At a Glance
- The Oscars saw a mix of shocking omissions and unexpected nods, with Ariana Grande and Paul Mescal missing out while Delroy Lindo earned a long-overdue nomination.
- Seventeen snubs ranged from high-profile actors to international filmmakers, highlighting a surprising gap in the awards.
- A handful of surprises-Delroy Lindo, Kate Hudson, Amy Madigan-demonstrated that campaigning and critical buzz can still sway voters.
- Why it matters: The list shows how the Academy’s choices can defy expectations, affecting careers and the perception of the Oscars as a fair reflection of the year’s best work.
The Oscars, the pinnacle of film recognition, delivered a roller-coaster of nominations that left many fans and industry insiders stunned. While some expected stars like Ariana Grande and Paul Mescal to secure nods, they were left out, creating space for unexpected first-time nominees such as Delroy Lindo. The ceremony’s outcomes underscore the unpredictable nature of award voting and the impact of both critical reception and campaigning.
Snubs that Shocked
Ariana Grande and Wicked: For Good
The sequel Wicked: For Good received zero nominations, a stark contrast to its predecessor’s 10 nods. Critics felt the film did not match the original’s quality, and Grande’s role as Glinda was not enough to secure a supporting actress spot. The omission also meant that Cynthia Erivo, who was not widely predicted to win, missed the best-actress category.
Paul Mescal, Hamnet
Mescal’s portrayal of William Shakespeare in Hamnet was widely regarded as a standout. He had already earned an Oscar for Aftersun in 2023, and many anticipated a second nomination. Instead, the Academy left him unrecognized, marking a notable snub for the talented actor.
Guillermo del Toro, Frankenstein
The three-time Oscar winner was expected to be nominated for best director for his passion project Frankenstein, which garnered nine additional nominations. However, the Academy chose Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value instead. Del Toro has only received a best-director nod once, for The Shape of Water, which he won.
Chase Infiniti, One Battle After Another
Infiniti’s debut performance as Willa in Paul Thomas Anderson’s film was praised for its intensity. Despite the acclaim, she did not receive a nomination, a disappointment for the newcomer.
Amanda Seyfried, The Testament of Ann Lee
Seyfried’s powerful turn as Ann Lee in The Testament of Ann Lee earned her a nomination for best actress. She had previously been nominated for Mank, and this recognition marked a significant moment for her career.
Jafar Panahi, It Was Just an Accident
Panahi, who had faced a seven-month prison term and a two-year travel ban, earned Palme d’Or nominations for It Was Just an Accident. Yet he was overlooked for best picture and best director, a glaring omission given his circumstances.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
The anime film, which made $722 million worldwide, was another major oversight. The Oscars have historically neglected anime, and this year’s nomination list was no exception.
Jesse Plemons, Bugonia
Plemons’ raw portrayal of a conspiracy theorist in Bugonia was a surprise omission. His only prior nomination came from The Power of the Dog, and his absence opened the door for Ethan Hawke’s performance in Blue Moon.
F1
Apple’s F1 was a crowd-pleaser that had not been widely listed for a best-picture nomination. The film’s exclusion was unexpected given its popularity.
Jay Kelly
Noah Baalmch’s Jay Kelly was another film that did not receive nominations, despite its comedic take on Hollywood and a strong score by Nicholas Britell.
Surprises that Shined
Delroy Lindo, Sinners
Lindo’s portrayal of Delta Slim in Sinners earned him his first-ever Oscar nomination for best supporting actor. His inclusion highlighted a long-overdue recognition for the veteran actor.
Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue
Hudson’s performance as Claire Sardina in Song Sung Blue benefited from a strong campaign and goodwill. She earned a best-actress nomination after a 25-year gap since her last nomination for Almost Famous.
Amy Madigan, Weapons
Madigan’s role in Weapons was a surprise in the highly competitive supporting-actress category. Critics praised her unconventional choice, and she secured a nomination despite the film’s genre.
Key Takeaways
- The Oscars can defy expectations, with prominent actors missing out while less-expected nominees rise.
- Critical reception and campaigning both play significant roles in shaping the final list.
- The ceremony’s snubs highlight ongoing gaps in representation and recognition, especially for international filmmakers and genre films.
- The outcomes will influence the future trajectories of the actors and filmmakers involved, as well as the broader industry conversation about what deserves award recognition.
The list of snubs and surprises serves as a reminder that the Oscars are as much about politics and perception as they are about artistic merit. Each omission and nomination tells a story about the film world’s shifting priorities and the enduring unpredictability of award season.
