Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea/Variety
Oscars Shock: Grande and Erivo Snubbed
The 2026 Academy Award nominations shocked Hollywood watchers when they appeared on January 22, 2026. The major buzz focused on the absence of significant names. Most surprising was the exclusion of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo from the nominations. These two stars had been widely expected to earn nominations for their roles in Wicked: For Good but were left out entirely.
The sequel Wicked: For Good did not receive a single nomination for the 98th Oscars, despite winning praise from fans. Last year, the first Wicked film earned ten nominations including best picture nods. This made its sequel’s complete absence even more shocking to industry observers.
Grande and Erivo had standout performances as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively. Many awards season predictors thought they would land acting nominations. Grande was poised for a Best Supporting Actress nomination, while critics believed Erivo could receive a Best Actress nod based on her strong dramatic work.
Instead, both actresses found themselves excluded even though they had nominations from other award bodies earlier in the season. For example, Grande earned a Critics Choice nomination and both stars received Golden Globe recognition.
Fans reacted strongly online, calling the snubs “unjust” and “unexpected.” Many took to social platforms to express confusion and disappointment. Social media reactions ranged from shock to disbelief at how the Academy overlooked such high-profile performances.
The snubs became the talk of awards season and raised questions about how the Academy makes its nomination choices. Many wondered if the sequel simply failed to resonate with voters as much as the original movie did. Overall, the absence of both stars sparked debate about recognition, fairness, and how critical acclaim translates into Oscar nominations. The conversation showed how unpredictable awards seasons can be.
What Happened to Wicked: For Good
Wicked: For Good faced high expectations before the 2026 Oscar nominations were released. Its predecessor had made an impressive showing the prior year, securing ten Academy Award nominations and winning two. That set the stage for potentially strong awards season momentum.
However, this year’s nominations told a different story. Despite the sequel’s box office success, Wicked: For Good was shut out of all categories. This marked a stark contrast with its predecessor’s widespread recognition.
Industry insiders and critics pointed to a few factors that may have contributed. Some critics felt the sequel didn’t connect as deeply with audiences or voters. They argued that the film’s tone and pacing did not have the same emotional impact as the original.
One major point of discussion was about the film’s performances. Both Grande and Erivo delivered roles that many fans celebrated. Yet, Oscar voters chose not to nominate them. Experts speculated this could be because the film lacked broader acclaim across key awards season precursors.
In this year’s Oscar race, other films captured more attention from voters. For instance, the dramatic Sinners achieved a record 16 nominations, far surpassing other contenders. Similarly, One Battle After Another and Hamnet earned multiple nods. These films dominated critical conversations.
Awards analyst surveys showed Wicked: For Good receiving limited nominations in precursor awards such as Critics Choice and SAG. This lack of momentum likely weakened its Oscar chances.
Statistic comparisons emphasized how unusual this turn of events was. A major musical sequel not receiving any nominations is rare in Oscar history. This outcome underlined the Academy’s unpredictable voting patterns.
Ultimately, the snub signaled how success at the box office or even in Golden Globes does not always translate into Oscar recognition. The conversation opened debate over what qualities lead to Academy Award nominations.
Reactions from Fans and Industry
Once the nominations were revealed, reactions poured in from fans and industry observers across social media platforms and news sites. Many followers expressed disappointment that Grande and Erivo did not receive nominations. Numerous posts called the snubs “unjust” and “surprising.”
Fans highlighted that both actresses had built significant buzz throughout awards season. Grande’s role as Glinda earned her praise from critics and viewers alike. Likewise, Erivo’s performance as Elphaba drew admiration for its emotional depth.
Despite this admiration, neither secured nominations from the Academy, which sparked passionate responses online. Many fans argued that their absence showed a disconnect between fan sentiment and Academy voting patterns. Discussions grew especially loud on X and Reddit forums.
Entertainment columnists weighed in, noting that Wicked: For Good lacked the same awards season traction as other films. They pointed out that the movie had mixed critic reviews compared to strong fan support.
Some industry figures suggested that a crowded field in acting categories may have influenced the snubs. This year’s competition included standout performances from several critically adored films. Voters often gravitate toward dramatic roles in films that dominate multiple categories.
Supporters of Grande and Erivo also reminded audiences of past awards results. Both actresses had earned nominations for the original Wicked film in previous seasons, showing their talent and Academy appeal. Yet, despite enthusiastic support, Academy voters chose other performances and films for recognition. This outcome led to conversations about the complexity of award season predictions and the difficulties even acclaimed performers face.
Industry voices also discussed whether awards politics and voter fatigue affected the results. Some argued that sequels often face biases after an initial wave of nominations in the first film. Overall, reactions highlighted a booming cultural conversation that went beyond the nominations announcement itself. Fans, critics, and professionals all shared perspectives on what these snubs mean for awards seasons ahead.
Other Snubs and Surprises in the 2026 Race
While the exclusion of Grande and Erivo dominated headlines, the Oscars nominations unveiled many other unexpected results. A number of beloved performers and films missed out on nominations they were widely predicted to receive.
One major surprise was the film Sinners, which broke record after record with 16 nominations. This film dominated this year’s list of contenders and became the most nominated movie in Oscar history.
In addition, One Battle After Another and films like Sentimental Value and Hamnet garnered strong showings. Several actors from these films were recognized in lead and supporting categories.
Some notable snubs included performances by Paul Mescal, who had generated awards buzz for his dramatic role in Hamnet. Despite predictions, he did not receive a nomination. Other well-regarded talents such as Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt were also overlooked in acting categories. This revealed a highly competitive race and some surprising voting patterns.
Beyond actors, several films expected to compete strongly were shut out or received fewer nominations than anticipated. These omissions raised questions about how balancing critical acclaim and voter preferences shapes final results.
Even technical categories included surprises. Some productions praised for their sound and design were bypassed in favor of others with broader campaign backing. At the same time, the nominations did recognize breakout performances and films that exceeded expectations. For example, Kate Hudson earned a surprising Best Actress nomination, marking her first major nod in decades.
This year’s list also highlighted historical trends, such as the Academy’s growing acceptance of genre films and international storytelling. However, it still favored narratives that resonate deeply with voters. The mix of snubs and surprises made the 98th Oscars nominations one of the most discussed in recent memory. Many fans and critics alike will debate the decisions right up to the ceremony night.
What This Means for Awards Season and the Future
The 2026 Oscar nominations reminded audiences once again how unpredictable awards seasons can be. Even high-profile performers with solid fan bases can miss nominations due to complex voting dynamics.
For Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, this year’s snubs will likely become part of larger conversations about recognition and artistic merit. Both women brought talent and commitment to their roles, and fans continue to celebrate their work.
Critics and analysts emphasized that awards seasons are influenced by timing, critical reaction, campaign strategies, and voter trends. Simply having a successful box office year does not guarantee Oscar nods.
The snubs also opened discussions about how sequels fare compared to their originals in awards contexts. Some voters may be less inclined to reward similar performances too many times, especially if the film’s reception differs markedly from the first installment.
Looking ahead, this year’s results may shape how studios approach future awards campaigns. They might focus on highlighting different aspects of storytelling or gravitate toward performances with clear Emmy or Critics Choice success.
For fans, the snubs reinforced the emotional element of award shows. Supporters devoted to performers felt disappointment, while others celebrated surprising inclusions. This duality is part of what makes awards season a staple of entertainment culture.
The conversation will continue until the Oscars ceremony airs live on March 15, 2026. Many fans will tune in to see whether surprises emerge on awards night itself. Ultimately, the 2026 nominations highlighted the Academy’s diverse tastes and the unpredictable nature of film awards. They underscored that creativity, performance, and narrative resonance are valued in evolving ways.