In brief
The 2026 Oscar nominations unveiled several surprises, including unexpected nods for Elle Fanning and the film 'F1', while traditional favorites like 'Wicked: For Good' were left out. Notable performances from actors like Timothée Chalamet and the overwhelming success of 'Sinners' also sparked conversation. Here are eight key takeaways from this year's nominations.
Awards pundits were taken by surprise from the first two words spoken at the Oscar nominations on Thursday. Elle Fanning, for Sentimental Value, said hosts Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman, as they kicked off the nominations with the best supporting actress category. Fanning's appearance got things off to a spicy start from the earliest possible moment - she had received praise for her performance in the Norwegian family drama but few had predicted a nomination. The opening category set the tone for a string of snubs and surprises, which started coming thick and fast. Here are eight of the big takeaways.1. **Some hot favourites missed out**: Although 'Hamnet' and 'One Battle After Another' did well, both had a slightly softer showing than expected in the acting categories. Notably, Paul Mescal missed out on a supporting actor nod for 'Hamnet.' Similarly, Chase Infiniti for 'One Battle After Another' was a surprising exclusion despite being a strong contender. Despite this, other projects like 'Bugonia' and 'Train Dreams' managed to secure best picture nominations.2. **F1 is a comfort-food movie**: Brad Pitt’s film 'F1', centered around a racing driver brought out of retirement, secured an unexpected best picture nomination despite lacking nods in major acting categories. Its ability to connect with audiences showcased the Academy's appreciation for traditionally enjoyable films.3. **Sinners were the big winners**: This film achieved a record-breaking 16 nominations, surpassing previous records and illustrating its artistic merit as a blend of genre horror and music.4. **Wicked did not bewitch the Academy**: The sequel to 'Wicked' received zero nominations, marking a stark contrast to its predecessor's success, highlighting that critical reception played a role in the Academy's decision-making.5. **The Brits showed up**: The film 'Sinners' not only dominated the nominations, but also brought recognition to British actors Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo in the supporting categories, showcasing the strong impact of their performances.6. **Several actresses carried their films to a nomination**: Among the acting nominees were Rose Byrne and Kate Hudson, each standing as the sole representative for their films, demonstrating the strength of their individual performances.7. **New category is a mixed bag**: The newly introduced casting category largely aligned with frontrunners. However, the absence of 'Sentimental Value' in this category raised eyebrows despite its four individual acting nominations.8. **Timothée is even closer to greatness**: Following a strong performance in 'Marty Supreme', Timothée Chalamet is positioned as the frontrunner for the best actor award, with his increasing number of nominations solidifying his status in Hollywood.
