The 2026 Oscar nominations were announced just hours ago on Thursday morning, January 22.
While the headlines are dominated by Ryan Coogler’s Sinners (which broke the all-time record with 16 nominations), the LGBTQ+ presence in the major categories is notably leaner than in previous years.
Here are the confirmed LGBTQ+ related nominees and notable queer-interest projects for the 98th Academy Awards.
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Ethan Hawke (Best Actor): Nominated for his role in Blue Moon as Lorenz Hart, the brilliant but closeted playwright struggling with identity and addiction in the 1940s.
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“Golden” (Best Original Song): A viral queer anthem from KPop Demon Hunters, co-written by Mark Sonnenblick.
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KPop Demon Hunters (Best Animated Feature): Celebrated for its queer-coded themes and massive LGBTQ+ fanbase.
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Short Film Standouts: A Friend of Dorothy (exploring queer history/slang) and Two People Exchanging Saliva (focused on queer intimacy) both earned Best Live-Action Short nods.
Snubs & “Oscars So Straight”
The 2026 list sparked social media backlash due to major omissions:
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Wicked: For Good: A total shutout for Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and gay costume designer Paul Tazewell.
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Indie Misses: Ponyboi, The History of Sound, and Kiss of the Spider Woman failed to secure any nominations.
Queer-Interest Favorites
Mainstream films with significant queer followings still made a splash:
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Bugonia: Best Actress nod for Emma Stone.
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Marty Supreme: Best Actor nod for Timothée Chalamet.
The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will air on March 15, 2026.
