In brief
The 2026 Academy Awards nominations revealed a plethora of surprises, from unexpected nominees like Elle Fanning, to memorable performances that carried their films. While some expected favorites like Paul Mescal missed out, Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' dominated with a record-breaking number of nods. This year's field reflected a diverse mix of genres and performances, presenting an intriguing awards race ahead.
Elle Fanning, for Sentimental Value, said hosts Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman as they kicked off the nominations in the best supporting actress category. Fanning's appearance made for a spicy start, having received praise for her performance in the Norwegian family drama, but few predicted a nomination.
This unexpected announcement set the stage for a series of surprises and snubs. Here are eight significant takeaways.
1. Some hot favourites missed out
Despite the success of 'Hamnet' and 'One Battle After Another', both films showcased softer performances than expected within the acting categories. Paul Mescal notably missed a supporting actor nod for 'Hamnet', while breakout act Chase Infiniti from 'One Battle After Another' was overlooked for best actress.
2. F1 is a comfort-food movie
F1, featuring Brad Pitt as a racing driver, surprised many in the best picture category, demonstrating that the Academy still values traditional, audience-pleasing films.
3. 'Sinners' were the big winners
Scoring an astonishing 16 nominations, 'Sinners' – a vampire horror film combining genre and artistic achievement – surpassed records previously held by iconic films.
4. 'Wicked' did not bewitch the Academy
Following a disappointing reception with no nominations for its sequel, 'Wicked: For Good', it was a stark contrast to its predecessor that won multiple awards.
5. The Brits showed up
Delivering two of the few British nominations, Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo from 'Sinners' showcased the limited but successful British presence this year.
6. Several actresses carried their films to a nomination
Three actresses received nominations that accounted for the only recognition their films achieved, sparking conversations about representation within each respective project.
7. New category is a mixed bag
The newly introduced casting category saw overlaps with frontrunners, although some misses, like 'Sentimental Value', raised eyebrows.
8. Timothée is even closer to greatness
With a strong possibility of winning for his role in 'Marty Supreme', Timothée Chalamet is nearing closer to establishing himself as one of the greats in Hollywood.
