Wicked Snubs, Mescal Misses: 2026 Oscar Nominations Shake-Up

Oscars season delivered a mix of fireworks and surprises as the 98th nominations rolled out. The buzziest moment centers on Wicked: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, once pegged as locks for acting nominations, did not crack the list this year. Their absence has fans debating whether the film can still ride a wave of affection into other categories or whether the Academy is shifting its focus.

Paul Mescal missed out for Hamnet, a turn that surprised many after a run of strong early notices. The snub adds another layer to the year’s crowded race, where performances across drama, comedy and adaptation are vying for a handful of coveted slots.

Meanwhile F1 landed a Best Picture nod, a shake up that has commentators weighing momentum and genre against tradition. Kate Hudson drew praise for her work in a tightly observed turn that some see as a quiet standout in a field crowded with big-name contenders.

Fans lit up social feeds with reactions, from astonishment to outright admiration for surprising choices. Experts warn that nominations do not always predict winners, and the real drama may unfold in the voting rooms once the campaigns heat up in the weeks before ceremony night.

With more reactions sure to roll in, the Oscars race this year promises to be defined as much by who was left out as who showed up.

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