Introduction
The 2024 Oscars saw a mix of expected snubs and surprising nods that rattled the film-industry world. While star-studied performers like Ariana Grande and Paul Mescal missed out, veteran actor Delroy Lindo earned his first nomination for Sinners. The ceremony’s surprises and disappointments highlighted how the Academy’s choices can defy predictions.
At a Glance
- Ariana Grande and Wicked: For Good were left out of nominations.
- Delroy Lindo received his inaugural Oscar nod.
- Kate Hudson broke a 25-year nomination drought.
- Why it matters: These decisions shape careers, influence future projects, and reflect shifting tastes within the Academy.
Snub: Ariana Grande & Wicked: For Good
The original Wicked secured 10 nominations last year, yet its sequel, Wicked: For Good, received zero. Critics were less enthusiastic about the darker film, and Grande was widely expected to earn a supporting role nomination for Glinda. The outcome also left Cynthia Erivo out of the best-actress race and rejected the sequel for both craft and song, though Diane Warren still advanced.
Surprise: Delroy Lindo, Sinners
Delroy Lindo’s portrayal of Delta Slim in Sinners earned him a supporting-actor nomination-his first ever Oscar nod. The award also meant that another likely nominee was excluded, underscoring how the Academy can shift focus to overlooked performances.
Snub: Paul Mescal, Hamnet
Paul Mescal, who played grieving father William Shakespeare in Hamnet, was omitted from the nominations. The role would have marked his second Oscar nod; he previously received one for Aftersun in 2023.
Snub: Guillermo del Toro, Frankenstein
Three-time Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro was expected to secure a best-director nomination for Frankenstein, a passion project that earned nine other nominations. Instead, Joachim Trier was nominated for Sentimental Value. del Toro has only once been nominated for best director, for The Shape of Water, which he won.
Surprise: Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue
Kate Hudson broke a 25-year gap between acting nominations with her performance as Claire Sardina in Song Sung Blue. The nomination came after a wave of celebrity support and goodwill, marking a long-awaited recognition.
Snub: Chase Infiniti, One Battle After Another
Chase Infiniti’s debut role as Willa in One Battle After Another did not receive an Oscar nod. Her performance, central to Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, was praised as a powerful screen debut.
Snub: Amanda Seyfried, The Testament of Ann Lee
Amanda Seyfried, who turned on the visceral side in The Testament of Ann Lee, was overlooked for a leading-actress nomination. She has one previous nomination for playing Marion Davies in Mank.
Surprise: Amy Madigan, Weapons
Amy Madigan earned a supporting-actress nomination for Weapons, a horror film that received significant buzz. The Academy appeared to respond to calls for broader genre representation, even as other actresses from Marty Supreme and One Battle After Another were not included.
Snub: Jafar Panahi, It Was Just an Accident
Iranian director Jafar Panahi received screenplay and international-feature nominations for It Was Just an Accident, yet was omitted from best-picture and best-director categories. The film was produced clandestinely in Iran after a seven-month prison stint that ended in 2023.
Snub: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
The Academy again overlooked anime, leaving Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle-which earned $722 million worldwide-out of the animation category. Elio was the sole other nominee.
Snub: Jesse Plemons, Bugonia
Jesse Plemons missed a best-actor nomination for his role in Bugonia. His previous nomination came for The Power of the Dog. Ethan Hawke secured a nomination for Blue Moon in his stead.
Surprise: F1
The Formula One racing film F1 was a crowd-pleaser and a hit for Apple, yet it received no nominations for best picture.
Snub: Jay Kelly
Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, a comedic ode to Hollywood, earned zero nominations. Adam Sandler’s performance and Nicholas Britell’s score were praised, but the film did not resonate with the Academy.
Key Takeaways
- The Oscars can overturn expectations, granting nods to long-overlooked talent while leaving high-profile actors and films in the dust.
- Genre and format biases remain, as seen with the omission of anime and horror.
- The Academy’s choices continue to spark debate about representation, quality, and the influence of campaigns.
