With Oscar nominations always comes the question, “Hey, what about THIS movie?”

L to R: Ariana Grande is Glinda and Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in WICKED FOR GOOD, directed by Jon M. Chu. (Courtesy:{ }Universal Pictures)

Plenty of great films were nominated, including “Sinners,” which set a new record with 16 nominations, as well as “One Battle After Another” and “Hamnet.” Still, some fans were left shocked by what did and didn't get recognized.

Surprise: “Sinners” record-breaking nominations

Michael B. Jordan was nominated for Best Actor for "Sinners." (Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures)

“Sinners” was a breakout hit in 2025 and has been going strong ever since its premiere. The Golden Globes didn’t show it much love, with only seven nominations and two wins (Best Original Score and Cinematic and Box Office Achievement), but the Academy clearly felt differently and showered the movie with its record-breaking 16 nominations.

Snub: No Love for “Wicked”

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Ariana Grande in a scene from "Wicked for Good.." (Universal Pictures via AP)

No one mourns the wicked, and apparently no one voted for “Wicked: For Good” in any category, even technical ones. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Ervio were shut out of the acting categories as well after both being nominated last year for “Wicked: Part One.”

Surprise: Kate Hudson in “Song Sung Blue”

(L to R) Kate Hudson as Claire Sardina and Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina in director Craig Brewer's SONG SUNG BLUE, a Focus Features release. Credit: Sarah Shatz/Focus Features ©{ }2025 All Rights Reserved.

Something about Kate Hudson and underdog musicians just works! Hudson earned her second ever Oscar nomination for “Song Sung Blue,” 25 years after her first nomination for another musical movie, “Almost Famous.”

Snub: Adam Sandler for “Jay Kelly”

Jay Kelly. (L-R) Adam Sandler as Ron Sukenick and George Clooney as Jay Kelly in Jay Kelly. Cr. Peter Mountain/Netflix © 2025.

Adam Sandler was considered a heavy favorite to pick up a Best Supporting Actor nomination, especially in light of his other dramatic work a few years ago in “Uncut Gems.” The movie’s star George Clooney also seemed like a potential, if distant, contender, but the movie wasn’t vibing with Oscar voters.

Surprise: “Sinners” Supporting Cast

DELROY LINDO as Delta Slim in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “SINNERS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

It was a no-brainer that Michael B. Jordan would land a nomination for playing twins in “Sinners,” but it was a delight to see the supporting cast of the film get some of the spotlight too, with Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku earning nominations in Best Supporting Actor and Actress, respectively.

WUNMI MOSAKU as Annie in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “SINNERS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

Snub: Paul Mescal for “Hamnet”

4238_D037_01257Paul Mescal stars as William Shakespeare in director Chloé Zhao’s HAMNET, a Focus Features release.Credit: Agata Grzybowska / © 2025 FOCUS FEATURES LLC

Many Oscar pundits seem to agree that Jessie Buckley is going to take home gold for her role in “Hamnet," but many have been surprised by the lack of nomination for her co-star, Paul Mescal, who delivered an excellent performance as William Shakespeare in the film.

Snub: Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, “The Smashing Machine”

This image released by A24 shows Dwayne Johnson in a scene from "The Smashing Machine." (A24 via AP)

Dwayne Johnson tried out his dramatic chops in “The Smashing Machine,” based on a true story of an MMA fighter, alongside Emily Blunt. While both stars earned Golden Globes nominations, the Academy skipped over the movie in favor of others.

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