Post by : Badri Ariffin

The nominations for the Oscars 2026 have sent ripples through Hollywood, leaving many stunned amidst a year filled with remarkable cinematic achievements. With aggressive competition, the Academy's selections on Thursday sparked surprise and debate among seasoned film aficionados. A blend of expected names was left out, while others finally received well-deserved recognition.

Here’s a breakdown of the most significant snubs and unexpected moments from this year's Oscar nominees.

Ariana Grande Misses Out on a Nomination for “Wicked: For Good”

One of the most talked-about moments was the absence of “Wicked: For Good” from the nominations. The previous film garnered significant acclaim, yet its darker follow-up went unnoticed this year.

Ariana Grande's expected return to the supporting actress category for her portrayal of Glinda was one of the major upsets. Despite mixed reviews, her vibrant performance was regarded as a contender. The film's complete shutout also meant that Cynthia Erivo missed out on the best actress category, along with losses in technical fields and original song.

Delroy Lindo's Long-Awaited Recognition

In a heartening turn, Delroy Lindo received his first Oscar nomination for his role as Delta Slim in “Sinners.” This acknowledgment is viewed by many as a long-overdue honor for a highly respected figure in acting.

However, Lindo's breakthrough came at a price.

Paul Mescal Left Out

In a crowded category, Paul Mescal unexpectedly did not secure a nomination for his poignant performance in “Hamnet.” Esteemed as a powerful portrayal of a grieving father, Mescal's exclusion means he will have to wait for another opportunity for Oscar recognition.

Guillermo del Toro: A Shocking Omission

Additionally shocking was the exclusion of Guillermo del Toro from the best director nominations for “Frankenstein,” despite the film collecting nine nominations. His omission was unexpected given his reputation as a three-time Oscar winner, with the slot instead going to Joachim Trier for “Sentimental Value.”

Kate Hudson's Inspiring Comeback

On the positive side, Kate Hudson's return to cinematic acclaim was marked by her nomination for “Song Sung Blue,” marking her first nod in 25 years since “Almost Famous.”

Chase Infiniti and Amanda Seyfried Miss Out

Hudson’s success meant Chase Infiniti was pushed aside, despite receiving praise for her debut in “One Battle After Another.” Similarly, Amanda Seyfried, recognized for her powerful role in “The Testament of Ann Lee,” remains conspicuously absent from major accolades.

Horror Takes Center Stage with Amy Madigan's Nomination

Breaking the mold, Amy Madigan achieved a surprise nod for her supporting role in “Weapons.” This nomination highlights a notable shift in the Academy's recognition of genre films.

Jafar Panahi Overlooked for Major Accolades

Iranian director Jafar Panahi enjoyed nominations for original screenplay and international feature for “It Was Just an Accident,” but his best picture and best director omissions raised eyebrows given the film's significant impact.

Anime Films Once Again Overlooked

Despite an impressive $722 million gross globally, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle” was again snubbed in the animation category, emphasizing the Academy's ongoing trend of neglecting anime.

Ethan Hawke Takes Plemons' Spot

Meanwhile, Jesse Plemons was notably absent from the best actor nominations for “Bugonia,” despite strong critical acclaim. His omission facilitated a slot for Ethan Hawke's role in “Blue Moon.”

Surprising Best Picture Nominee: “F1”

The crowd-pleasing “F1” made its way into the best picture nominees unexpectedly, showcasing a more commercial choice by the Academy.

Noah Baumbach's “Jay Kelly” Totally Ignored

Lastly, “Jay Kelly” by Noah Baumbach received no nominations, despite the positive reception of its actors and score, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the Oscars.

#Global News #Entertainment News