Ariana Grande, 'Weapons' Among Biggest Oscar Snubs

by Tyler Glover

Ariana Grande for Best Supporting Actress  

Photo: Universal Pictures

Last year, my biggest wish for the Academy Awards was for Ariana Grande to win Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Wicked.” When she did not prevail, and the Oscar went to Zoe Saldana for “Emilia Perez” instead, I held onto the hope that Grande could potentially get nominated and win for the second part of the film. After seeing “Wicked For Good,” I knew that the best part of the entire film was Grande’s performance. That is why when the reviews for the second part were not as strong as the first, I still felt Grande could not only get nominated but also win. She was so deserving. After all, she completed Glinda’s arc perfectly. We see Glinda finally stand up for what is right. I was so saddened when the Oscar nominations came out on Thursday and Grande’s name wasn't among the nominees. There is no doubt, though, that people will remember her performance for years to come. Some things are better than awards.  

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'It Was Just an Accident' for Best Picture

Photo: Neon

There is no doubt that 2025 was a year of incredible international films. “Sentimental Value,” “Sirat,” “The Secret Agent” and the one that really deserved to get into Best Picture: “It Was Just An Accident.” The Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi truly made a masterpiece. “It Was Just An Accident” even won the prestigious Palm d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. When the nominations for Best Picture were revealed, “Sentimental Value” and “The Secret Agent” were able to crack the top 10 but unfortunately, “It Was Just An Accident” had to settle for just an International Feature Film nod, along with Screenplay. This film highlights the oppression of the Iranian government and the role that everyday people play in it. The last frame of the film is etched into my memory forever. It is truly a mark of an excellent filmmaker. 

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Joel Edgerton for Best Actor

Photo: Netflix

Joel Edgerton’s performance in “Train Dreams” is absolutely heartbreaking and devastating. He plays Robert Grainier, a very hardworking everyman living in the Pacific Northwest. Robert is a man of few words who has the same dreams most of us have - love, kids, a home and a job to provide for his family. Robert has to endure so much loss in his lifetime. Edgerton’s performance is quiet but devastating. Robert reminds me so much of my grandfather. The thing that really makes Edgerton's missing out sting worse is that “Train Dreams” got into Best Picture. The film could not have been nominated for Best Picture without Edgerton’s beautiful performance.  

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Chase Infiniti for Best Actress

Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures

​​One of the biggest snubs of the day was, no doubt, Chase Infiniti for Best Leading Actress. “One Battle After Another” received 13 Academy Award nominations. The film was very much on everyone’s radar and remains the favorite to win Best Picture of the Year. The only major nomination it missed was Infiniti's entry in Best Leading Actress. Chase Infiniti plays Leonardo DiCaprio’s daughter, Willow, who is kidnapped and has to fight and stand up for herself. The only thing I questioned about Warner Bros.’ Oscar strategy was the campaign for Infiniti in the Leading Actress category. She is only in 31 minutes of the 2 hours and 40 minutes of the movie. I think Warner Bros. just didn’t want her to have to compete with Teyana Taylor, but I think this is what hurt her chances the most. I still feel like she should have been included. Her performance is Oscar-worthy.  

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'Weapons' for Best Picture

Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures

“Weapons,” directed by Zach Cregger, is a film that many people told me to watch for months. I am just not someone who normally watches horror films. It did appear, though, from the trailer that it was mostly a thriller. I finally decided to give it a chance. The mystery surrounding “Weapons” is what happened to the kids from the same classroom who disappeared. Only one student is accounted for. The film is gripping and thrilling, leaving you on the edge of your seat. The film also introduces us to one of the most memorable characters of the 21st century: Aunt Gladys, played by Oscar nominee Amy Madigan. Madigan was rightfully nominated for Best Supporting Actress, but I wish the film had also been nominated for Best Picture and even Best Original Screenplay. Unfortunately, the Oscar nominations for this film vanished just as the children did.