Oscar 2026: Major Snubs and Surprises in Nominations

The 2026 Oscar nominations sparked conversations across Hollywood, highlighting both disappointments and unexpected contenders in a competitive year for film. With numerous exceptional performances vying for recognition, the Academy’s decisions surprised many, leaving several anticipated nominees behind.

Here’s a breakdown of this year's prominent snubs and standout nominations.

Ariana Grande's Omission from “Wicked”

A major discussion point was the complete exclusion of “Wicked: For Good.” Following the success of its predecessor, which garnered ten nominations last year, expectations were high. Grande’s portrayal of Glinda was anticipated to earn her a spot in the supporting actress category, yet no accolades materialized for the film.

Delroy Lindo's Well-Deserved Recognition

Amidst the surprises, Delroy Lindo’s nomination for his role as Delta Slim in “Sinners” was particularly heartwarming. This acknowledgment is seen as a long-awaited honor for the acclaimed actor.

Paul Mescal Left Out

Regrettably, Paul Mescal was not nominated for his heartbreaking role in “Hamnet.” His promising portrayal of a grieving Shakespeare is sorely missed in this year’s lineup.

Guillermo del Toro's Shocking Absence

In a surprising twist, esteemed director Guillermo del Toro was not included in the best director category for “Frankenstein.” Despite it securing nine nominations, del Toro's absence raises eyebrows, as he is a prior Oscar winner.

Kate Hudson's Comeback

On a lighter note, Kate Hudson’s impressive return to the Oscars for her role in “Song Sung Blue” marked her first nomination in 25 years, showcasing her talent once more.

Chase Infiniti and Amanda Seyfried Miss Their Chance

Despite strong performances, both Chase Infiniti and Amanda Seyfried were left out of the running. Their respective roles had garnered praise but didn’t yield nods.

Horror's Unexpected Nomination

In a year embracing genre films, Amy Madigan's nomination for “Weapons” was an illuminating example of horror breaking through the Oscar glass ceiling.

Jafar Panahi Overlooked

Jafar Panahi's nominations for “It Was Just an Accident” in original screenplay and international feature highlight his talent; however, many feel he deserved recognition in more prominent categories.

Anime Again Overlooked

Despite significant global success, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” was again excluded from the animation category, continuing a troubling trend for the Academy.

Jesse Plemons Missed Out

Another notable absence is Jesse Plemons, whose performance in “Bugonia” earned him high praise, allowing room for Ethan Hawke’s nomination for “Blue Moon.”

Surprising Nominee: “F1”

The nomination for “F1” in the best picture category raised eyebrows, as its commercial success overshadowed expectations of critical acclaim.

Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly” Snubbed

Lastly, “Jay Kelly” fell flat without any nominations, despite notable performances by Adam Sandler and a highly regarded score.