2026 Oscar nominations shock: Biggest snubs and biggest surprises

The 98th Academy Awards nominations have sparked a flurry of discussions, as unexpected omissions and inclusions shook the film industry. Notably, favorites such as Paul Mescal and Ariana Grande were absent from the list, leaving fans and critics alike in disbelief. Mescal, who was widely anticipated to secure a nod for his compelling performance, and Grande, expected to make a splash with her acclaimed role, were both conspicuously overlooked. While some stars were left in the shadows, the nominations also introduced delightful surprises. Indie darling Emily Watson received a nod for her role in the sleeper hit "Silent Echoes," marking her return to the Oscar spotlight after many years. Additionally, the sci-fi thriller "Nebula" emerged as a dark horse, garnering multiple nominations and challenging the traditional dominance of more conventional genres. The unexpected twists in this year's nominations have ignited debates about the evolving tastes of the Academy and the shifting landscape of cinema. As the countdown to the Oscars begins, industry insiders are left to ponder whether these surprises signal a broader change in the awards' dynamics, potentially paving the way for new narratives and voices in Hollywood.

— Authored by Next24 Live