Hollywood Upset: Paul Mescal & Dwayne Johnson'S Oscar Snub Stirs The Pot

Oscar Snubs Rock Hollywood – Fans in Uproar

The Oscars 2026 nominations are shaking up Tinseltown, and not in the way many expected. When the Academy unveiled its lineup for this year’s prestigious awards, fans were quick to notice the glaring omissions of Paul Mescal and Dwayne Johnson. While some artists are basking in the glow of their well-earned nominations, others, like Mescal and Johnson, are conspicuous by their absence.

Paul Mescal's Absence Shocks Fans

Paul Mescal, whose performance as William Shakespeare in "Hamnet" captured the hearts of audiences, was notably left out. Directed by the Oscar-winning Chloé Zhao, "Hamnet" has racked up eight nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, with Jessie Buckley in the running for Best Actress. Despite the film’s success, Mescal’s name was surprisingly missing from the Best Actor category.

Jessie Buckley, Mescal’s co-star, expressed her dismay to The Hollywood Reporter, stating, “I know what we created together is something that’s so special to us, and I hold that so dearly in my heart, and there’s no part of Agnes that exists without Paul. There’s no part of what I created or what we created in this story which exists without Paul and what he poured into this story. So what is recognized belongs to him as much as him being recognized in his own category would.”

Dwayne Johnson's Bid Falls Short

Meanwhile, Dwayne Johnson was also a notable absentee from the Best Actor nominees. Johnson's portrayal of Mark Kerr in "The Smashing Machine" drew praise, yet failed to secure an Oscar nod. The film itself managed only a single nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

As the news spread, social media platforms buzzed with support for the snubbed stars. A fan took to X to voice their frustration, saying, “I have to live in a world where Paul Mescal is not an Oscar nominee for Hamnet.” Another post declared, “This has to be the biggest Oscar snub this year??? Poor Dwayne.”

Looking Ahead to the Oscars Night

As the countdown to the 98th Oscars continues, set to dazzle at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 15, fans and critics alike are gearing up for what promises to be a night full of surprises. The ceremony will be available to stream on Hulu and ABC, ensuring everyone gets a front-row seat to this star-studded spectacle. It’s Hollywood drama at its finest – who will take home the coveted gold statuette? Stay tuned!