From Wicked and Paul Mescal’s Shutouts to Kate Hudson’s Standout Moment

January 22, 2026: The 2026 Oscar nominations delivered no shortage of jaw-dropping moments. While some expected contenders were nowhere to be found, a few surprise names surged ahead, instantly reshaping awards-season conversations. From blockbuster musicals being overlooked to unexpected acting love, this year’s nominations proved once again that the Academy loves to defy predictions.

Here’s a breakdown of the biggest snubs and surprises that have everyone talking.

SNUB: Wicked Fails to Take Flight

Despite massive anticipation and strong box-office buzz, Wicked walked away from the nominations largely empty-handed. Many expected the film to land major nods in acting and technical categories, especially given its cultural impact and fan enthusiasm.

Instead, the musical’s absence from top categories left fans stunned — and reignited the long-running debate about the Academy’s complicated relationship with big, crowd-pleasing adaptations.

SNUB: Paul Mescal Shut Out

Paul Mescal entered awards season as a strong Best Actor contender, making his complete omission one of the most talked-about shocks of the morning. After earning critical praise for his emotionally layered performance, many believed he was a lock for a nomination.

His shutout has already sparked backlash online, with fans calling the snub one of the most glaring oversights of the year.

SURPRISE: Kate Hudson’s Awards Season Revival

On the flip side, Kate Hudson emerged as one of the morning’s biggest winners, earning a nomination that few had confidently predicted. Her performance marked a major moment in her career, signaling a return to serious awards recognition after years away from the Oscar spotlight.

The nomination was widely praised as a reminder of Hudson’s range — and a welcome surprise in an otherwise unpredictable lineup.

SNUB: Genre Films Once Again Overlooked

Several genre-driven films that performed well critically and commercially failed to break into major categories. Despite growing industry conversations about embracing diverse storytelling formats, the 2026 nominations suggest the Academy still leans traditional when it comes to prestige recognition.

SURPRISE: Unexpected Love in Acting Categories

Alongside Hudson, several under-the-radar performances earned nominations, pushing aside more established awards-season favorites. These surprise inclusions suggest voters may be shifting focus toward quieter, character-driven performances rather than headline-dominating campaigns.

What This Says About the 2026 Oscars

This year’s nominations underline one thing clearly: momentum doesn’t guarantee a nod. High expectations, box-office success, and online buzz don’t always translate into Academy recognition — while unexpected performances can still break through.

As awards season continues, the snubs and surprises of 2026 may end up shaping not just Oscar night, but how future contenders approach their campaigns.

What are the biggest stories trending online today? Read the latest here