Oscars 2026: Hollywood Stars React to Historic Academy Award Nominations
Across Hollywood, the announcement of the 2026 Oscar nominations sparked a wave of emotional and reflective responses from nominees, with figures like Ryan Coogler, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Rose Byrne sharing their personal journeys and artistic philosophies. The nominations, revealed on Thursday, 22nd January 2026, have set the stage for a ceremony celebrating diverse storytelling and cinematic excellence.
Ryan Coogler's Tribute to His Late Uncle
Director Ryan Coogler, whose blues-infused vampire film Sinners earned a record-breaking 16 nominations, spoke poignantly about the project's origins. I wrote this script for my uncle who passed away 11 years ago, Coogler revealed in an interview. He imagined his uncle listening to blues music in celebration, adding, I love making movies. I'm honored to wake up every day and do it. Despite the lack of sleep from writing the night before, Coogler expressed gratitude for his nominations in best picture, director, and screenplay categories.
Leonardo DiCaprio on the Communal Experience of Cinema
Leonardo DiCaprio, nominated for best actor for his role in One Battle After Another, emphasised the importance of memorable films and original filmmaking. To me what matters is great ideas and original filmmaking, he stated. DiCaprio highlighted the inherent human desire for shared experiences, noting, The communal experience of watching a film together and picking up on emotions with a population of people around you is what makes cinema special.
Rose Byrne's Intensive Preparation and Nocturnal Celebration
Rose Byrne, nominated for best actress for If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, detailed the rigorous rehearsal process that shaped her performance. We did the movie in 27 days for like $8.50, and it was two takes, maybe three, she recounted. Byrne praised director Mary Bronstein for pushing a performance-driven approach, with five weeks of intensive rehearsals. That preparation was such a gift, she said. Upon learning of her nomination in the middle of the night in Australia, Byrne described a chaotic scene with her husband Bobby Cannavale and parents, culminating in a shot of adrenaline that left her wide awake.
Other Notable Reactions from Oscar Nominees
Ludwig Göransson, nominated for best original score and original song for Sinners, described the film as a family affair and highlighted its celebration of blues music's cultural impact. Diane Warren, earning her 17th nomination for best original song with Dear Me, expressed humility, stating, to be nominated is winning because these are the best of the best.
Liza Marshall, producer of best picture nominee Hamnet, shared amazement at the film's emotional resonance with audiences and praised star Jessie Buckley's primal, wordless performances. Alexandre Desplat, nominated for best original score for Frankenstein, discussed the film as part of a triptych on empathy, while Nicholas Pike and Bryce Dessner reflected on the rarity of operatic nominations and the themes of grief in their respective works.
These reactions underscore the dedication and passion driving this year's Oscar contenders, offering a glimpse into the personal stories behind the accolades.
