Oscar Nominations 2026: Biggest Snubs & Surprises

The 98th Academy Awards nominations have arrived, delivering a morning of wild twists and turns that defied even the most seasoned awards experts. The announcement reshaped the competitive landscape, highlighting both shocking omissions and unexpected triumphs.

Among the most significant developments, the critically acclaimed film adaptation of Wicked was notably absent from several key categories, while the racing drama F1 secured a coveted spot in the Best Picture race, signaling a major shift in the season's momentum.

Perhaps the most startling omission of the morning was the complete exclusion of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo from the acting categories. Both stars had been widely considered shoo-ins for nominations following their powerful performances in the musical adaptation.

The film's absence from the major categories represents a significant surprise given its commercial success and cultural impact. Industry observers had anticipated multiple nods for the production, making this one of the morning's most discussed snubs.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo seemed like a shoo-ins for a nod.

Actor Paul Mescal experienced a disappointing morning, receiving no nominations for his work in two distinct projects. The actor was shut out for both his performance in the historical drama Hamnet and the high-octane racing film F1.

This double snub marks a significant setback for Mescal, who had been generating considerable awards buzz for his versatility across different genres. The omission highlights the unpredictable nature of the nomination process, where even strong performances can be overlooked in a competitive field.

• No nomination for 'Hamnet'
• No nomination for 'F1'
• Double snub for the actor

In one of the morning's most unexpected turns, the racing drama F1 secured a Best Picture nomination. This nod defies typical genre expectations and signals strong support from the Academy's voting body.

The film's inclusion in the top category reshapes the competitive landscape, positioning it as a dark horse contender. While Mescal's individual performance was not recognized, the film's overall achievement was honored, creating a complex narrative for the production.

The success of F1 demonstrates that genre films can break through in the awards race, provided they resonate with the broader membership.

The nominations reflect the Academy's evolving tastes and the difficulty of predicting outcomes in a crowded field. The shocking omissions and unexpected nods have already sparked intense discussion across the industry.

These results underscore the subjective nature of awards recognition, where critical acclaim and box office success do not always translate to nominations. The morning's announcements have set the stage for a highly unpredictable awards season.

The 98th Academy Awards nominations are here, and with it the wild twists and turns that even the boldest awards experts can't see coming.

The 98th Academy Awards nominations have established a new narrative for the awards season, with Wicked's shutout and F1's surprise nomination dominating the conversation. These results will undoubtedly influence campaign strategies and industry discussions in the weeks leading up to the ceremony.

As the race continues, all eyes will be on how these snubs and surprises shape the final voting. The morning's announcements prove that in the world of awards, certainty is never guaranteed, and every season brings its own set of unexpected developments.