Oscar Nominations 2026: Eight Surprising Insights

Thu Jan 29 2026 18:36:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The 2026 Oscar nominations revealed unexpected twists, including major snubs and standout performances. Discover key highlights from this year's announcements.

The Oscar nominations for 2026 sparked surprise and discussions in the film industry. Some notable snubs included Paul Mescal and Chase Infiniti, while 'Sinners' set a record with 16 nominations. Timothée Chalamet's potential ascent to Oscar glory and the disappointing reception of 'Wicked: For Good' also made headlines. This article explores eight major insights from the nominations.

Oscar Nominations 2026: Eight Surprising Insights

Awards pundits were taken by surprise from the first two words spoken at the Oscar nominations on Thursday. Elle Fanning, for Sentimental Value, hosts Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman announced, kicking off the nominations with the best supporting actress category. Fanning, praised for her performance in the Norwegian family drama, was not widely expected to receive a nomination.

The opening category set the tone for a stream of snubs and surprises. Here are eight of the most significant takeaways from the nominations.

1. Some Hot Favourites Missed Out

While films like 'Hamnet' and 'One Battle After Another' received notable recognition, both showed slightly softer representation in acting categories. Paul Mescal's absence in the supporting actor category for 'Hamnet' surprised many, yet his co-star Jessie Buckley remains a frontrunner for best actress. Similarly, 'One Battle After Another' saw multiple nominations but missed out on recognizing break-out star Chase Infiniti for her compelling performance.

2. F1 is a Comfort-Food Movie

'F1', featuring Brad Pitt as a racing driver, emerged as a notable contender in the best picture category. Despite being expected to excel in technical nominations, its best picture nod demonstrated the Academy's appreciation for traditional films that resonate with audiences.

3. Sinners Were The Big Winners

'Sinners' scored a record-breaking 16 nominations, surpassing previous record holders. The film's unique blend of horror and musical elements secured its position as a favorite and highlighted its artistic achievement.

4. Wicked Did Not Bewitch The Academy

Despite the original 'Wicked' film’s success, its sequel 'Wicked: For Good' received no nominations, disappointing fans and insiders alike. Initial expectations for nominations, particularly in the original song category, went unfulfilled.

5. The Brits Showed Up

In a somewhat unexpected outcome, 'Sinners' featured the only two British actors nominated for their performances, with Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo standing out. Lindo's nomination, especially, marked a long-awaited recognition for his talent.

6. Several Actresses Carried Their Films

Three nominees found themselves as the sole recognition for their respective films, including Rose Byrne and Kate Hudson. These actresses showcased remarkable performances, driving their films' narratives.

7. New Category Is A Mixed Bag

A new casting category mirrored many established frontrunners, though the absence of 'Sentimental Value' in this category was notable. Despite individual nominations for its stars, the casting directors went unrecognized.

8. Timothée Is Even Closer To Greatness

Timothée Chalamet stands on the cusp of Oscar greatness, with a strong likelihood of clinching the best actor honor for 'Marty Supreme'. His established popularity with the Academy and the significance of this nomination solidify his rising status in Hollywood.