Major snubs surprise fans and critics

The 2026 Oscar nominations delivered celebration, shock and familiar frustration in equal measure, as record-breaking success for 'Sinners' was matched by a string of high-profile omissions that reignited long-running debates about taste, risk and recognition within the Academy.

Leading the snubs was 'Wicked: For Good', the lavish musical sequel that arrived burdened with expectations after its predecessor's awards triumph, only to exit nominations morning entirely empty-handed, despite strong box office returns and sustained awards-season campaigning.

Ariana Grande's absence from the supporting actress category proved particularly striking, given her consistent recognition elsewhere this season, reinforcing perceptions that the Academy remains wary of franchise continuity and mainstream musical spectacle when ballots are finally cast.

Equally surprising was the omission of Chase Infiniti, whose breakout performance in 'One Battle After Another' earned Golden Globe, Critics' Choice and Actor Awards nominations, but failed to translate into an Oscar nod despite the film's otherwise dominant showing.

Paul Mescal also found himself on the outside, overlooked for best supporting actor for 'Hamnet', even as the film secured multiple nominations, highlighting the unforgiving mathematics of an exceptionally crowded acting field.

Jennifer Lawrence's exclusion for 'Die, My Love' further fuelled discussion, as months of sustained Oscar buzz evaporated overnight, underscoring how momentum can falter abruptly once voting bodies diverge in their assessments.

Park Chan-wook's 'No Other Choice' suffered one of the starkest shutouts, missing every category despite widespread critical acclaim, reminding observers that international prestige and glowing reviews offer no guarantees under the Academy's preferential system.

Adam Sandler's miss for 'Jay Kelly' continued a long-running pattern in which comedic performers struggle to break through, even when dramatic turns attract serious attention during precursor season conversations.

Miley Cyrus was another casualty, failing to secure a best original song nomination for 'Avatar: Fire and Ash', despite an aggressive campaign that suggested music branch support might finally align in her favour.

Odessa A'Zion also fell short for 'Marty Supreme', snubbed in supporting actress despite Actor Awards recognition, while Regina Hall missed out for 'One Battle After Another', a result that surprised many given the film's overall strength.

Together, the snubs reveal an Academy still wrestling with evolving tastes, global influences and industry politics, proving once again that Oscars morning rewards consensus but rarely delivers unanimity.