At a Glance
- Paul Mescal was left out of the 98th Academy Awards’ Best Supporting Actor field on January 22, 2026.
- The five-man nominee list included Benicio del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Delroy Lindo, Sean Penn and Stellan Skarsgård.
- Mescal had earned nominations at the Critics Choice, Golden Globe and Actor Awards for his role in Hamnet.
- Why it matters: The exclusion sparks debate over the Oscars’ nomination process and highlights the film’s critical acclaim.
The 98th Academy Awards announced its nominees on January 22, 2026, but left out Irish actor Paul Mescal from the Best Supporting Actor category. Mescal, 29, portrayed William Shakespeare in Hamnet, a fictional account of the playwright’s relationship with his wife, Agnes. The film earned him nominations at the Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globe Awards and Actor Awards this season.
A Surprise Omission
The Best Supporting Actor field for the 2026 Oscars consisted of five names:
- Benicio del Toro – One Battle After Another
- Jacob Elordi – Frankenstein
- Delroy Lindo – Sinners
- Sean Penn – One Battle After Another
- Stellan Skarsgård – Sentimental Value
Mescal’s exclusion was unexpected, especially after his strong showing at other major awards. The Academy’s five-man limit meant that even well-received performances could be overlooked.
Jessie Buckley’s Reaction
Jessie Buckley, who co-starred with Mescal in Hamnet, reacted publicly to the news. She told The Hollywood Reporter:
> “Yeah, look, I think he’s extraordinary in this film. I know I’ve met a partner for life in doing this with him,” Buckley said.
Buckley added that Mescal’s artistry would continue to grow and that his work should be recognized in his own category. She also reflected on the collaborative nature of Hamnet:
> “I know what we created together is something that’s so special to us, and I hold that so dearly in my heart,” she told THR. “There’s no part of Agnes that exists without Paul.”
Buckley herself was nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars, joining a field that included Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Renate Reinsve and Emma Stone.
Context: Other Nominations
Mescal’s nominations at other award shows underscore the breadth of his acclaim:
| Award | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Critics Choice Awards | Hamnet | William Shakespeare |
| Golden Globe Awards | Hamnet | William Shakespeare |
| Actor Awards (formerly SAG) | Hamnet | William Shakespeare |
The Academy’s decision contrasts with these recognitions, raising questions about the criteria used to narrow the field to five.
The Oscars Landscape
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET on ABC, with live streaming on Hulu. Conan O’Brien will return as host for the ceremony.
Starting in 2029, the awards show will transition to YouTube, marking a significant shift in distribution strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Mescal was omitted from the Oscars’ Best Supporting Actor nominees, despite multiple other award nominations.
- Jessie Buckley publicly defended Mescal’s performance and highlighted their collaborative work.
- The Oscars’ five-man limit can exclude strong performances, sparking debate over the nomination process.
- The ceremony will be hosted by Conan O’Brien on March 15, 2026, with future broadcasts moving to YouTube in 2029.
The exclusion of Mescal highlights the tension between critical acclaim and the Academy’s limited nominee slots, prompting discussions about how the Oscars can better reflect industry achievements.
