2026 Oscars: What happened to inclusion?

The animated feature Kpop Demon Hunters represents AANHPI actors at the Academy Awards.

Its "good news, bad news" for the AANHPI communities after the 98th Academy Award nominations dropped on January 22. While Asian Americans are dominating the technical and animated fields, the prestigious acting and directing categories are looking surprisingly sparse.

While the Academy Award nominations brought some historic firsts, the "View from the Edge" is that the 2026 Oscar race feels like a massive step backward for on-screen visibility. Despite the Academy's much-hyped "Inclusion Standards" finally being in full effect, the nominations revealed a glaring disconnect between industry rules and actual representation.

With her nomination for Best Director for Hamnet, Chloé Zhao made history as the first woman of color ever nominated twice in that category, and the second woman overall to do so. Zhao is also tied as the most-nominated Asian woman in Oscars history, with seven career total noms, and second most-nominated Asian ever behind cinematographer James Wong Howe (who won twice for “The Rose Tattoo” and “Hud”).

Nevertheless, the nominations have AANHPI creatives asking, "what inclusion?" and "what representation?" Here is the breakdown of the controversies surrounding the 2026 Oscars:

The most stinging critique this year is the near-total absence of Asian performers in the major acting races. 

After the cultural shift of Everything Everywhere All At Once just a few years ago, the 2026 acting categories—particularly Best Actress—are looking incredibly "white-out." Despite strong performances in films like KPop Demon Hunters and international standouts like Kokuho, Asian actors were largely relegated to the sidelines, sparking fresh accusations that Hollywood still views AAPI talent as "supporting" rather than "leading."

The debate around representation standards

The Academy's Representation and Inclusion Standards have sparked debate. Some argue that these rules ensure broader participation and reflect a more inclusive industry, while others express concern about how they might impact creative choices. This ongoing discussion highlights the complexities of implementing diversity initiatives in a creative field.

While the 2026 Oscar nominations brought some breakthroughs for Asian talent in technical fields, the acting and directing categories left many fans—and AAPI advocates—feeling like they’d been ghosted by the Academy. From "theater kids" reeling over a Wicked shutout to the continued cold shoulder given to Asian cinema giants, here are the snubs that have the "View from the Edge" community talking.

The most vocal disappointment online has come from fans of Wicked: For Good. After Wicked:Part One snagged 10 nominations in 2025, the sequel was completely shut out this year—not even a nod for costumes or production design.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo: Despite nominations at the Golden Globes and the Actor Awards, both stars were left out of the Best Supporting Actress and Best Actress races, respectively. Fans are calling it "disrespectful" given the massive vocal and emotional heavy lifting both did for the franchise.

Once again, despite all that critical praise and box office success, Academy voters continue to overlook the work of director Jon M. Chu, the person in the middle of the production who makes the film work.

Dwayne Johnson did not receive a nomination for Best Actor for his role in The Smashing Machine. Despite early buzz and critical praise for his dramatic performance as MMA fighter Mark Kerr, the Samoan American's work, a departure from his usual action roles, was considered one of the biggest acting snubs of the 2026 awards season. 

Academy voters appear to be more open to recognize AANHPI leads ... if ... they are cartoon characters.

The biggest splash this year comes from the world of animation. Directors Maggie Kang and Michelle L.M. Wong secured a Best Animated Feature nod for KPop Demon Hunters. 

Even more historic, the film’s track "Golden" by EJAE is the first K-pop song ever nominated for Best Original Song. 

Pixar veteran Domee Shi also finds herself back in the race for Elio.

Shining "Below-the-Line"

The good news is that AANHPI talent is getting more recognition in the crafts "below-the-line" or "behind-the-camera." While the spotlight often misses them, Asian American craftspeople are rewriting history this year:

• Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman of color nominated for Best Cinematography for her work on Sinners.

• Miyako Bellizzi earned a Best Costume Design nod for the stylish Marty Supreme.

• Charmaine Chan is representing for Asian women in tech with a Best Visual Effects nomination for Jurassic World: Rebirth.

• Kazu Hiro continues his streak in Makeup and Hairstyling for The Smashing Machine.

After the sucess of Crazy Rich Asians in 2018, Parasite in 2020, Chloe Zhao's Nomadland in 2021, Everything Everywhere All At Once in 2023, it looked like that studio doors were finally opening for  AANHPI talent. However, AANHPI were blanked out in 2024 and 2025. 

Except for Zhao, 2026 is the third straight year no AANHPI actors received  nominations, a step back for on-screen visibility. 

Critics argue that while the Academy’s inclusion standards are helping films get made, the industry is still struggling to greenlight the "prestige" leading roles that put Asian faces at the center of the frame.

The message from the AAPI community and general film fans is clear: while "Inclusion Standards" look good on paper, they aren’t yet translating to the podium for the performers and directors.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge.