The 98th Academy Awards show a disturbingly low tally of queer nominations. Yet diversity remains evident, based on the nominations announced on Thursday: Ryan Coogler’s epic Blood & Sinners, which, like many vampire films, carries a queer subtext, dominates the list of nominees with 16 chances at an Academy Award.
Moreover, another record is being set: ten Black artists were recognized for their work on the film, according to Variety. This ties Blood & Sinners with Judas and the Black Messiah from 2021. There’s also a record year for Latino artists. Women are being increasingly represented as well: with 74 nominations there are three more than in 2023 — the most ever.
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Nevertheless, queer hopes were dashed: notably, Wicked: Part 2 was completely overlooked and received not a single nomination. The first part had managed ten nominations and won two Oscars.
The gay costume designer Paul Tazewell, who in 2025 made Oscar history with his work on the first Wicked film, as well as the film’s queer lead Cynthia Erivo, were surprisingly ignored in the nominations. Ariana Grande also went home empty-handed, and none of the original songs from Wicked: Part 2 — “The Girl in the Bubble” and “No Place Like Home” — were recognized. On social media there are many complaints about the snubs. “You all deserve better,” wrote one stunned fan.
wicked for good getting ZERO nominations at the oscars is weird idc. not even costume design??? production design??? visual effects??? song??? and ariana and cynthia you both deserve better pic.twitter.com/fgdLH64NHm
landon (@blazedbyler) January 22, 2026
No nominations were also awarded to queer projects such as “Twinless,” “The Wedding Banquet” or “The History of Sound,” to name just a few.
A few bright spots
There are nonetheless some bright spots: “Come See Me in the Good Light” earned a nomination for Best Documentary. The film tells the story of Andrea Gibson (1975–2025), a nonbinary slam poet and activist. Additionally, “A Friend of Dorothy,” featuring Miriam Margolyes and Stephen Fry, has a shot at Best Short Film. The 21‑minute British production explores queer history and identity.
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The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place overnight from March 15 to March 16. In Germany, the TV channel ProSieben aired the mega-event live from Sunday to Monday night. The ceremony will be hosted again by comedian Conan O’Brien. (dk)
