In one of the conversations between director Werner Herzog and editor Paul Cronin documented in the book Herzog on Herzog, the German filmmaker leaves the following quote: "Defeat is part of the human journey. Dignity lies in moving forward even when you know you are going to lose." And what applies to life, of course, also applies to the Oscars ceremony. Because under the Hollywood lights shine the victories, but there, sitting beside, are also the defeated.
The 2026 edition of the Hollywood Academy Awards has left a handful of stars who, at least for one night, will belong to that select club of losers. And undoubtedly, at the top this time is Timothée Chalamet, who failed to prove the popular Spanish saying "third time's the charm." Although for many weeks it seemed like the star of Marty Supreme would achieve it, the New Yorker's candidacy deflated as the weeks went by, and he will have to wait at least another year to win his first Oscar.
Additionally, the final weeks of the race towards these Oscars have been marked by continuous outbursts from the actor who once again attended the event with his partner Kylie Jenner. Especially those directed at opera and dance professionals, saying that they were arts that no one cared about. Although when those words were revealed, the Academy's votes were already closed, they explain why public appearances by the star of Marty Supreme had been restricted during the movie's promotion. A film that has undoubtedly emerged as one of the big losers of these Oscars. Josh Safdie's film had 9 nominations but failed to win any awards. Zero statuettes in its first solo experience.
A nearly identical result is what Hamnet achieved, another film that lost its chances as the Oscars approached. The film by Chloé Zhao had 8 chances, initially a favorite to compete for the gold with One battle after another. Ultimately, the film inspired by Maggie O'Farrell's novel and with Shakespeare's real story as the thread had to settle for Jessie Buckley's undeniable triumph as Best Actress.
Also, in the midst of the celebration for One battle after another, the absolute winner of the night with six statuettes, there was room for defeat. Of course, for Leonardo DiCaprio, who despite having one of the best careers in current Hollywood - and also in history - remains stuck with a meager Oscar for Best Actor after seven nominations. The night also didn't go well for one of the disruptors of this awards season: Teyana Taylor. The New York actress, who had won the Golden Globe for her wild character under Paul Thomas Anderson's direction, was one of the favorites for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. But it ended up in Amy Madigan's hands. Maybe next time, Teyana.
The Brazilian film The Secret Agent and Bugonia by Yorgos Lanthimos also failed to win any of the four awards they were nominated for. Wagner Moura faded among the lead actors, and Emma Stone, last year's winner, was never a possibility against the overwhelming Buckley. Sirat by Galician director Oliver Laxe also couldn't prevail in the two categories it was nominated for: Best Foreign Film and Best Sound.
But when it comes to losers, there is always a chapter reserved for those who have fully embraced defeat. Diane Warren has faced it 17 times at the Oscars ceremony, yet once again failed to win the Best Original Song statuette. Despite composing over a hundred songs, collaborating with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, or Taylor Swift, and having one of the highest numbers of nominations in Oscar history, the statuette still eludes her. Will there be an 18th attempt?