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2026 Oscar Nominations Spark Buzz

Indira Zaldivar
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2026 Oscar Nominations Spark Buzz

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.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

ABC13 Weather Alert: Winter Storm Watch issued for most of Southeast Texas this weekend

ABC13 Houston
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ABC13 Weather Alert: Winter Storm Watch issued for most of Southeast Texas this weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A winter storm is coming to Texas, and the National Weather Service has now placed most of Southeast Texas under a Winter Storm Watch from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday for the possibility of freezing rain and sleet. Additionally, an Extreme Cold Watch is also in effect Saturday through Monday as an arctic airmass will move in, leading to a hard freeze and the chance for single digit wind chills Monday morning. All this said, ABC13 Weather Alert Days continue for Saturday, Sunday and Monday to account for the threat of ice and bitterly cold conditions.

Meanwhile, damp, dreary weather stuck around this morning. A Dense Fog Advisory was in effect until 9 a.m. with visibility as low as a quarter mile at times for morning commuters. This fog slowly lifted, making for a cloudy morning but then we should see some sunshine for the afternoon. All things considered, Thursday will be a pretty warm day with highs climbing into the low 70s. Then the arctic front will blow in on Friday with a 40% chance of showers. While we should have no frozen precipitation in Southeast Texas on Friday, the winter storm will start cranking up in northern parts of the state with freezing rain, sleet, and snow.

What are the details on these weather alerts for the weekend?

The Winter Storm Watch includes all of our local counties at this time except for Galveston, Brazoria, Matagorda, Jackson, and Calhoun Counties. Between one-tenth and three-tenths of an inch of ice are possible, with the higher end of that range expected north of Houston. Power outages, tree damage, and travel hazards are possible due to the icy conditions. Our ABC13 Weather Alert Days remain in effect Saturday through Monday as the arctic front and winter storm bring the potential for freezing rain over the weekend. Then a hard freeze is coming for nearly all of Southeast Texas Monday morning and possibly again on Tuesday morning.

What should I be preparing for with the winter storm this weekend?

You need to be prepared to stay warm, stay put, and to possibly go without power should you receive a high amount of freezing rain. The freeze line now looks like it will stay just north of Southeast Texas most of the day, then blow through Saturday night. That means most of Saturday will be cold and rainy with nothing freezing. That is likely to change after sunset Saturday, with freezing rain spreading south toward the Texas coast. Where freezing rain accumulations occur, it could lead to significant travel and power disruptions as ice accretes on bridges, elevated roadways, powerlines, and tree branches. Some parts of Southeast Texas north of I-10 could spend more than 48 hours below freezing.

Why are we expecting freezing rain instead of snow?

The arctic air is expected to be shallow, meaning the layer of freezing air will not be thick enough to support snow. Instead, if we get anything frozen at all, it would likely be in the form of freezing rain or sleet (ice pellets). There is a brief window late Sunday when it could change over to snow.

Is this is a pipe-bursting type of cold?

Yes. We now expect temperatures to drop into the teens and low 20s on Sunday night and Monday morning. That’s when you’ll need to make sure your interior pipes are adequately insulated and protected from the cold. The wind will still be blowing, so wind chill factors will drop into the single digits and teens Monday morning. The National Weather Service has placed all of Southeast Texas under an Extreme Cold Watch during this timeframe.

When will we be done with the freezing weather?

Temperatures should climb above freezing on Monday, but we could get another hard freeze on Monday night and Tuesday morning. A light freeze is possible Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Then we should be done with this round of winter chill.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Texas Ranks No. 3 in Nation for Starting a Business in 2026

Que Onda Editorial
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Texas Ranks No. 3 in Nation for Starting a Business in 2026

Texas has been ranked the third-best state in the nation for starting a business in 2026, according to a new WalletHub report.

The study, which evaluated all 50 states using 25 metrics, gave Texas high marks for its business environment, workforce growth, and industry clusters. The state scored first nationally in overall business environment but was ranked 11th for access to resources and 34th for business costs.

“Texas continues to demonstrate strong entrepreneurship momentum, supported by a growing workforce and dynamic industry clusters,” the report noted. More than half of Texas businesses operate in concentrated industry clusters, providing startups with access to suppliers, customers, and skilled workers.

Florida ranked first overall in the WalletHub study, followed by Utah. Oklahoma and Idaho rounded out the top five. States in the Northeast, including Connecticut, scored significantly lower.

The report’s findings suggest that while startup costs in Texas are moderate, the state’s robust business ecosystem, engaged workforce, and strong job growth make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.

For business owners looking to launch or expand in 2026, Texas offers a competitive environment with opportunities for growth across multiple industries, the report said.

Guatemalan Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Holding Migrants Hostage in Texas

Que Onda Editorial
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Holding Migrants Hostage in Texas

A Guatemalan man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his role in a human smuggling operation that held migrants hostage in Central Texas while demanding ransom payments from their families, federal prosecutors said.

Edwin Alfredo Barrientos-Mateo, 23, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit hostage taking and was sentenced this week in federal court. Authorities said Barrientos-Mateo was part of a smuggling network that confined nine undocumented migrants inside an Austin apartment while demanding $21,000 for their release.

Among those held were a pregnant woman, an adult man and the couple’s 7-year-old child, according to court records. Prosecutors said the victims were transported through South Texas before being taken to the apartment, where they were guarded and threatened while smugglers contacted relatives to collect ransom payments.

The case came to light after investigators received information in Eagle Pass, a border city along the Rio Grande, leading federal agents to the Austin stash house. Barrientos-Mateo was arrested in May 2024 and later admitted his role in the operation.

Eight other defendants were charged in connection with the smuggling ring. One co-defendant, Nelson Abilio Castro-Zelaya, was previously sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

Federal prosecutors said the lengthy sentence reflects the seriousness of hostage-taking cases involving migrants, particularly when families and children are placed at risk. Authorities have increasingly used federal extortion and hostage-taking statutes to pursue long prison terms against smuggling organizations operating in Texas.

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. attorney’s office for the Western District of Texas.

Bipartisan bill aims to turn retired Gulf oil rigs into artificial reefs

Indira Zaldivar
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Bipartisan bill aims to turn retired Gulf oil rigs into artificial reefs

A bipartisan proposal moving through Congress could make it easier to convert decommissioned oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico into artificial reefs, a move supporters say would benefit marine life and coastal economies, while critics warn of potential environmental risks.

The legislation would streamline the federal approval process for so-called “rigs-to-reefs” programs, which allow portions of retired offshore oil platforms to remain in the water after being cleaned and repurposed as habitats for fish and other marine species. Currently, companies are generally required to fully remove inactive platforms, a process that can cost millions of dollars and disrupt existing underwater ecosystems.

Supporters of the bill say many aging rigs have already become thriving marine habitats and that preserving them could boost recreational fishing, diving and tourism industries along the Gulf Coast, including in Texas.

“The Gulf already has one of the most successful artificial reef programs in the country,” proponents argue, noting that submerged platforms attract red snapper, grouper and other commercially and recreationally valuable species.

Texas operates an established rigs-to-reefs program through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which has overseen the conversion of dozens of platforms into permanent reef sites over the past several decades. Industry advocates say expanding the program could provide economic benefits to coastal communities while reducing decommissioning costs for energy companies.

Under the proposed legislation, companies would still be required to remove hazardous materials and comply with environmental safeguards before structures could be reefed. Federal agencies, including NOAA, would maintain oversight of the process.

Environmental groups and some marine scientists, however, caution that simplifying the process could allow companies to avoid full cleanup responsibilities. Critics also argue that long-term studies on the environmental impact of aging steel structures left on the seafloor are limited.

“There’s concern this could become a loophole for offshore operators to leave behind industrial debris under the guise of habitat protection,” opponents say.

The debate comes as hundreds of offshore platforms in the Gulf approach retirement, a trend driven by aging infrastructure and shifting energy markets. How those structures are handled has become a growing policy issue for Gulf states, energy producers and conservation groups alike.

The bill has drawn support from lawmakers in energy-producing states, as well as from fishing and tourism interests, but faces scrutiny from environmental advocates who say more research and stricter safeguards are needed before expanding reef conversions.

If approved, the legislation could reshape how offshore energy infrastructure is retired in the Gulf, balancing economic interests with environmental stewardship in one of the nation’s most productive marine regions.

Abbott urges Cy-Fair ISD to cancel Islamic Games, citing alleged ties to CAIR

Edward Saenz
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Abbott urges Cy-Fair ISD to cancel Islamic Games, citing alleged ties to CAIR

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has called on the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District to cancel plans to host a large youth sporting event known as the Islamic Games, arguing the event has ties to an organization he has labeled a foreign terrorist group.

In a letter sent this week to district leaders, Abbott said Cy-Fair ISD should immediately sever any agreements related to the event after learning that the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, was listed as a sponsor. Abbott has previously designated CAIR as having ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, which he has labeled a terrorist organization under Texas law.

“Radical Islamic extremism is not welcome in Texas — and certainly not in our schools,” Abbott wrote, warning the district that failure to comply could prompt an investigation by the Texas Education Agency and potential legal action by the state attorney general.

The Islamic Games is a multi-day youth sports festival that draws athletes from across the country and has previously been held at school and municipal facilities in several states. Organizers say the event promotes athletic competition and community engagement and denies that CAIR is a formal sponsor of the games.

Representatives for the Islamic Games said any past involvement by CAIR was limited and not organizational, disputing the governor’s claims. CAIR has also denied any links to terrorist organizations and has challenged Abbott’s designation in court.

Cy-Fair ISD officials have not publicly said whether the district will cancel the event. The district serves more than 115,000 students and is one of the largest school systems in Texas.

Another North Texas school district, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, announced earlier this week that it had ended discussions to host a similar event after receiving a letter from Abbott. Following the governor’s intervention, the Islamic Games website removed references to Cy-Fair ISD as a host location, listing the venue as “to be determined.”

Civil rights advocates criticized Abbott’s move, calling it discriminatory and warning it could unfairly target Muslim students and families. They argue that public school facilities are routinely rented to a wide range of community groups and that singling out Muslim-affiliated events raises constitutional concerns.

The dispute comes as Abbott continues to emphasize education oversight and national security issues ahead of the 2026 election cycle, placing local school districts at the center of broader political debates.

GRAMMY-Nominated Folklorist Juan Díes Brings Corridos, Stories, and Songwriting to Houston

Indira Zaldivar
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GRAMMY-Nominated Folklorist Juan Díes Brings Corridos, Stories, and Songwriting to Houston

Houston audiences will have a rare opportunity to experience the power of the Mexican corrido tradition when GRAMMY- and Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist Juan Díes presents two free events at MECA Downtown at the end of January.

On Thursday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m., Díes will lead Stories and Corridos, an evening of music and storytelling performed in both Spanish and English. The program will feature classic corridos alongside newly composed songs that recount real-life Mexican and American tragic heroes. Known for blending scholarship with performance, Díes draws on more than 35 years of experience as a folklorist, ethnomusicologist, performer, and educator to bring these historical ballads to life.

Díes is a co-founder of the Chicago-based Sones de México Ensemble, which has earned both GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY nominations for its dedication to preserving and innovating traditional Mexican music. The evening is supported in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and MECA-Houston.

The experience continues on Friday, Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an intensive, hands-on Mexican Tragic Ballad Songwriting Workshop. During the five-hour session, participants will explore the 180-year-old corrido tradition, learning its history, structure, and poetic rules. By the end of the workshop, the group will collaboratively write an original song following the traditional tragic corrido form.

Both events take place at MECA DOW, 1900 Kane St., Houston, TX 77007, and are free to attend. Registration is required for the workshop.

CenterPoint adds 600+ frontline workers ahead of winter weekend storm

ABC13 Houston
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CenterPoint adds 600+ frontline workers ahead of winter weekend storm

By Luke Jones, ABC13 Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — CenterPoint says it is announcing an additional 600 frontline workers bringing its total to 3,300 ahead of the oncoming weekend winter storm.

In 2021, frigid temperatures brought down power plants and plunged millions of Texans into darkness.

But ERCOT said that scenario isn’t likely this time around.

Daniel Cohan, an environmental engineering professor at Rice University, said power plants made significant upgrades following the 2021 storm.

“They made sure that their water intakes were able to take water, that the water supply wouldn’t freeze up,” Cohan said. “They made sure that equipment was ready to handle temperatures well below freezing.”

CenterPoint said it was also inspecting and testing 270 substations, installing heaters to prevent ice build-up, and repairing thermal insulation.

CenterPoint shared the following statement about their additional staffing in anticipation for this weekend’s winter weather.

“To support its customers and communities, and following several days of actively preparing for this weekend’s forecasted severe winter weather system, CenterPoint Energy secured over 600 additional frontline workers for an expanded workforce of 3,300 workers to address the approaching winter storm. Additionally, the company is standing up three staging sites Thursday at strategic locations across the northern portion of the Greater Houston area to pre-position resources to support potential restoration efforts.

In addition to CenterPoint’s Emergency Operations Center staff of 200 personnel and on-system workforce of approximately 2,500 internal line workers, local contractors, and vegetation management resources, the company has secured an additional approximately 600 frontline workers, including more line workers, vegetation management resources, and damage assessors. The company’s Emergency Operations Center was activated this morning and will remain activated through the weekend as CenterPoint continues executing its cold weather action plan.”

For news updates, follow Luke Jones on Facebook, X and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Blake Lively’s Leaked Email to Ben Affleck Sparks Online Backlash

Michael Esparza
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Blake Lively’s Leaked Email to Ben Affleck Sparks Online Backlash

A private email sent by Blake Lively to actor Ben Affleck has surfaced amid her ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni, drawing widespread criticism and secondhand embarrassment from fans online.

The email was reportedly sent in May 2024, shortly after production wrapped on the film, which was released in August 2024.

Legal Battle Still Unfolding

In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging he created a hostile work environment and overstepped professional boundaries, including claims of sexual harassment. Baldoni later countersued for $400 million, but that case was dismissed in November 2025.

Lively’s lawsuit remains active, with a trial scheduled for May 18. An oral argument between both legal teams is set for Thursday, Jan. 22. Ahead of that hearing, several private communications tied to the case were made public, including text messages involving Taylor Swift.

Email Describes ‘Chaotic’ Production

Among the released files was an email Lively sent to Affleck describing her experience on set as “the most upsetting” of her career. In the message, she compared the production to infamous scandals such as Wild Wild Country, Fyre Festival, Going Clear, and The Room.

She referred to Baldoni as a “chaotic clown director” and claimed he and members of his team were part of a cult. Lively also suggested the film’s behind-the-scenes documentary would be “more interesting than the movie itself.”

“If I would’ve just formally directed it, it would’ve been much easier,” she wrote, adding that navigating Baldoni’s “taste, ego, and preexisting decisions” made production difficult, along with what she described as “wild HR issues.”

Request for Feedback Raises Eyebrows

Lively ended the email by asking Affleck to watch the film and provide feedback. She also invited input from his then-wife Jennifer Lopez and their children, noting that the movie includes domestic violence themes.

It remains unclear whether Affleck ever responded or viewed the film. Since the email’s release, social media users have criticized Lively’s tone and remarks, with many calling the message inappropriate and awkward.

For more celebrity news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Veteran Leaves U.S. After ICE Arrests Husband at Green Card Interview

Indira Zaldivar
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Veteran Leaves U.S. After ICE Arrests Husband at Green Card Interview

A U.S. military veteran says she is leaving what she calls a “broken” America after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested her husband during his green card interview in San Diego.

Matheus Silveira, 30, a Brazilian national and delivery driver, was taken into custody on Nov. 22, 2025, while attending an interview at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office. Four ICE agents entered the interview room and arrested him for overstaying his visa. He has remained in detention since.

His wife, Hannah Silveira, 30, a former U.S. Army combat medic, says the couple plans to leave the U.S. for Brazil in the coming weeks after Matheus was granted voluntary departure instead of deportation.

‘I Don’t Feel at Home Here Anymore’

Hannah said she feels unsafe in the U.S. and devastated by the decision to leave the life they were building.

“It is entirely unsafe here with the efforts being deployed by this administration,” she said. “I am absolutely devastated that I have to give up everything. I am a veteran. I was in the military. I gave a lot to my country, and I feel like they have given me nothing.”

She added, “I don’t feel at home here anymore.”

Plans Disrupted by Detention

Matheus moved to the U.S. in 2019 to study English and met Hannah in 2022. The couple married in August 2024 and planned to buy a home, start a family, and relocate to Minneapolis to be closer to Hannah’s relatives.

Hannah said lawyers advised Matheus it was acceptable to pursue a green card despite his visa overstay. She also claims detention center family rooms display posters encouraging detainees to leave the U.S., offering incentives to do so.

Conditions Inside Detention

Hannah described troubling conditions during visits to the ICE facility, saying detainees are underfed and overcrowded.

“He said people were sleeping on the floor as there were not enough beds,” she said, adding that meals were minimal. Because of a previous DUI charge, Matheus was denied bond and labeled a “danger to the community.”

‘America Is Broken’

Hannah says she no longer recognizes the country she served and doubts they will ever return.

“I cannot overstate how much I have to give up because my country isn’t there for me,” she said. “America is broken. If we returned, we would be returning to a place we no longer recognise.”

For more on Trump’s immigration crackdown, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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