Major Oversights

Daniel Craig’s Gritty Performance Overlooked
Despite critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination, Daniel Craig was excluded for his daring performance in Queer. The film’s surreal themes may have alienated voters, with the final Best Actor spot going to Sebastian Stan for The Apprentice.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste Misses the Cut
Praised for her raw and unflinching portrayal in Hard Truths, Marianne Jean-Baptiste failed to secure a nomination. Limited exposure and discomfort with her morally ambiguous character likely played a role in this snub.

Star Power Fails to Shine
Angelina Jolie (Maria) and Nicole Kidman (Babygirl) were both shut out. Jolie’s biopic was criticized for being emotionally detached, while Kidman’s thriller faced poor marketing that undermined its impact.

Denzel Washington’s Surprising Snub
Denzel Washington’s scene-stealing role in Gladiator II was notably absent from the list, marking only the third snub in his illustrious career.

Selena Gomez and Challengers Overlooked
Selena Gomez’s bilingual performance in Challengers and the film’s Golden Globe-winning score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross failed to make the cut, surprising many.

Unexpected Triumphs

Sebastian Stan’s Bold Trump Portrayal Recognized
Sebastian Stan defied expectations with a Best Actor nomination for his portrayal of a young Donald Trump in The Apprentice. The film’s turbulent release and legal challenges didn’t deter voters. Jeremy Strong also earned a Supporting Actor nod for his role as Roy Cohn.

Fernanda Torres Continues Family Legacy
Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here) became Brazil’s second-ever Best Actress nominee, following her mother Fernanda Montenegro’s 1998 nomination for Central Station. Globe wins and strong voter enthusiasm helped propel her into the spotlight.

Underdogs Break Into Best Picture
Nickel Boys and I’m Still Here shocked audiences by landing Best Picture nominations, even though their stunning visuals were overlooked in technical categories.

Dark Horses Make Their Mark
Coralie Fargeat (The Substance) emerged as the sole female nominee for Best Director, while Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown) edged out established actresses for Supporting Actress.

Historic First for Trans Representation
Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez) made history as the first openly trans nominee for Best Actress. Her performance anchored the year’s most-nominated film, which received 13 nods.

Golden Globes Fuel Oscar Momentum
High-profile wins at the Golden Globes, including Fernanda Torres and Demi Moore (The Substance), played a significant role in shaping the Oscars, reaffirming the Globes’ renewed influence.

Key Takeaways

• Breaking Barriers: Karla Sofía Gascón’s nomination and Flow’s recognition in both Animated and International Feature categories marked historic milestones.
• Genre Recognition: The horror-thriller The Substance earned rare nominations for Best Picture and Best Director.
• Commercial Bias Remains: Despite critical acclaim, indie films like Sing Sing and Furiosa struggled to compete with blockbuster contenders.