Main 2026 Oscar Snub Is No Nomination for Amanda Seyfried for This Musical Drama

The Academy's most glaring omission this year was failing to nominate Amanda Seyfried for her poignant performance in The Testament of Ann Lee.

This role should have finally cemented her status as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, especially since the actress demonstrated incredible creative expression in three projects this year.

What Is 'The Testament of Ann Lee' About?

Mona Fastvold's movie transports us to 18th-century England. Ann Lee, an ordinary seamstress, is devastated by the death of her children, who pass away one by one in infancy. Her husband sees no reason to stop, but Ann cannot bear the loss of her children.

Seeking refuge from her emotional and physical pain, she joins a religious "society of friends," where her grief and ecstatic faith gradually transform into something greater.

Through mystical revelations and a search for freedom from suffering, Ann recognizes herself as the second coming of Christ in female form.

'The Testament of Ann Lee' Is One of the Strongest Performances in Amanda Seyfried's Career

Amanda Seyfried doesn't merely play a grieving woman, she embodies a spiritual and emotional transformation.

This transformation is conveyed not only through dialogue but also through body language, flawless vocals in complex musical numbers, and hypnotic, trancelike Shaker dances.

Seyfried engages in an incredibly intimate dialogue with the camera. Her expression transcends the screen and forces the viewer to physically feel every emotion, from the deepest despair to religious ecstasy.

'The Testament of Ann Lee' Was Poised to Be the Film That Would Bring the Actress an Oscar Nomination

Everything was falling into place perfectly. The movie won acclaim at the Venice Film Festival, and Seyfried received a Golden Globe nomination. In a year when she also shone in the series Long Bright River and the thriller The Housemaid, her chances seemed ideal.

The Testament of Ann Lee offered precisely the type of role prized by the Academy: a historical biopic demanding deep psychological insight and the ability to carry the film's full dramatic weight.

Therefore, the Academy's final decision was all the more painful, especially considering the nominations given to far weaker and more superficial performances, such as Kate Hudson's in Song Sung Blue.

The actress's omission isn't a personal failing, but rather a symptom of a deeper problem: the industry still seems unwilling to take Seyfried seriously despite her years of effort and obvious talent.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Testament of Ann Lee'?

• The Testament of Ann Lee has 88% from critics and 83% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.0/10.

• On Letterboxd, The Testament of Ann Lee scored 3.6/5.0.

Where to Watch 'The Testament of Ann Lee'?

The Testament of Ann Lee is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.