The announcement of this year’s Oscar nominees at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles on Thursday sparked an outpouring of emotions from the nominees, including Elle Fanning. Fanning’s Elle Fanning Oscar nomination for best supporting actress in the film Sentimental Value has generated excitement, reflecting both her individual achievement and the film’s wide recognition in the upcoming 98th Academy Awards set for March 15, 2026.
Voices of Joy and Gratitude from Nominees
During the live presentation, Oscar-nominated actress Danielle Brooks and Marvel star Lewis Pullman revealed the year’s nominees, prompting heartfelt responses. Teyana Taylor, nominated for best supporting actress for her role in One Battle After Another, described her nomination as a “fairytale ending.” In a statement to ABC News, she expressed her sense of wonder and appreciation after a career marked by uncertainty.
I fell asleep last night watching Pretty Woman, thinking about happy endings and how impossible they sometimes feel… and I woke up realizing I’ve been living in one that God has been preparing me for my own fairytale ending. 🥺🥹,
Teyana Taylor wrote.
She added,
I am so deeply emotional, so humbled, and so grateful for every person who has walked this road with me & honored to be nominated alongside these amazing women in my category.
Taylor also described the nomination day as
a soft, beautiful ‘yes’ from the universe.
She extended thanks to director Paul Thomas Anderson and the entire One Battle After Another team.
Elle Fanning’s Emotional Reaction to Her First Nomination
Elle Fanning posted her response on Instagram, expressing disbelief and overwhelming joy at receiving her first Academy Award nomination. Her tribute highlighted the film’s theme and the importance of family, emphasizing the collective success of the Sentimental Value cast and crew. The film secured nine nominations overall, reflecting its widespread acclaim.
IS THIS REAL!?!?!?! IS THIS A DREAM!?!?!?! I can’t catch my breath. I am in absolute shock. What an honor to have my first Academy Award nomination be for a film that acknowledges the power of moviemaking and family!
Fanning wrote, followed by,
My Mom, Grandma, Sister, and Aunt were here with me this morning to scream and hug and cry. Thank you thank you thank you,
and
To be amongst the beautiful women in this category is truly overwhelming. I was equally overjoyed to see our entire ‘Sentimental Value’ family recognized!!!!!!
She also acknowledged the achievements of her fellow nominees and praised director Joachim Trier for his role in guiding the acclaimed film.
Celebrated Musicians React to Their Nods
On the music front, singer-songwriter EJAE, who contributed the song Golden to the animated film KPop Demon Hunters, shared her surprise during an interview on Good Morning America. This marked her first Oscar nod for best original song, in addition to the film’s nomination for best animated feature.
It’s so weird and eerie to see my name on the screen,
EJAE said, adding later,
I’m so thankful and proud of her.
Diane Warren, a veteran songwriter nominated for best original song for the seventeenth time, spoke candidly about her hopes for finally winning. Despite never having won the category, Warren expressed gratitude and respect for the recognition by fellow music professionals.
I’m gonna be really honest with you, that would be great.
Being nominated by your peers who are the best of the best in film music, whether they’re songwriters, composers, music editors — you’ve already won,
Warren added.
Rose Byrne Reflects on Her Surreal Nomination Experience
Rose Byrne, nominated for best actress for her role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, described her experience as “surreal” and “overwhelming” during a call with GMA3. Byrne highlighted the film’s modest budget and the unexpected connection it has made with audiences through its unique yet universal story.
This movie is a tiny movie made from no money, and the fact that people are seeing it and really resonating across the board… it’s very specific, but in that way becomes universal, and it’s a true piece of art.
It is an extraordinary movie, she concluded.
Anticipation Builds for the 98th Academy Awards
The 2026 Oscar nominees have generated considerable buzz with a range of reactions displaying anxiety, hope, and awe. From rising stars like Elle Fanning to seasoned veterans such as Diane Warren, the nominations spotlight significant achievements across acting, music, and filmmaking. With the ceremony less than two months away, the industry and audiences alike await to see who will walk away with the coveted statuettes.
As the March 15 ceremony approaches, these nominations not only honor outstanding artistic work but also reinforce the impact of storytelling in cinema and music. For Elle Fanning, this moment marks a milestone that could herald new opportunities and further acclaim.
