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Kate Hudson In, Ariana Grande & Paul Mescal Out: 11 Oscar 2026 Nomination Surprises That’ll Keep You Guessing




Kate Hudson in, Ariana Grande and Paul Mescal Out: 11 Surprises From the 2026 Oscar Nominations

Kate Hudson in, Ariana Grande and Paul Mescal Out: 11 Surprises From the 2026 Oscar Nominations

11-surprises-from-the-2026-oscar-nominations

When the Academy announced its 2026 Oscar nominations, the industry buzz was already electric. While the headline categories – Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor – were largely predictable, the supporting categories offered a wild ride of unexpected snubs and thrilling breakthroughs. In this post we’ll walk through the 11 most striking surprises, from the snub of Ariana Grande’s “Wicked: For Good” to the surprise inclusion of Kate Hudson in “Song Sung Blue.” Along the way we’ll add some of our own take on what these nominations mean for the awards season, and why you should keep an eye on these contenders.

Table of Contents

1. Ariana Grande for Wicked: For Good – A Major Snub

Ariana Grande’s “Wicked: For Good” was one of the most talked‑about films of the year. Despite a strong opening and critical praise, the film did not receive a single nomination in the supporting‑actress category, a clear oversight that has fans and critics alike scratching their heads.

Why It Matters

  • Grande’s performance was a standout; critics praised her vocal delivery and stage presence.
  • The film had already been a fan favorite at the Venice Film Festival.
  • Missing out on a supporting‑actress nod means a lost chance for the film’s overall score.

Potential Impact on the Awards Season

If “Wicked: For Good” were to secure a nomination, it could boost its chances for Best Picture and Best Original Song, given its strong soundtrack. Keep an eye on how the Academy’s voting body might respond.

2. Elle Fanning for Sentimental Value – A Fresh Voice

Elle Fanning’s debut in the Oscars was a delightful surprise. The Hollywood star received a total of nine nominations, including a spot in Best Picture.

Key Highlights

  • Best Actress: Elle Fanning’s portrayal of the titular character in Joachim Trier’s Norwegian family drama.
  • Best Supporting Actress: Fanning’s performance earned her a nomination, a first for her career.
  • Best Cinematography: The film’s visual style was recognized, adding to its overall score.

What This Means for the Film

The nominations suggest that “Sentimental Value” will be a contender in the top categories. Its strong vote count could lead to a nomination in Best Director and Best Screenplay.

3. Wunmi Mosaku & Delroy Lindo for Sinners – A Power Couple

Michael B. Jordan’s “Sinners” received an earth‑shattering 16 nominations, the most in Oscar history. Among them were Mosaku and Lindo in the supporting categories.

Why It’s a Game Changer

  • Best Supporting Actress: Mosaku’s nuanced performance added depth to the film’s narrative.
  • Best Supporting Actor: Lindo’s role was praised for its authenticity.
  • Best Picture: The film’s overall nomination count points to a strong contender for the top prize.

Predictions for the 2026 Oscars

If “Sinners” continues its momentum, it could be a serious contender for Best Picture and Best Director. Keep an eye on how the film performs at the ceremony.

4. Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue – A Veteran’s Return

Kate Hudson’s nomination for “Song Sung Blue” is a welcome surprise for a veteran actor. Her last Oscar nomination was in 1996 for “Almost Famous.”

Highlights of the Nomination

  • Best Actress: Hudson’s performance was widely praised for its energy and charisma.
  • Best Supporting Actress: The nomination was a surprise that added to the film’s overall score.
  • Best Costume Design: The film’s wardrobe was recognized for its authenticity.

What This Means for the Industry

Hudson’s return to the Oscars could inspire other veteran actors to pursue new roles and nominations. It’s also a reminder that the Academy values talent and experience.

5. Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another – A Missed Chance

Despite a strong opening and positive reviews, “One Battle After Another” missed out on a Best Actress nomination.

Key Points

  • Best Actress: Infiniti’s performance was a highlight of the film.
  • Best Supporting Actress: The film also received a nomination for supporting actress.
  • Best Production Design: The film’s visual style was recognized.

What This Means for the Film

The nomination could boost the film’s chances for Best Picture and Best Original Song. Keep an eye on how the Academy’s voting body might respond.

6. Paul Mescal for Hamnet – A Forgotten Star

Paul mostrou for “Hamnet” was a major snub, despite a strong opening and critical praise.

Highlights of the Nomination

  • Best Actor: Mescal’s performance was a highlight of the film.
  • Best Supporting Actor: The film also received a nomination for supporting actor.
  • Best Costume Design: The film’s wardrobe was recognized for its authenticity.

What This Means for the Film

The nomination could boost the film’s chances for Best Picture and Best Director. Keep an eye on how the Academy’s voting body might respond.

7. Guillermo del Toro for Frankenstein – A Classic Win

Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” received a nomination for Best Actress and a spot in the overall score.

Key Points

  • Best Actress: Del Toro’s performance was praised for its energy and charisma.
  • Best Supporting Actress: The film also received a nomination for supporting actress.
  • Best Production Design: The film’s visual style was recognized.

Predictions for the 2026 Oscars

If “Frankenstein” continues its momentum, it could be a serious contender for Best Picture and Best Director. Keep an eye on how the film performs at the ceremony.

8. It Was Just an Accident – A Quiet Breakthrough

Despite a strong opening and positive reviews, “It Was Just an Accident” missed out on a Best Actress nomination.

Key Points

  • Best Actress: Infiniti’s performance was a highlight of the film.
  • Best Supporting Actress: The film also received a nomination for supporting actress.
  • Best Production Design: The film’s visual style was recognized.

What This Means for the Film

The nomination could boost the film’s chances for Best Picture and Best Original Song. Keep an eye on how the Academy’s voting body might respond.

9. F1 – A Rousing Performance

F1 was a surprise nomination that could boost the film’s chances for Best Picture and Best Original Song.

Key Highlights

  • Best Supporting Actress: The film’s performance was a highlight of the film.
  • Best Supporting Actor: The film also received a nomination for supporting actor.
  • Best Production Design: The film’s visual style was recognized.

What This Means for the Industry

F1’s nomination could inspire other filmmakers to pursue new roles and nominations. It’s also a reminder that the Academy values talent and experience.

10. Bugonia – A Greek Sensation

Bugonia was a surprise nomination that could boost the film’s chances for Best Picture and Best Original Song.

Key Points

  • Best Supporting Actress: Bugonia’s performance was a highlight of the film.
  • Best Supporting Actor: The film also received a nomination for supporting actor.
  • Best Production Design: The film’s visual style was recognized.

What This Means for the Film

The nomination could boost the film’s chances for Best Picture and Best Original Song. Keep an eye on how the Academy’s voting body might respond.

11. The Voice of Hind Rajab – A Hidden Gem

Hind Rajab’s nomination for “The Voice of Hind” was a surprise that added to the film’s overall score.

Highlights of the Nomination

  • Best Supporting Actress: Rajab’s performance was widely praised for its energy and charisma.
  • Best Supporting Actor: The film also received a nomination for supporting actor.
  • Best Production Design: The film’s visual style was recognized.

What This Means for the Industry

Rajab’s nomination could inspire other veteran actors to pursue new roles and nominations. It’s also a reminder that the Academy values talent and experience.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

When the Academy announced its 2026 Oscar nominations, the industry buzz was already electric. While the headline categories – Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor – were largely predictable, the supporting categories offered a wild ride of unexpected snubs and thrilling breakthroughs. In this post we’ll walk through the 11 most striking surprises, from the snub of Ariana Grande’s “Wicked: For Good” to the surprise inclusion of Kate Hudson in “Song Sung Blue.” Along the way we’ll add some of our own take on what these nominations mean for the awards season, and why you should keep an eye on these contenders.

We hope this breakdown helps you understand the 2026 Oscars better and gives you a roadmap for following the nominees throughout the season. Keep an eye on the nominees, support them, and enjoy the awards season!

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