5 Movies the Oscars 2026 Got Wrong by Leaving Them Out of the Nominees List
While some films easily made the shortlists, others – equally deserving – went unnoticed.
Awards season is entering its final stretch – the Oscars will be presented in Los Angeles on March 15. Despite the controversy, winning the golden statue remains the ultimate dream for filmmakers, and watching the ceremony remains a sacred rite for movie buffs worldwide.
However, every year, the Academy overlooks movies that clearly deserve recognition, and 2026 is no exception.
1. 'I Swear', 2025
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
John, a Scottish teenager, dreams of a career in soccer, and his parents invest their last money in his future. But his world collapses when he is diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, which causes him to exhibit tics and uncontrollable swearing, making him an outcast.
The movie is based on the true story of John Davidson, the most famous Briton with the condition. Despite brilliant performances by Robert Aramayo, social relevance, and two BAFTA awards, Kirk Jones' tragicomedy wasn't nominated for an Oscar.
2. 'Die My Love', 2025
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74%
The young couple, Grace and Jackson, moved from New York to a house in the woods where they pursued creativity and love. But the birth of their child shatters their idyll: Grace falls into a depression and loses control, leaving Jackson feeling helpless.
Lynne Ramsay's drama received high praise from critics, a six-minute standing ovation at Cannes and also won two BIFA awards. Jennifer Lawrence delivered one of the best performances of her career, yet she was overlooked by the Academy.
3. 'The Mastermind', 2025
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
2025 was a breakout year for Josh O'Connor – the British actor starred in four movies, including Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.
However, his best work was in Kelly Reichardt's heist drama The Mastermind, which missed out on an Oscar. Set in 1970s Massachusetts, the film follows JB, an unemployed man and dropout artist, who plans to rob a gallery out of either boredom or desire for money.
The two would-be robbers manage to steal four paintings, but the plan fails. Now, JB faces not only prison, but also a showdown with local gangsters who are hot on his trail.
4. 'The Life of Chuck', 2025
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%
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The Earth is dying – Scandinavia is sinking, California is splitting apart, and suicide rates are skyrocketing. A mysterious image of a smiling man with the caption "Thanks, Chuck!" appears on billboards around the world. Who is Chuck, and what does he have to do with the end of the world?
Despite its apocalyptic plot, Mike Flanagan's Stephen King adaptation was surprisingly warm. The movie missed out on an Oscar despite Tom Hiddleston's well-deserved nomination, but it won the People's Choice Award in Toronto.
5. 'Jay Kelly', 2025
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%
In Noah Baumbach's new movie, an aging Hollywood star named Jay Kelly is suffering from a creative crisis and the death of his mentor.
In an attempt to find himself, he embarks on a reflective journey through Europe with his devoted manager, Ron. From Paris to Tuscany, they reminisce, quarrel, and reconcile.
Adam Sandler delivered one of the best dramatic performances of his career in Jay Kelly and received a Golden Globe nomination, but was left off the Oscar shortlist – the biggest injustice of the season.
