Oscar 2026 Shockers: The Most Surprising Snubs Ranked

With the latest Oscar nominations unveiled, the annual outcry over overlooked talent and films has returned in full force. This year’s list of omissions is particularly striking, with a handful of high-profile contenders left out in the cold across the most coveted categories. From animated features to leading performances, the Academy’s choices have raised more than a few eyebrows.

Animated Feature: Chainsaw Man’s Absence

When the shortlist for Best Animated Feature was revealed, many were left scratching their heads at the absence of Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc. Despite raking in a hefty $159 million at the global box office and boasting a visual style that paid homage to its manga roots, the MAPPA production failed to secure a nod. The final line-up instead included Arco, Elio, KPop Demon Hunters, Little Amelie or the Character of Rain, and Zootopia 2. The snub, while disappointing, is perhaps not entirely unexpected given the Academy’s patchy record with anime. Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc remains available for purchase on Prime Video in the US.

Leading Ladies and Overlooked Performances

Ariana Grande’s turn as Glinda in Wicked: For Good was widely tipped for recognition, especially after her strong showing at the Golden Globes. Yet, the Academy opted for other performances, with Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas from Sentimental Value and Amy Madigan in Weapons making the cut. Grande’s omission has been a hot topic online, though some argue it pales in comparison to other snubs this year. Wicked: For Good is currently streaming on Prime Video in the US.

Paul Mescal, who portrayed William Shakespeare in Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet, also found himself without a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Despite critical praise for his role, the category proved fiercely competitive, with Benicio del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Delroy Lindo, Sean Penn, and Stellan Skarsgård taking the available spots. Hamnet is showing in select US cinemas.

Major Category Omissions: Lawrence, Johnson, and Del Toro

Jennifer Lawrence’s performance as Grace in Die My Love was another casualty. Although the film itself received a mixed reception, Lawrence’s work was widely regarded as a highlight. She was edged out by the likes of Kate Hudson and Rose Byrne, with Jessie Buckley, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone also making the shortlist. The film’s dark, experimental approach may have worked against it. Die, My Love is available on MUBI in the US.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s portrayal of MMA legend Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine failed to earn him a nomination for Best Actor, despite the film’s recognition in the makeup and hair styling category. The acting branch instead favoured Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, and Wagner Moura. Some have speculated that the film’s lacklustre box office and divisive reception played a part in Johnson’s omission. The Smashing Machine can be streamed on Prime Video in the US.

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein managed nine nominations, including a Supporting Actor nod for Jacob Elordi, but the director himself was left out of the Best Director category. The final five included Chloé Zhao, Josh Safdie, Paul Thomas Anderson, Joachim Trier, and Ryan Coogler. Del Toro’s absence is particularly notable given the film’s acclaim for its direction and pacing. Frankenstein is streaming on Netflix in the US.

Best Picture Controversy: No Other Choice

Perhaps the most baffling omission of all is Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice, which failed to secure a single nomination despite a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and widespread critical praise. The South Korean satirical thriller was completely shut out, even as the Academy made room for the likes of F1 and Train Dreams in the Best Picture category. The exclusion of No Other Choice has been described as the most inexplicable snub in recent memory. The film is currently screening in select US cinemas.

Are you satisfied with this year’s Oscar nominations? The debate is sure to continue as awards season rolls on.