Chase Infinity and 4 Other Actors Ignored by the 2026 Oscars Who Deserved a Nomination
These are the biggest Oscar snubs of this year.
Although the 2026 Oscar nominations are full of talented individuals, the Academy's decision is (once again) controversial.
Behind the glittering facade of official recognition are performances that have become true revelations of the season, capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide.
1. Joel Edgerton for 'Train Dreams'
Train Dreams is a quiet drama about the life of an ordinary man. It premiered at Sundance, instantly captivating critics and becoming one of the year's most anticipated premieres.
Ultimately, the movie received nominations for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Song. However, many were displeased that the Academy overlooked Joel Edgerton's performance as the taciturn lumberjack.
Edgerton delivered a truly impressive performance, conveying his character's pain without many words.
2. Amanda Seyfried for 'The Testament of Ann Lee'
2025 was Amanda Seyfried's year. Over the course of the following months, the series Long Bright River and two movies starring the actress, The Housemaid and The Testament of Ann Lee, were released. The latter was screened in the main program of the Venice Film Festival.
Unfortunately, Mona Fastvold's movie had little chance of being nominated for an Oscar because it wasn't even on the shortlist. However, devoted fans of the musical never gave up hope of seeing Seyfried among the contenders.
3. Chase Infiniti for 'One Battle After Another'
Paul Thomas Anderson's movie is one of the favorites of awards season, having received 13 Oscar nominations. The film stars talented newcomer Chase Infiniti, who was a key contender for numerous awards.
Although Infiniti was nominated for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA, she was overlooked by the Academy. She presumably lost out to Kate Hudson, whose nomination for her role in Song Sung Blue was less expected.
4. Jesse Plemons for 'Bugonia'
Yorgos Lanthimos' movies typically make it onto the Oscar shortlist. This time, Bugonia is among the nominees, competing for awards in four categories: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score.
Jesse Plemons plays a maniacal conspiracy theorist who tries to expose either an alien or a corporate executive.
The actor's impressive performance failed to earn a nomination. However, Plemons didn't go completely unnoticed – he received Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations.
5. Lee Byung-hun for 'No Other Choice'
This isn't the first time the Academy has overlooked Korean director Park Chan-wook. In 2023, the detective drama Decision to Leave was also overlooked.
Three years later, Park's next project, No Other Choice, failed to receive a single nomination. The thriller, starring Lee Byung-hun, premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
It could have easily competed for Best International Film, and Lee Byung-hun, who played a desperate, unemployed man, clearly deserved more recognition.
