The 98th Academy Awards, held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, saw a dominant performance by “A Battle After Another,” which swept six major prizes, solidifying its status as the night’s undeniable champion. While one film celebrated widespread triumph, several other highly anticipated titles concluded the ceremony empty-handed.
Among the ten films vying for the coveted Best Picture award, a significant four departed the prestigious event without a single win. These productions had also competed vigorously in various other categories, accumulating multiple nominations throughout the awards season.
The outcomes underscored the Academy’s often unpredictable voting patterns, leaving critical darlings and box office successes alike to face the disappointing reality of a shutout. The night highlighted a clear divide between the acclaimed winners and those who, despite strong campaigns and critical praise, ultimately failed to convert nominations into golden statuettes.
Unfolding the night’s biggest upset
The Academy Awards ceremony is renowned for its surprises, and the 2026 edition was no exception, particularly for films that garnered substantial attention leading up to the event. Despite robust campaigns and significant critical buzz, a notable portion of the Best Picture contenders found themselves overlooked when the envelopes were opened. This left many industry observers and fans questioning the Academy’s final decisions, especially given the consistent recognition these films had received from other major awards bodies.
‘The Secret Agent’s’ critical acclaim vs. Oscar shutout
“The Secret Agent,” a Brazilian production directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, made an indelible mark throughout the 2026 awards season, earning widespread international praise. The film, which had already secured significant victories at both the Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globe Awards, entered the Oscar race with considerable momentum, representing a historic moment for Brazilian cinema on the global stage.
Its nominations were diverse and prominent, including bids for Best Picture, Best International Film, Best Ensemble, and Best Actor for Wagner Moura, whose performance captivated audiences and critics alike. Despite this impressive haul of nominations and prior wins, the film concluded the Oscar ceremony without any awards, a result that surprised many who had predicted at least one win for the critically lauded feature.
‘Marty Supreme’ leads in nominations, falls short
Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme” emerged as one of the most nominated films of the year, securing an impressive nine nods from the Academy. The gritty drama was a strong contender in multiple technical and acting categories, with particular attention paid to Timothée Chalamet’s performance, widely considered a front-runner for the Best Actor award.
Expectations were high for Chalamet to finally clinch his first Oscar, given his compelling portrayal. However, the category ultimately went to Michael B. Jordan for his role in “Sinners,” leaving “Marty Supreme” to depart the event entirely without any awards, a stark contrast to its numerous nominations and the buzz it generated.
The silent exits: ‘Train Dreams’ and ‘Bugonia’
Adding to the list of films that experienced an Oscar night devoid of wins were “Train Dreams” and “Bugonia,” both of which secured four nominations each. “Train Dreams” was particularly recognized for its visual artistry, earning a nod for Best Cinematography for the Brazilian talent Adolpho Veloso, who had been praised for his evocative work.
Despite the critical acclaim for its cinematography and other categories, “Train Dreams” was ultimately bypassed by the Academy in all its nominated fields. The film’s compelling narrative and stunning visuals, while admired, did not translate into an Oscar win, marking a quiet end to its awards journey.
“Bugonia” also found itself in a similar position, collecting four nominations but ultimately failing to secure any awards. The film, which had generated discussion for its unique storytelling and technical achievements, passed through the ceremony without registering a win, much to the surprise of its supporters.
Both “Train Dreams” and “Bugonia” represented significant artistic endeavors that resonated with critics and specific segments of the audience. Their nominations were a testament to their quality and the impact they made within the cinematic landscape of the year. However, the competitive nature of the Oscars meant that even well-regarded films, with multiple nods, could walk away empty-handed, underscoring the fierce competition across all categories.
Beyond the main winners: other narratives of the 98th Academy Awards
While the focus often remains on the Best Picture winner and the major snubs, the 98th Academy Awards presented several other significant narratives. Jessie Buckley, for instance, cemented her status as the season’s most celebrated actress, taking home multiple accolades leading up to the Oscars and confirming her dominant run.
Another memorable moment involved Timothée Chalamet, who reacted visibly to light-hearted jokes about a recent controversy during the broadcast. His candid expression provided a moment of viral amusement, illustrating the blend of high-stakes competition and casual banter that often defines Hollywood’s biggest night.
The evening was a mix of anticipated victories and unexpected disappointments, reflecting the diverse opinions within the Academy and the broader film industry. For many, the true measure of a film’s success extends beyond the statuettes, resting instead on its lasting impact and critical dialogue.
