Oscar Nominations 2026: Key Surprises and Insights

Mon Jan 26 2026 09:36:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A comprehensive analysis of the surprise elements from the 2026 Oscar nominations, reflecting on notable snubs, film performances, and patterns in the choices made by the Academy.

The 2026 Oscar nominations unveiled several unexpected outcomes, including surprising nominees and notable snubs, particularly for favorites like Paul Mescal and Chase Infiniti. Key highlights include the overwhelming success of 'Sinners' with a record-breaking 16 nominations, while films like 'Wicked: For Good' failed to secure any. British actors Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku received notable nominations, and Timothée Chalamet is positioned as a leading candidate for the Best Actor award.

The 2026 Oscar nominations caught many by surprise, starting with unexpected nods such as Elle Fanning's for 'Sentimental Value'. The ceremony's opening set the stage for a series of unexpected omissions and recognitions worth noting.

1. Some Hot Favourites Missed Out

Paul Mescal and Chase Infiniti, both viewed as strong contenders, were notably absent from their respective categories, despite their films receiving overall recognition. The omission of Mescal in particular was surprising, given the critical praise for his role in 'Hamnet'.

2. F1 Is a Comfort-Food Movie

The racing film featuring Brad Pitt made its way into the prestigious Best Picture category, marking a noteworthy achievement despite a lack of recognition in acting or directing categories. This success signals the Academy's appreciation for enjoyable films.

3. Sinners Were the Big Winners

Sinners dominated this year's nominations, earning 16 nods, surpassing historic hits like 'La La Land'. The film's unique premise and cultural resonance contributed to its acclaim.

4. Wicked Did Not Bewitch the Academy

Contrasting with the success of its predecessor, 'Wicked: For Good' received no nominations, highlighting a significant fall from grace for the franchise amidst various expectations for potential recognitions.

5. The Brits Showed Up

British talent was scarce this year, but notable nominations for Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo underscore the impact of 'Sinners'. Lindo's nomination marks a long-overdue recognition for his acting prowess.

6. Several Actresses Carried Their Films

Several leading actresses shined in categories where their films saw little recognition otherwise, including Rose Byrne and Kate Hudson, further emphasizing the importance of standout performances in ensemble pieces.

7. New Category Is a Mixed Bag

This year's introduction of a casting category highlighted overlaps with prevalent nominees, while omissions such as 'Sentimental Value' stirred discussions regarding the Academy's selection criteria.

8. Timothée Is Even Closer to Greatness

Chalamet emerges as a strong frontrunner for Best Actor, potentially aligning him among Hollywood greats with a third nomination and significant industry respect. His celebrated performance in 'Marty Supreme' reinforces the anticipation for his Oscar prospects.