The reveal of the 98th Academy Awards nominations instantly ignited intense debate across Hollywood, with oscar nominations snubs emerging as one of the most discussed topics of the year. While the official list celebrated record-breaking achievements and standout performances, the absence of several expected contenders created shockwaves among film fans, critics, and industry professionals in the United States.
This year’s nominations delivered historic milestones, surprise breakthroughs, and equally surprising omissions. As awards season momentum builds toward the March ceremony, these snubs are shaping the narrative just as powerfully as the films and performances that did receive recognition.
A Record-Setting Year With Unexpected Gaps
The 2026 Oscar nominations made history with a new record for the most nominations earned by a single film. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners dominated the field with sixteen nominations, spanning Best Picture, Best Director, multiple acting categories, and several technical awards. The achievement placed the film above legendary past record-holders and cemented it as the clear front-runner heading into the ceremony.
Other heavily nominated titles included Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, which secured thirteen nods, and a strong group of contenders such as Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, Bugonia, and Sentimental Value. Together, they filled out a diverse Best Picture lineup that reflected a wide range of genres, budgets, and storytelling styles.
Yet for all the celebration, the omissions quickly became the focus of conversation. In many cases, films and performers widely predicted to appear across major categories were nowhere to be found on the final ballot.
The Musical That Missed Out Entirely
One of the most talked-about surprises involved the highly anticipated sequel Wicked: For Good. The film entered awards season with strong commercial success and significant critical praise, particularly for its lead performances. Despite this momentum, the movie failed to receive any Oscar nominations.
The absence of its two stars from the acting categories stunned many observers. Both performers had been fixtures in awards discussions throughout the season, making their complete omission one of the most striking developments in this year’s race. The shutout reignited long-standing debates about how musical films, even popular and well-reviewed ones, struggle to gain consistent recognition from Academy voters.
Major Acting Performances Left Off the Ballot
Several acclaimed performances that dominated early awards chatter did not translate into Oscar nominations.
Paul Mescal, who earned widespread praise for his role in the literary adaptation Hamnet, was notably missing from the Best Supporting Actor lineup. His performance had been considered a strong contender, and his absence surprised many who had expected him to be among the final nominees.
Similarly, The Smashing Machine generated attention for the dramatic transformations of its leading cast. Despite strong critical response, both of its top-billed actors were left out of the acting categories, adding to the sense that this year’s nominations did not follow the most common predictions.
Veteran stars also faced unexpected exclusions. Performances by George Clooney and Adam Sandler in the drama Jay Kelly had been widely discussed during awards season, yet neither secured a nomination. Their omission underscored how even established names with acclaimed work can find themselves on the outside in a highly competitive year.
A Leading Actress Shock
One of the most surprising individual snubs involved the lead actress from One Battle After Another. While the film itself performed exceptionally well with thirteen nominations across multiple categories, its central performance was absent from the Best Actress race.
The contrast between the film’s overall success and the omission of its leading role became a focal point for discussion. Many industry watchers viewed the performance as a key emotional anchor of the story, making its absence one of the most debated decisions in this year’s nominations.
Blockbuster Exclusions From Best Picture
Large-scale productions were not immune to disappointment either. A major franchise installment that had performed strongly at the global box office and received praise for its technical achievements failed to secure a Best Picture nomination. While the film remained a presence in visual and sound categories, its absence from the top race highlighted the Academy’s continued preference for a balance between commercial success and perceived artistic ambition.
This decision reinforced a recurring pattern in which blockbuster films often receive recognition in technical fields but face steeper competition when it comes to Best Picture consideration.
How the Snubs Reflect Changing Academy Tastes
The 2026 nomination list offers insight into evolving priorities among Oscar voters.
Emphasis on Ensemble and Vision
The dominance of Sinners and One Battle After Another suggests a strong appreciation for cohesive ensembles, bold direction, and ambitious storytelling. Films that combined technical excellence with emotional depth found widespread support across multiple branches of the Academy.
Selective Recognition for Musicals and Franchise Films
The complete omission of a high-profile musical sequel and the limited recognition for major franchise entries point to a cautious approach toward genre projects. While these films may enjoy massive audiences and cultural impact, they still face hurdles in securing top-tier awards recognition.
Opening the Door for Long-Overdue Recognition
This year also marked long-awaited milestones for several performers and filmmakers who received their first Oscar nominations after decades of acclaimed work. These breakthroughs reflect a growing willingness among voters to acknowledge careers that have shaped modern cinema but had previously gone unrecognized.
The Broader Impact on Awards Season
The ripple effects of these oscar nominations snubs extend beyond one night of announcements.
Shifting Momentum
Films that were once considered front-runners in acting categories now enter the final stretch of awards season without Oscar backing, potentially altering campaign strategies and public perception.
Audience Engagement
Snubs often generate as much attention as wins. The debate surrounding omitted performances and films has driven renewed interest in watching, rewatching, and reassessing many of the year’s releases.
Industry Conversation
For filmmakers and performers, nominations can influence future opportunities, funding, and creative freedom. The choices made this year will likely shape discussions about representation, genre recognition, and the balance between artistic risk and commercial appeal.
Looking Ahead to Oscar Night
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with Conan O’Brien hosting the broadcast. As the event approaches, the conversation continues to evolve, with viewers weighing both the triumphs and the omissions that defined this year’s nominations.
Whether these snubs will be remembered as bold, controversial, or simply reflective of a crowded and competitive year remains to be seen. What is certain is that they have added an extra layer of intrigue to an awards season already rich with historic achievements and standout cinema.
Which omission or surprise has you talking the most this Oscar season? Join the discussion and stay tuned as the countdown to Hollywood’s biggest night continues.