Oscar Nominations Unveiled: Paul Mescal, Ariana Grande Among Notable Snubs as 'Sinners' Makes History
Oscar Snubs: Paul Mescal, Ariana Grande Overlooked in 2026 Nominations

98th Academy Awards Nominations Announced with Historic Feats and Surprising Omissions

The film industry's most anticipated morning has arrived, revealing the contenders for the 98th Academy Awards. This year's announcement brought a mix of expected accolades, groundbreaking achievements, and several high-profile oversights that have sparked immediate conversation across entertainment circles and among fans.

Record-Breaking Nominations and Leading Contenders

The epic drama 'Sinners' has carved its name into Oscars history, securing a record number of nominations for a single film. While the exact tally is part of the buzz, this achievement underscores the project's monumental impact on critics and awards voters alike. Meanwhile, the acclaimed feature 'One Battle After Another' demonstrated its formidable strength by picking up several key nods across major categories, positioning it as a central player in the upcoming ceremony.

Notable Snubs Stir Debate

As with every awards season, the list of nominees is accompanied by a parallel list of surprising absences. This year, two omissions have generated significant discussion:

  • Paul Mescal: The actor, whose recent performances have garnered critical praise and audience admiration, was overlooked despite strong precursor campaign momentum and industry speculation favoring his inclusion.
  • Ariana Grande: The multi-talented performer, who made a bold transition into a dramatic acting role this year, did not receive a nomination, marking one of the season's most talked-about surprises given the pre-announcement forecasts.

These snubs highlight the intensely competitive nature of the awards race and the subjective decisions made by the Academy's voting membership. They often lead to debates about artistic merit, campaign strategies, and the evolving tastes of the industry.

The Road to the Oscars Ceremony

With the nominees now official, the focus shifts to the final phase of campaigning before the live broadcast. The announced slate sets the stage for a ceremony that promises to celebrate cinematic excellence while inevitably reflecting the year's artistic trends and narratives. The inclusion of international and diverse voices, alongside mainstream contenders, will be a key theme as analysts dissect the list further in the coming weeks.

The full list of nominees across all categories provides a comprehensive snapshot of the year in film, from blockbusters to intimate independents. As the entertainment world digests today's news, anticipation builds for the Oscars ceremony itself, where these nominations will culminate in the awarding of the film industry's highest honors.