The 96th Academy Award nominations, announced Thursday, delivered a series of unexpected turns, leaving awards pundits and film enthusiasts alike surprised by several omissions and inclusions. The nominations began with a surprise as Elle Fanning's name was announced for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Sentimental Value," a performance that garnered praise but was not widely predicted to receive an Oscar nod, according to hosts Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman.

The unexpected nomination of Fanning set the stage for a series of snubs and surprises throughout the announcement. Among the notable omissions were Paul Mescal, who was anticipated to receive a nomination for his supporting role in "Hamnet," and Chase Infiniti. While "Hamnet" and "One Battle After Another" received nominations in other categories, their performance in the acting categories was weaker than anticipated. British actor Delroy Lindo said he was half-asleep when he found out he got his first Oscar nomination.

The Academy Awards, a globally recognized event, holds significant cultural importance, influencing film industries worldwide. Nominations often impact a film's international distribution, box office success, and critical reception. The selection process involves members from various branches of the Academy, representing diverse backgrounds and perspectives within the film industry. The awards ceremony itself is broadcast internationally, reaching audiences in numerous countries and solidifying its status as a major cultural event.