Oscars 2026: The 2026 Oscar nominations (for the 98th Academy Awards, which honor films from 2025) were announced on January 22, 2026, and they delivered several shocking moments! From record-breaking nominations to surprising snubs and unexpected inclusions, here’s a roundup of 8 surprising facts that left awards watchers stunned:
‘Sinners’ Breaks Record
Ryan Coogler’s blues-infused vampire epic Sinners (starring Michael B. Jordan) dominated with a historic 16 nominations — the most ever for a single film in Oscar history. This surpassed the previous record of 14 (held by All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land). The nominations included Best Picture, Director, Original Screenplay, acting categories (including a first-time nomination for Jordan), and technical fields.
‘Wicked: For Good’ Completely Snubbed
One of the biggest shocks: the highly anticipated sequel Wicked: For Good received zero nominations — no Best Picture, no acting nominations for stars like Ariana Grande or Cynthia Erivo (both of whom were nominated for the first film last year), and nothing in the song or other categories. Many expected at least some technical or song nominations, making this complete snub one of the most talked-about upsets.
Elle Fanning Finally Gets Her First Oscar Nomination
After years of acclaimed work in Hollywood, Elle Fanning received her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in the Norwegian family drama Sentimental Value. The announcements kicked off with a surprise, sparking discussion among experts — a long-overdue recognition for a veteran actress.
Kate Hudson’s Return After 25 Years
Kate Hudson received a stunning Best Actress nomination for Song Sung Blue — her first Oscar nomination since her Supporting Actress nomination for Almost Famous in 2000 (a quarter-century gap!). It’s a remarkable industry veteran comeback that few predicted.
Delroy Lindo’s Long-Awaited Breakthrough
At 73, Delroy Lindo received his first Oscar nomination (Best Supporting Actor for Sinners). His powerful performance as a blues musician was widely praised, but seeing him finally honored by the Academy after decades in the industry felt like long-overdue justice.
‘F1’ Unexpectedly Makes Best Picture Cut
Brad Pitt’s high-octane Formula 1 drama F1 landed a Best Picture nomination — a surprise for a big-budget, crowd-pleasing summer blockbuster that many didn’t consider “Oscar material.” It edged out several prestigious contenders and highlighted the Academy’s occasional love for accessible, exciting cinema.
Big Names Snubbed in Acting Categories
Shocking snubs included Paul Mescal (for Hamnet), Chase Infinity (despite heavy buzz for One Battle After Another), Ariana Grande, George Clooney, Amanda Seyfried, and others. This left fans baffled, especially in a year with such fierce competition.
Ruth E. Carter Makes Black History
Costume designer Ruth E. Carter received her fifth Oscar nomination (for Sinners), making her the most nominated Black woman in any category in Oscar history. This is a milestone that underscores their brilliant career in costume design.