Oscars Snubs and Surprises: The Ties, the Upsets, and the Films That Went Home Without Awards
The 98th Academy Awards, held this past Sunday, was notable for unexpected outcomes and notable snubs, despite the glamour that typically surrounds the Oscars. While Dame Anna Wintour’s dismissal of Anne Hathaway’s stunning gown drew attention, the focus turned quickly to the surprising wins and the films that went home empty-handed.
Among the titles that received no accolades were several nominees, such as Marty Supreme, Bugonia, Train Dreams, and The Secret Agent.
Key highlights from the evening included:
Surprise: First Casting Oscar Goes to ‘One Battle After Another’
Cassandra Kulukundis won the inaugural Oscar for Casting for One Battle After Another. Introduced by star Chase Infiniti, Kulukundis humorously noted that she achieved this honor before renowned director Paul Thomas Anderson, who later won three Oscars.
Snub: ‘Marty Supreme’
Josh Safdie’s ping pong film featuring Timothée Chalamet left the ceremony without a single award, despite nominations for Best Actor, Best Directing, and Best Picture. Chalamet, previously a frontrunner in the Lead Actor category, lost to Michael B. Jordan of Sinners.
Surprise: ‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’ Wins Documentary Feature
Mr. Nobody Against Putin stunned audiences by winning the Documentary Feature award. Competing films like The Perfect Neighbor and Come See Me in the Good Light were anticipated to come out on top.
Directed by David Borenstein and co-directed by Pavel “Pasha” Talankin, the film had faced challenges in securing U.S. distribution until its acquisition by Kino Lorber in January.
Snub: Ryan Coogler, Directing
Despite winning for Best Original Screenplay, Sinners’ Ryan Coogler lost both the directing and Best Picture categories to Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. Sinners, which gained momentum late in awards season, was seen as a strong contender for Best Picture.
Surprise: Live-Action Short Film Tie Between ‘The Singers’ and ‘Two People Exchanging Saliva’
Presenter Kumail Nanjiani announced a rare tie between The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva, encouraging the audience to remain calm during the surprise revelation. This marked the seventh tie in Oscar history, the latest being in 2013.
Snub: Stellan Skarsgård
Despite being a favorite for the Best Supporting Actor award, Stellan Skarsgård did not take home the Oscar, a surprise considering his recognition at the Golden Globes in the same category.
Snub: ‘Bugonia’
Bugonia faced disappointment despite nominations for Best Picture and Best Actress for Emma Stone, leaving it without any awards.
Snub: ‘Train Dreams’
The Netflix film Train Dreams also left empty-handed after nominations for Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay, Original Song, and Cinematography.
Snub: ‘The Secret Agent’
Cannes double winner The Secret Agent and its star Wagner Moura walked away without awards, despite multiple nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor.
