2026 Oscar Nominations: Eight Surprising Takeaways

Tue Feb 03 2026 18:59:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The 2026 Oscar nominations have delivered a mix of surprises, snubs, and standout performances, capturing the attention of awards pundits and movie fans alike.

The 2026 Oscar nominations have shocked many with unexpected nods and omissions. Notable surprises include Elle Fanning's nomination and the complete absence of nominations for the sequel to Wicked. High-flying entries like Sinners have made notable impacts, and Timothée Chalamet is edging closer to Oscar greatness.

2026 Oscar Nominations: Eight Surprising Takeaways

Awards pundits were taken by surprise from the first two words spoken at the Oscar nominations on Thursday.

Elle Fanning, for Sentimental Value, said hosts Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, as they kicked off the nominations with the best supporting actress category.

Fanning's appearance got things off to a spicy start - she had received praise for her performance in the Norwegian family drama, but few had predicted a nomination.

The opening category set the tone for a string of snubs and surprises, which started coming thick and fast. Here are eight of the big takeaways.

1. Some hot favourites missed out

Although Hamnet and One Battle After Another did well, both had a slightly softer showing than expected in the acting categories.

Paul Mescal missed out on a supporting actor nod for Hamnet - a surprising omission; we’re confident it won't impact his co-star Jessie Buckley’s frontrunner status for best actress.

Meanwhile, four big actors from One Battle After Another were recognized, but its breakout star Chase Infiniti missed best actress despite being a hot contender.

Other notable omissions included Jesse Plemons and Joel Edgerton, but both films made it into best picture.

2. F1 is a comfort-food movie

F1, which stars Brad Pitt as a racing driver, was a surprise in the best picture category. It had enough momentum for this top nomination despite the lack of other significant nods.

3. Sinners were the big winners

Sinners scored a record-breaking 16 nominations, surpassing past record holders like La La Land and Titanic. Ryan Coogler's vampire horror was lauded for blending genre horror with 1930s blues music.

4. Wicked did not bewitch the Academy

The sequel to Wicked received zero nominations after previous films performed strongly. The predictions of nominations for songs like The Girl in the Bubble did not materialize.

5. The Brits showed up

Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo were the only British actors nominated in the acting categories for their performances in Sinners.

6. Several actresses carried their films

Notable nominations for best actress included Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I'd Kick You and Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue. Amy Madigan's nomination for horror film Weapons was particularly surprising.

7. New category is a mixed bag

The newly introduced casting category was notable for film overlap. However, Sentimental Value missed a casting nomination despite its stars being recognized individually.

8. Timothée is even closer to greatness

Timothée Chalamet has cemented his status as a frontrunner for best actor with Marty Supreme, potentially leading him closer to being considered a Hollywood great.