The film world's most anticipated morning arrived as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled the nominations for the 98th Oscars on Thursday. While several productions celebrated multiple nominations, the announcement was equally notable for several high-profile omissions that have left industry observers and fans alike stunned.
Notable Absences From the Nomination Lists
Among the most discussed snubs was pop superstar Ariana Grande, who failed to secure a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Wicked: For Good. Her co-star Cynthia Erivo, who many predicted would be a contender for Best Actress, was also conspicuously absent from that category's lineup.
Additional Surprising Omissions
Further adding to the shock was the exclusion of Academy Award winner Gwyneth Paltrow, whose work in Marty Supreme was overlooked despite the film's overall strong showing in other categories. Perhaps most surprisingly, the blockbuster Avatar: Fire and Ash was completely absent from the Best Picture category, despite the third installment in James Cameron's franchise having grossed an impressive $1.3 billion worldwide.
The Nomination Announcement Ceremony
The nominations were revealed by actors Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman during a livestream from the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater. They announced contenders across all 24 categories, including the newly introduced casting award, which marks a significant addition to this year's ceremony.
Looking Ahead to Oscar Night
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre within Ovation Hollywood. The event will be broadcast live on ABC and televised in more than 200 territories across the globe, ensuring worldwide attention remains fixed on Hollywood's biggest night.
While films like Sinners, One Battle After Another, and Marty Supreme performed well in the nominations, the conversation has been dominated by those notable names and projects that the Academy chose to overlook this awards season.
