Awards pundits were taken by surprise from the first two words spoken at the Oscar nominations on Thursday. 'Elle Fanning, for Sentimental Value,' announced the ceremony's hosts Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, opening the nominations in the best supporting actress category with a shocker. While Fanning’s performance has received acclaim, many did not predict her nomination.
This unexpected start set the tone for a slew of surprises and snubs. Here are eight key takeaways from the nominations.
Although 'Hamnet' and 'One Battle After Another' performed well, they faced a softer than expected showing in the acting categories. Paul Mescal missed a best supporting actor nod for 'Hamnet,' sparking discussions on its significance. Additionally, breakout star Chase Infiniti of 'One Battle After Another' was overlooked for best actress despite strong reviews. Notable omissions also included Jesse Plemons for 'Bugonia' and Joel Edgerton for 'Train Dreams,' although both films received best picture nominations.
Brad Pitt's 'F1,' portraying a retired racer, surprisingly made it to the best picture category. Though many anticipated technical nominations, its presence in the best picture lineup indicates a preference for traditional, enjoyable fare that awards voters appreciate.
'Sinners,' a vampire horror film, shattered records with 16 nominations, surpassing joint record holders like 'La La Land' and 'Titanic.' Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film’s unique blend of genre horror and 1930s blues music has captivated the Academy, highlighting its noteworthy artistic merits.
Unlike the first 'Wicked' film, which secured 10 nominations, its sequel 'Wicked: For Good' received none, highlighting a significant shift in reception. The anticipation for a nomination for the song 'The Girl in the Bubble' performed by Ariana Grande did not materialize.
'Notably, 'Sinners' is responsible for the only two British nominations in the acting categories: Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo, with Lindo's nod being a remarkable highlight for the veteran actor.
Some films featured only one nomination, predominantly featuring standout performances by actresses. Notable mentions include Kate Hudson for 'Song Sung Blue' and Amy Madigan for the horror film 'Weapons,' the latter being a surprising nominee given the genre.
The introduction of a casting category revealed overlaps with other nominee films, though 'Sentimental Value' notably missed out on this recognition despite its individual acting nods.
Timothée Chalamet is steadily establishing himself as a future Hollywood great, potentially winning his first Oscar for 'Marty Supreme' as a clear frontrunner for best actor, joining an elite circle of actors who have achieved multiple nominations at a young age.
Overall, the 2026 Oscar nominations offer a compelling mix of expectations and surprises, setting the stage for an exciting awards season.
This unexpected start set the tone for a slew of surprises and snubs. Here are eight key takeaways from the nominations.
1. Some Hot Favorites Missed Out
Although 'Hamnet' and 'One Battle After Another' performed well, they faced a softer than expected showing in the acting categories. Paul Mescal missed a best supporting actor nod for 'Hamnet,' sparking discussions on its significance. Additionally, breakout star Chase Infiniti of 'One Battle After Another' was overlooked for best actress despite strong reviews. Notable omissions also included Jesse Plemons for 'Bugonia' and Joel Edgerton for 'Train Dreams,' although both films received best picture nominations.
2. F1 is a Comfort-Food Movie
Brad Pitt's 'F1,' portraying a retired racer, surprisingly made it to the best picture category. Though many anticipated technical nominations, its presence in the best picture lineup indicates a preference for traditional, enjoyable fare that awards voters appreciate.
3. Sinners Were the Big Winners
'Sinners,' a vampire horror film, shattered records with 16 nominations, surpassing joint record holders like 'La La Land' and 'Titanic.' Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film’s unique blend of genre horror and 1930s blues music has captivated the Academy, highlighting its noteworthy artistic merits.
4. Wicked Did Not Bewitch the Academy
Unlike the first 'Wicked' film, which secured 10 nominations, its sequel 'Wicked: For Good' received none, highlighting a significant shift in reception. The anticipation for a nomination for the song 'The Girl in the Bubble' performed by Ariana Grande did not materialize.
5. The Brits Showed Up
'Notably, 'Sinners' is responsible for the only two British nominations in the acting categories: Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo, with Lindo's nod being a remarkable highlight for the veteran actor.
6. Several Actresses Carried Their Films to a Nomination
Some films featured only one nomination, predominantly featuring standout performances by actresses. Notable mentions include Kate Hudson for 'Song Sung Blue' and Amy Madigan for the horror film 'Weapons,' the latter being a surprising nominee given the genre.
7. New Category is a Mixed Bag
The introduction of a casting category revealed overlaps with other nominee films, though 'Sentimental Value' notably missed out on this recognition despite its individual acting nods.
8. Timothée is Even Closer to Greatness
Timothée Chalamet is steadily establishing himself as a future Hollywood great, potentially winning his first Oscar for 'Marty Supreme' as a clear frontrunner for best actor, joining an elite circle of actors who have achieved multiple nominations at a young age.
Overall, the 2026 Oscar nominations offer a compelling mix of expectations and surprises, setting the stage for an exciting awards season.
