Oscars 2026: Paul Mescal & Dwayne Johnson Lead Biggest Snubs

The Academy Awards nominations for 2026 have sparked heated debate online, with fans voicing frustration over two major omissions: Paul Mescal and Dwayne Johnson. Despite strong performances and critical acclaim, both actors were left off the Best Actor list, making them the most talked-about snubs of the year.

Paul Mescal’s Absence From Hamnet Recognition

Paul Mescal’s portrayal of William Shakespeare in Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet was widely expected to earn him a nomination. The film itself secured eight nods, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Jessie Buckley. Yet Mescal’s name was missing from the Best Actor category. Buckley expressed her disappointment, noting that Mescal’s contribution was inseparable from the film’s success. Fans echoed her sentiments, flooding social media with support and disbelief.

Dwayne Johnson Overlooked for The Smashing Machine

Dwayne Johnson’s dramatic turn as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine also failed to impress Academy voters. The film managed only one nomination—for Best Makeup and Hairstyling—despite Johnson’s transformative performance. His omission was particularly striking given the buzz surrounding his role, which many believed showcased his most serious acting work to date.

Who Made the Best Actor Cut

The Best Actor category instead features Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent). While each nominee delivered strong performances, the absence of Mescal and Johnson has fueled debate about the Academy’s selection process.

Fan Reactions

Social media platforms lit up with reactions. One fan lamented, “I have to live in a world where Paul Mescal is not an Oscar nominee for Hamnet.” Another wrote, “This has to be the biggest Oscar snub this year??? Poor Dwayne.” The backlash highlights how invested audiences have become in seeing their favorites recognized.

Looking Ahead to the Ceremony

The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, promising a night of celebration, surprises, and continued debate over who was left out.