Oscar Nominations 2026: The Snubs, Surprises, and a Few Triumphs

How the Academy Surprise Us Each Year

The Oscars are supposed to celebrate the best of the best in cinema, but they often unfold like a high-stakes game of musical chairs, and the nominees this year have outdone themselves. The moment Elle Fanning's name was announced for Best Supporting Actress in Sentimental Value, shockwaves rippled through the crowd. Was it a triumph or a mere blip in the radar? This year's nominations certainly had everyone buzzing, thanks to a mix of expected wins and unexpected snubs.

1. Some Hot Favorites Missed Out

As I analyzed the nominations, I couldn't help but notice that two of the most talked-about performances were absent from the list: Paul Mescal for his role in Hamnet and Chase Infiniti, who has captivated audiences in One Battle After Another. The competition was fierce, but Mescal's omission left many scratching their heads. His portrayal was a game-changer, and the Academy clearly missed that boat.

“Mescal's performance was one for the ages—this snub is unbelievable!”

• Paul Mescal: Missed Best Supporting Actor nomination.
• Chase Infiniti: Overlooked for Leading Actress despite universal acclaim.
• Films like Hamnet scored best picture nominations but fell short in individual categories.

Meanwhile, other performances garnered due recognition. Jessie Buckley, his co-star from Hamnet, was rightly celebrated, illustrating how one actor's absence can make the triumph of another feel bittersweet.

2. F1 is a Comfort-Food Movie

In a delightful twist, F1, featuring Brad Pitt, roared into the Best Picture category. Sure, we always expected it would pick up several nominations for its technical achievements, but its entry as a front-runner? That was unexpected. This move shows that the Academy still values stories that can be enjoyed like good old-fashioned popcorn flicks.

Despite missing nominations elsewhere, its appeal kept it in the discussion. In a world of heavy, artsy films, sometimes people just want something entertaining to sink their teeth into.

3. Sinners Took the Cake

Ryan Coogler's Sinners dominated the nominations with a jaw-dropping 16 nods, setting a record! Who would've thought that a vampire horror film would exceed legendary works like La La Land? This film bridged genres and showcased a powerful narrative structure, making it a standout.

“This film isn't just horror; it's an artistic achievement!”

Coogler possesses a unique talent for showcasing darker themes against a musical backdrop, and that combination made Sinners irresistible to voters.

4. Wicked Did Not Bewitch the Academy

Now let's talk about expectations gone awry. Wicked: For Good was anticipated to score at least a few nominations but ended up with a goose egg. Given the original film's accolades, this is a striking and cautionary tale about hype versus reality.

“Is the sequel just a victim of high expectations?” Many insiders predicted nominations for work like Ariana Grande's new song, The Girl in the Bubble, but even that didn't land. This serves as a reminder that not all sequels deliver the promised magic.

5. The Brits Showed Up

Despite limited representation this year, the Academy's love for Sinners allowed British talents Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo to secure nominations. The implications are profound, especially with Lindo's nomination being long overdue.

“Lindo's first Oscar nomination comes after years of stunning performances that deserved recognition.”

6. Carrying Films on Their Shoulders

Three actresses managed to grab nominations all by themselves, elevating their films to recognition. Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, and Amy Madigan proved that one star can shine bright even when the film around them dims.

7. New Category—Mixed Bag

The new casting category stirred up debate, eliciting equal parts excitement and confusion. Some nominated films like Hamnet raised eyebrows when they secured individual nominations without corresponding casting acknowledgments, primarily Sentimental Value's disqualification.

8. Timothée Gets Closer to Greatness

Last but not least, Timothée Chalamet appears on the brink of his first Oscar win, standing as the undeniable frontrunner for Best Actor in Marty Supreme. Not only does he have the Academy's love, but he also is the youngest actor since Marlon Brando to receive this many nominations, positioning him among the greats of the trade.

Looking Ahead

As we mull over these nominations, it's clear that the Academy has once again stirred the pot, igniting conversations about representation and film merit. Will the winners align with expectations or defy them yet again? The countdown to Oscar night is set to reveal all.