Hollywood's Biggest Shocks Unveiled: The 2026 Oscar Nominations Deliver Historic Highs, Heartbreaking Snubs, and Unexpected Surprises

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards today, setting the stage for one of the most unpredictable Oscar seasons in recent memory. While Ryan Coogler's *Sinners* made history with a record-breaking **16 nominations**—the most ever for a single film—the morning was equally defined by stunning omissions and surprising inclusions that have left fans, critics, and industry insiders buzzing.

### Historic Milestone

- *Sinners* (Ryan Coogler) dominated the conversation with its unprecedented haul, earning nods across major categories including Best Picture, Director, and multiple acting and technical slots. The film's period drama and ensemble cast—including standout performances from **Delroy Lindo** and **Wunmi Mosaku**—propelled it into record territory, surpassing previous benchmarks and positioning it as a frontrunner.

### Biggest Snubs

The Academy's choices sparked widespread debate, with several high-profile contenders left out entirely:

- **Wicked: For Good** — The highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster musical adaptation was completely shut out, receiving **zero nominations** despite massive box office success, critical praise for its spectacle, and strong buzz for **Ariana Grande**'s performance as Glinda. The snub is being called one of the most shocking in years, with many questioning the Academy's stance on big-budget musicals.

- **Ariana Grande** (Supporting Actress, *Wicked: For Good*) — Grande's widely acclaimed turn failed to land a nomination, marking a major disappointment for fans and the film's supporters.

- **Paul Mescal** (Supporting Actor, *Hamnet*) — The *Gladiator II* and *Normal People* star, long considered a lock, was surprisingly omitted.

- **Chase Infiniti** and other rising talents — Several buzzed-about newcomers and veterans alike missed out, contributing to the sense of unpredictability.

Additional notable absences included **George Clooney** (for his project *Jay Kelly* or similar), **Amanda Seyfried**, and certain women composers, highlighting ongoing discussions about category representation.

### Biggest Surprises

Amid the omissions came joyful shocks that energized the race:

- **F1** (Brad Pitt starrer) — The high-octane racing drama roared into **Best Picture** contention, a surprise inclusion that many attribute to its crowd-pleasing appeal and technical prowess. It earned nods in multiple categories, proving that "comfort-food" blockbusters can still win Academy favor.

- **Elle Fanning** (Supporting Actress, *Sentimental Value*) — The young star earned a long-overdue nomination, delighting fans and marking a breakthrough moment.

- **Delroy Lindo** and **Wunmi Mosaku** (*Sinners*) — Both secured nominations, with Lindo's powerful performance and Mosaku's supporting work standing out as well-deserved inclusions.

- **Kate Hudson** — A surprise nod added veteran star power to the mix, while other under-the-radar picks like **Nicholas Pike** brought fresh energy.

The nominations reflect a diverse slate, blending prestige dramas, genre films, and bold directorial visions. With *Sinners* leading the pack and surprises like *F1* shaking up the Best Picture race, this year's Oscars promise intense competition and plenty of drama leading up to the ceremony.