Mona Fastvold’s The Testament of Ann Lee has been completely snubbed at this year’s Oscars, failing to receive a single nomination despite critical acclaim and several precursor awards nods. The film, which chronicles the rise of the Shaker movement under leader Mother Ann Lee, was expected to feature in categories including Best Actress for Amanda Seyfried, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song.
Amanda Seyfried’s performance as the Shaker founder had been nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award and a Golden Globe, leading many to believe the Academy would recognise her work. However, the actress, alongside the film’s score by Daniel Blumburg and the song Woman Clothed by the Sun, were all ignored. The film also stars Lewis Pullman and Thomasin McKenzie.
The snub is particularly notable given Fastvold’s recent success with The Brutalist, which earned 10 Oscar nominations in 2025. The Testament of Ann Lee is described as a daring, ambitious musical that blends cinematography, music and performance in an original way, despite a small budget. Observers have suggested that the film’s unconventional style may have placed it outside the Academy’s comfort zone.
The complete exclusion of a film that was widely considered a strong contender has left many baffled, with commentators noting that the Oscars have historically overlooked works that break new ground. The Testament of Ann Lee remains one of the most distinctive films of the year, yet the Academy deemed it unworthy of any recognition.
