The race for the 2026 Academy Awards intensified Thursday morning as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced this year’s nominees, setting off immediate debate over major snubs and standout surprises.
Across all 24 categories, expected contenders were recognized, but several omissions quickly drew attention amid a highly competitive year for film.
‘Sinners’ Dominates the Field
One of the biggest surprises of the morning was the sheer dominance of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. The film earned an impressive 16 nominations, exceeding even optimistic expectations.
Commentators praised the sweeping recognition for Coogler, who received nominations as a writer, director and producer, calling the showing a major validation of the creative risks behind the film. The ensemble cast includes Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku.
Praise and a Key Omission for ‘Hamnet’
Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet also performed strongly, landing nominations including best picture and best actress. However, the absence of Paul Mescal from the acting categories stood out.
While some expressed disappointment over the snub, others emphasized that Jesse Buckley’s performance carried the film and was rightly recognized by the Academy.
International Recognition for ‘Sentimental Value’
Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value emerged as another notable success, particularly in the acting categories. The film, which had been overlooked by earlier awards bodies, resonated with Oscar voters.
Observers pointed to Stellan Skarsgård as a potential frontrunner in the best supporting actor race following the nominations.
High-Profile Snubs and Notable Nods
Among the most talked-about omissions were Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for Wicked: For Good, along with Adam Sandler for Jay Kelly and his co-star George Clooney.
At the same time, Jacob Elordi, Delroy Lindo and the film F1 earned notable nominations. Songwriter Diane Warren also continued her long Oscar history, securing her 17th nomination for best original song.
The mix of surprises and snubs has only heightened anticipation ahead of the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony.
See the full list on the Oscar’s official website.
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