Oscars 2026: Diversity Debate Erupts Amid Surprising Nominations and Snubs

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled its list of nominees for the 98th Academy Awards, immediately drawing criticism for overlooking several acclaimed films and performances by women and people of color. The backlash comes amid ongoing calls for greater representation in Hollywood, echoing previous years’ #OscarsSoWhite and similar movements.

Among the most discussed snubs is director Ava DuVernay’s historical epic "Liberty’s Call," which was widely predicted to secure multiple nominations but received only two, both in technical categories. Meanwhile, blockbuster hit "Neon Skies," starring Korean-American lead Min Ji Park, was shut out of major categories, despite strong box office and critical acclaim, according to Variety.

In a twist, indie drama "Silent River" emerged as a frontrunner, earning nine nominations including Best Picture and Best Director for first-time nominee Jordan Keane. The film’s unexpected dominance has upended award season predictions, with industry analysts scrambling to reassess their forecasts, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Veteran actor Samuel Grant, long considered overdue for Oscar recognition, finally landed his first Best Actor nod for his role in "The Last Word." However, the omission of rising star Priya Patel from the Best Actress category, despite her acclaimed performance in "Shadows of Mumbai," has sparked outrage on social media and among advocacy groups.

The nominations have triggered a wave of responses from celebrities and industry leaders. Ava DuVernay posted on X (formerly Twitter), "We celebrate our team and all storytellers. The work continues." The Asian American Media Coalition issued a statement condemning the lack of recognition for "Neon Skies," calling it "a missed opportunity for progress."

Hashtags like #OscarsSoWhite and #OscarsSoMale trended within hours of the announcement, reflecting widespread frustration. According to data from Twitter Trends, posts mentioning "Oscar snubs" surged by 300% compared to last year’s nomination day.

The Academy has defended its process, highlighting recent reforms aimed at increasing membership diversity. In a statement to Deadline, Academy President Janet Yang said, "We are committed to recognizing excellence in all its forms and continue working to broaden our perspectives."

Since 2020, the Academy has expanded its voting body to include more women and people of color, and introduced new representation and inclusion standards for Best Picture eligibility. However, critics argue these measures have not gone far enough, pointing to this year’s nominations as evidence.

The disconnect between box office success and Oscar recognition is also under scrutiny. "Neon Skies" grossed over $400 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo, but was overlooked in all major categories. Similarly, "Liberty’s Call" was a critical darling, with a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but failed to break into the top races.

Some industry observers suggest that the Academy’s traditional tastes continue to favor prestige dramas over popular or genre films, despite public calls for change. Film critic Carla Mendoza told The New York Times, "The Oscars are still struggling to catch up with the audiences they hope to represent."

The ongoing debate has implications beyond awards season. Studios and filmmakers are increasingly aware that recognition—or lack thereof—can impact careers, future projects, and audience trust. Advocacy groups are pressing for more transparent nomination criteria and accountability from the Academy.

Some insiders predict that the controversy could influence next year’s awards cycle, with more studios campaigning for diverse films and performances. Others warn that persistent snubs may erode the Oscars’ cultural relevance, especially among younger and more diverse viewers.

As the countdown to the Oscars ceremony on March 29 continues, all eyes are on the Academy’s next moves. The organization faces mounting pressure to deliver on its promises of inclusion, while the industry debates what true progress looks like. The outcome of this year’s awards could set the tone for Hollywood’s future.

Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, The New York Times, Box Office Mojo, Rotten Tomatoes, Twitter Trends.