Eight Biggest Surprises from the 2026 Oscar Nominations

The 2026 Oscar nominations delivered a mix of shocks, snubs, and record-breaking wins that left Hollywood buzzing. From unexpected acting nods to historic achievements, here are the eight standout takeaways.

1. Big names missed out

Paul Mescal was left off the supporting actor list for Hamnet, while breakout star Chase Infiniti surprisingly missed a best actress nomination for One Battle After Another. Other notable omissions included Jesse Plemons (Bugonia) and Joel Edgerton (Train Dreams).

2. Brad Pitt’s F1 races into best picture

The racing drama F1 stunned by landing a best picture nomination. While expected to score in technical categories, its inclusion in the top race shows the Academy’s enduring love for traditional, crowd-pleasing films.

3. Sinners sets a record

Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror Sinners dominated with 16 nominations, surpassing the previous record of 14 held by Titanic, La La Land, and All About Eve. Michael B. Jordan earned a best actor nod, while Coogler secured a best director nomination.

4. Wicked: For Good shut out

Despite high expectations, the Wicked sequel received zero nominations. Ariana Grande’s new song The Girl in the Bubble failed to make the original song category. Meanwhile, Avatar: Fire and Ash managed technical nods, and animated hits like Zootopia 2 and KPop Demon Hunters carried mainstream appeal.

5. British talent shines in Sinners

Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo were the only British actors nominated this year, both recognized for their supporting roles in Sinners. Lindo’s first-ever Oscar nod at age 73 was a long-awaited moment.

6. Lone actresses carry their films

Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), and Amy Madigan (Weapons) each earned nominations as the sole representatives of their films. Madigan’s recognition for a horror role was especially notable.

7. Casting category sparks debate

The new casting category included frontrunners like Marty Supreme and Hamnet. But Sentimental Value was snubbed despite four of its stars—Elle Fanning, Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas—earning individual nominations.

8. Timothée Chalamet nears Hollywood greatness

Chalamet is the frontrunner for best actor with Marty Supreme. At 30, he matches Marlon Brando’s record as the youngest actor to secure three leading nominations. After near misses, 2026 could be his breakthrough year. The nominations highlight the Academy’s evolving tastes—balancing genre films, traditional dramas, and star-driven performances. With Sinners rewriting history and Chalamet on the brink of his first win, this year’s Oscars promise to be unforgettable.