5 Shocking Oscar Snubs and Surprises That May Impact the Race

The 2026 Academy Awards race is heating up, influenced significantly by the recent BAFTA nominations. This year, the BAFTAs released their nominations after the Academy revealed its nominees, changing the usual timeline. This shift has introduced several surprises and notable omissions that may impact Oscar campaigning in the coming weeks.

Key Surprises and Snubs Impacting the Oscar Landscape

• Kate Hudson’s Comeback: Kate Hudson received a Best Actress nomination for her role in Song Sung Blue. Despite missing the Critics Choice nomination, she now joins Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone in the race. Hudson’s extensive family support may bolster her campaign efforts.
• Amy Madigan’s Omission: Amy Madigan was expected to garner a nomination for her performance in a horror film. After a win at the Critics Choice, she missed out on the BAFTAs and also the Golden Globes. This absence suggests a continued bias against horror films in the Oscar race.
• Delroy Lindo’s Unique Situation: Delroy Lindo earned a Best Supporting Actor nod without prior nominations from critics, a rare accomplishment. However, he too was snubbed at the BAFTAs, which complicates his chances for Oscar recognition.
• Animated Feature Surprises:KPop Demon Hunters missed out on a nomination for Best Animated Feature, which was unexpected given its popularity. Instead, the category recognized other films such as Pixar’s Elio and Disney’s Zootopia 2.
• Chase Infiniti’s Rising Star Award: Chase Infiniti is nominated for the Rising Star Award and aims to become the third American to win this honor since 2009. While her Best Actress chances seem grim, a victory in the Rising Star category could benefit her film, One Battle.

The Impact of Snubs on Oscar Predictions

As the Oscar race unfolds, the recent BAFTA nominations provide insight into possible outcomes. The following lists highlight leads among various categories.

The coming weeks will be crucial as actors and filmmakers ramp up their campaigns for the Oscars. The intersection of these surprising nominations and omissions could redefine the competitive landscape for one of the most prestigious awards in the film industry.