5 Shocking Oscar Snubs and Surprises That Could Alter the Race
The 2026 Academy Awards race is heating up, marked by surprising performances and notable omissions among nominees. This year, the BAFTA nominations arrived after the Academy’s nominations, diverging from previous patterns. This shift allows insights into how films like *Sinners* and *One Battle After Another* might fare as Oscar night approaches.
Key Snubs and Surprises of the 2026 Oscar Race
Gold Derby identified five significant snubs and surprises that could impact the Oscar campaign strategies of various contenders.
1. Kate Hudson’s Unexpected Momentum
Actress Kate Hudson has reemerged as a strong contender for Best Actress. Her performance in *Song Sung Blue* has earned her nominations at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards, alongside her BAFTA nod. This marks her return to the awards scene after a 25-year gap since *Almost Famous*.
- Kate Hudson’s nominations include:
- BAFTA
- Golden Globes
- SAG Awards
- She faces competition from:
- Jessie Buckley
- Rose Byrne
- Renate Reinsve
- Emma Stone
Despite trailing Buckley in rankings, her campaign might gain momentum, positioning Hudson as a serious contender by Oscar night.
2. Amy Madigan Misses BAFTA Nomination
Amy Madigan seemed poised for a strong showing in the Best Supporting Actress category but failed to secure a BAFTA nomination. Her performance in a horror film did not earn the recognition anticipated after a Critics Choice win.
With Teyana Taylor winning the Golden Globe, Madigan’s chances may have dimmed as the horror genre continues to struggle at the Oscars.
3. Delroy Lindo’s Unique Oscar Journey
Delroy Lindo of *Sinners* achieved a rare feat by receiving a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination without prior accolades from other prestigious awards. However, his exclusion from the BAFTA nominations could hint at a challenging road ahead.
Currently, he ranks behind Benicio Del Toro and Stellan Skarsgård in the Oscar predictions, making their competition critical as the awards season unfolds.
4. Best Animated Feature Surprises
The absence of *KPop Demon Hunters* from the BAFTA’s Best Animated Feature nominations raised eyebrows. Instead, titles like *Elio*, *Little Amélie or the Character of Rain*, and *Zootopia 2* garnered spots. Despite the snub, *KPop Demon Hunters* maintains strong odds with 100% approval among experts for the Oscars.
5. Rising Star Award Implications
Chase Infiniti, although out of the Best Actress running, is a contender for the BAFTA Rising Star Award. With notable predecessors, she has the potential to make history as only the third American to win this title since 2009.
This award could elevate the profile of *One Battle*, particularly as both *One Battle* and *Sinners* vie for wins leading up to the Oscars.
Conclusion
As the Oscar race develops, the surprising nominations and omissions have reshaped expectations for the upcoming awards. With weeks left before the ceremony, campaigning strategies will play a pivotal role in determining the outcomes for these films and performances.
