Oscar Nominations 2026: Historic Milestones and Emotional Reactions
The 98th Academy Awards nominations have sparked celebrations across Hollywood, with Timothee Chalamet achieving a historic career milestone and Elle Fanning experiencing an emotional first-time nomination. Thursday morning's announcement revealed a diverse field of contenders, setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable awards season.
Chalamet's Record-Breaking Achievement
At just 30 years old, Timothee Chalamet has secured his third Best Actor nomination for his role in Marty Supreme, making him the youngest actor to receive three nominations in this category since Marlon Brando in the 1950s. The film itself emerged as a major awards contender with nine nominations overall.
Shortly after the announcement, Chalamet took to Instagram to share his excitement, reposting coverage with the caption 'BIG DREAAAAM!!!!!' and following up with a second post encouraging fans to 'dream big' while promoting the film's upcoming IMAX release on January 30.
This nomination follows Chalamet's previous recognition for Call Me By Your Name in 2018 and his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown in 2025. The actor has previously spoken candidly about the challenges of awards season, telling Vogue in November 2025 about the sting of losses and defending his dedication to his craft despite criticism.
Fanning's Emotional First Nomination
Meanwhile, 27-year-old Elle Fanning marked a significant career milestone with her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Sentimental Value. The actress shared a heartfelt reaction on social media, posting a screenshot of a FaceTime call capturing her real-time emotional response to the news as she spoke with director Joachim Trier and his wife.
'IS THIS REAL!?!?!?! IS THIS A DREAM!?!?!?! I can't catch my breath. I am in absolute shock,' Fanning wrote in her caption. She revealed that her mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt were with her at home to 'scream and hug and cry,' expressing particular gratitude for being recognized alongside the talented women in her category.
Support poured in from fellow stars including Brie Larson, Riley Keough, and Bijou Phillips, while Fanning celebrated the broader success of her film with the enthusiastic declaration: 'The whole house got nominated!!!'
Other Notable Reactions and Milestones
The nominations morning brought numerous emotional moments across Hollywood. Kate Hudson, earning her second Oscar nomination for Song Sung Blue, described the moment as 'thrilling' and shared that her mother Goldie Hawn has already begun planning outfits to accompany her as a 'beautiful Oscars date.' Hudson posted footage of herself in tears over the happy news alongside a sweet shot hugging her mother.
Her Song Sung Blue costar Hugh Jackman was among the first to congratulate her, calling the nod 'well deserved' on his Instagram Story, while friend Mindy Kaling expressed feeling 'so proud' of Hudson's achievement.
In a historic development, Sinners became the most-nominated film ever, with producers Ryan Coogler and Zinzi Coogler admitting the achievement hadn't fully sunk in yet. Other notable acting nominations included Ethan Hawke's fifth Oscar nod for Blue Moon and Amy Madigan's first nomination in four decades for Weapons, which she described as leaving her 'stunned.'
Gratitude and Recognition Among Nominees
Jessie Buckley, who received a Best Actress nomination for her role in Hamnet, expressed profound gratitude while acknowledging her costar Paul Mescal's contribution to their work together. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Buckley emphasized that 'there's no part of Agnes that exists without Paul' and that what was recognized in her nomination 'belongs to him as much as him being recognized in his own category would.'
In her official statement, Buckley expressed feeling 'so proud to be standing beside all these extraordinary artists and fellow nominees whose work has inspired' her, thanking director Chloé Zhao for inviting her into Maggie O'Farrell's world and acknowledging the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
With first-time nominees, record-breaking milestones, and heartfelt reactions pouring in from across the industry, the 2026 Oscars race is already shaping up to be one of the most emotionally resonant and historically significant ceremonies in recent memory, celebrating both established talents and exciting new voices in cinema.
