The 2026 Academy Award nominations have sparked considerable discussion, showcasing a blend of unexpected triumphs and puzzling omissions that have left both critics and audiences buzzing. This year's selection process once again proved to be a source of intrigue, with certain films and performances rising to prominence against expectations, while others, seemingly destined for accolades, found themselves unexpectedly overlooked. These outcomes underscore the dynamic and often unpredictable character of the awards season, reflecting the diverse perspectives and shifting preferences within the film industry.
Notable Disappointments in This Year's Nominations
This year's Oscar nominations featured several significant omissions that caught many by surprise. One of the most talked-about exclusions was the musical film 'Wicked: For Good.' Despite early predictions that Ariana Grande might earn a Best Supporting Actress nod for her role, and the film itself being considered a strong contender for various technical categories, it failed to secure any nominations. This outcome was particularly striking given the first 'Wicked' film's strong performance in previous awards cycles. Another notable absence was Paul Mescal for his portrayal of William Shakespeare in 'Hamnet.' While the film received a respectable eight nominations, Mescal, who was widely expected to be a lock for Best Supporting Actor, was not included. Similarly, Guillermo del Toro's ambitious monster movie 'Frankenstein' garnered nine nominations, but the acclaimed director himself was surprisingly left out of the Best Director category, an unexpected turn for a three-time Oscar winner. These snubs highlight the intense competition and the often subjective nature of the Academy's decision-making process.
The lack of recognition for 'Wicked: For Good' was a major talking point, especially considering its predecessor's success and the initial buzz around Grande's performance. Many believed the film's perceived underperformance with audiences and critics ultimately impacted its awards prospects. For 'Hamnet,' despite its overall strong showing with multiple nominations, Mescal's absence from the Best Supporting Actor list was a letdown for those who praised his compelling performance. This omission raises questions about the perceived strength of the category this year and the factors that influence individual acting nominations. Meanwhile, del Toro's exclusion from the Best Director lineup for 'Frankenstein,' despite the film's substantial nine nominations, underscored the Academy's willingness to separate a film's overall critical reception from its director's individual achievement. Even 'It Was Just an Accident,' a film by the acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi, which was initially considered a strong contender for Best Picture, received only two nominations and saw Panahi miss out on a Best Director nod. This series of snubs reflects a fiercely competitive year and the Academy's evolving criteria for recognition, where even highly anticipated and critically praised works can sometimes be overlooked.
Unexpected Triumphs and Remarkable Inclusions
Amidst the snubs, the 2026 Oscar nominations also brought forth several delightful surprises, celebrating talent and films that defied expectations. A notable inclusion was Elle Fanning, who earned her first-ever Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 'Sentimental Value.' This was a significant achievement for the seasoned Hollywood actress, especially after being overlooked for previous acclaimed roles. The Norwegian family drama itself garnered an impressive nine nominations, including a coveted spot for Best Picture. Another major surprise came with the film 'Sinners,' which achieved an unprecedented 16 nominations, setting a new record in Oscar history. This included unexpected nods for Wunmi Mosaku in Best Supporting Actress and Delroy Lindo in Best Supporting Actor, showcasing the film's widespread appeal and critical acclaim. Additionally, Kate Hudson made a surprising return to the Oscar race, securing a Best Actress nomination for her role in 'Song Sung Blue,' a Neil Diamond tribute band musical that emerged as a sleeper hit among voters, marking her first nomination in a quarter-century. These unexpected recognitions add an exciting dimension to this year's awards season.
Elle Fanning's nomination for 'Sentimental Value' was a particularly heartwarming moment, validating her long and distinguished career with her inaugural Oscar nod. Her sensitive performance resonated deeply with the Academy, proving that persistence and compelling artistry can eventually lead to deserved recognition. The phenomenal success of 'Sinners,' with its record-breaking 16 nominations, underscored a shift in taste, as the Academy embraced a film that managed to captivate a broad spectrum of voters. The nominations for Mosaku and Lindo further cemented the film's standing as a critical and popular success, highlighting powerful performances that might have otherwise been overshadowed. Kate Hudson's unexpected Best Actress nomination for 'Song Sung Blue' provided another high point, demonstrating that a well-received performance in a film that quietly gains momentum can still capture the Academy's attention, even after a long hiatus from the awards circuit. Even films like 'F1,' a crowd-pleasing racing movie, and 'Bugonia,' Yorgos Lanthimos's distinctive sci-fi offering, found their way into key categories, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Emma Stone, respectively. The inclusion of 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' in the Best International Feature Film category also provided a powerful and poignant moment, recognizing a searing true story that many feared would be overlooked. These surprises reflect an Academy willing to acknowledge a diverse array of cinematic achievements, from long-awaited recognitions to groundbreaking new works, making for a truly memorable awards season.