Oscar 2026 Shockers: The Most Unbelievable Major Category Snubs
The 2026 Oscar nominations have sparked outrage as several acclaimed films and stars were left out of the biggest categories. From overlooked performances to surprising omissions, see which contenders missed out and why fans are talking.
The Academy has revealed its picks for the 2026 Oscars, and the reactions are pouring in. This year’s nominations list has left many movie lovers stunned, as some of the most talked-about films and performances from 2025 were left out of the running for the top awards. From animated blockbusters to powerhouse acting turns, the snubs in the major categories have set social media ablaze.
Animated Feature and Musical Performances Overlooked
When the nominees for Best Animated Feature were announced, fans were quick to notice the absence of Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc. Despite raking in $159 million worldwide and earning praise for its faithful adaptation and dynamic animation, the film was left off the list. Instead, the Academy recognized titles like Arco , Elio, KPop Demon Hunters, Little Amelie or the Character of Rain, and Zootopia 2. The omission didn’t come as a complete shock to some, given the Academy’s history with anime, but it still stung for fans hoping for broader recognition.
Another major talking point was Ariana Grande’s exclusion from the acting categories for her role as Glinda in Wicked: For Good. While she was a standout at the Golden Globes, the Oscars favored performances from Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas in Sentimental Value, Amy Madigan in Weapons, Wunmi Mosaku in Sinners , and Teyana Taylor in One Battle After Another. Grande’s fans voiced their disappointment, but the competition was fierce this year.
Surprising Acting and Directing Omissions
Paul Mescal’s portrayal of William Shakespeare in Hamnet was widely praised, yet he was left out of the Best Supporting Actor race. The category instead featured Benicio del Toro (One Battle After Another), Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein), Delroy Lindo (Sinners), Sean Penn (One Battle After Another), and Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value). Despite strong reviews, Mescal couldn’t break through the crowded field.
Jennifer Lawrence also found herself on the outside looking in. Her performance as Grace in Die My Love was considered a highlight, but she was edged out by Jessie Buckley (Hamnet), Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value), and Emma Stone (Bugonia ). Even with a Golden Globe nod, the film’s dark tone may have worked against her.
Major Category Shocks: Best Actor and Best Director
Dwayne Johnson’s turn as MMA legend Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine was another high-profile omission. While the film did receive a nomination for Best Makeup and Hair Styling, Johnson’s performance was not recognized in the Best Actor category. Instead, the Academy went with Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Leonardo DiCaprio ( One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), Michael B. Jordan ( Sinners), and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent). The film’s lukewarm box office and mixed reception may have played a role in the snub.
Guillermo del Toro’s direction of Frankenstein was widely celebrated, and the film earned nine nominations overall, including a Supporting Actor nod for Jacob Elordi. However, del Toro was left out of the Best Director category, with the final spot going to Joachim Trier (Sentimental Value). Other nominees included Chloé Zhao (Hamnet), Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme), Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), and Ryan Coogler (Sinners).
The Biggest Snub: Best Picture Controversy
Perhaps the most talked-about omission was Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice. Despite earning a perfect score from critics and being hailed as a satirical thriller masterpiece, the film was completely shut out of every category, including Best Picture. The Academy instead recognized films like Bugonia, F1 , Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sinners, and Train Dreams. The exclusion of No Other Choice has been called one of the most baffling snubs in recent Oscar history.
With so many unexpected omissions, the 2026 Oscar nominations have left fans and industry insiders debating what it takes to earn a spot among Hollywood ’s elite.