a Best Director nomination. Instead, Joachim Trier secured a spot for Sentimental Value, leaving many fans and critics questioning the decision. In the acting categories, Paul Mescal was left out for his portrayal of William Shakespeare in Hamnet, despite previous acclaim for his work in Aftersun in 2023.
Further snubs include Amanda Seyfried, who delivered a powerful performance as Ann Lee in The Testament of Ann Lee but did not make the Best Actress cut. Jesse Plemons was also excluded from Best Actor for his intense role in Bugonia, with Ethan Hawke taking a nomination for Blue Moon. On the international front, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi faced disappointment as his film It Was Just an Accident, shot under dangerous conditions, missed Best Picture and Best Director nods, though it did receive nominations for Original Screenplay and International Feature.
In the animation realm, the blockbuster anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, which generated an impressive $722 million worldwide, was surprisingly absent from the category, with Elio earning a nomination instead. Debut performer Chase Infiniti also missed out on recognition for her role in One Battle After Another, despite praise for her portrayal of Willa.
Welcome Surprises and Long-Awaited Recognition
Amidst the snubs, the 2026 Oscars nominations brought several heartwarming surprises and overdue acknowledgments. Veteran actor Delroy Lindo received his first-ever Oscar nomination for his portrayal of blues legend Delta Slim in Sinners, a moment celebrated by fans and peers alike. Similarly, Kate Hudson made a triumphant return to the Oscars after 25 years, earning a Best Actress nomination for her role in Song Sung Blue, a Neil Diamond tribute act. Her last nomination was for Almost Famous in 2001.
The Academy also showed a willingness to recognize genre films, as evidenced by Amy Madigan's Supporting Actress nomination for Weapons. In a major Best Picture surprise, the Apple Formula One film F1 secured a nomination, defying earlier awards buzz and expectations. This inclusion highlights the evolving tastes and broader scope of the Academy's voting body in recent years.
Overall, the 2026 Oscar nominations reflect a dynamic and unpredictable awards season, with both snubs and surprises setting the stage for a highly anticipated ceremony. As the film community reacts, these selections underscore the ongoing shifts in Hollywood's recognition of diverse talents and projects.
