The 2026 Oscar nominations were recently revealed, stirring passionate debates among film enthusiasts who have followed the awards season closely. The announcement marks the build-up to the ceremony scheduled in less than two months and highlights both celebrated recognitions and surprising omissions.
This year, the film Sinners led with a record-breaking number of Oscar nods, reflecting a shift in the Academy’s recognition of horror, a genre often overlooked in previous years. Despite this progress, the list of nominees also features notable snubs, creating a tense atmosphere around the final nominees.
Embracing Trauma Through Film: The Story of Sorry, Baby
One of the unexpected outcomes of the Oscar nominations was the complete absence of Eva Victor’s film Sorry, Baby. This directorial debut follows the character Agnes, portrayed by Victor, as she navigates the aftermath of a sexual assault attempt by her academic advisor. Told in chapters, the movie delicately explores Agnes’s process of healing, highlighting both setbacks and moments of unexpected comfort.
Rather than dwelling solely on tragedy, the film emphasizes resilience and empathy, offering a portrait that is both authentic and optimistic about the realities of trauma recovery. Eva Victor, who also wrote the screenplay, crafted a narrative that avoids sensationalism while showing deep compassion for anyone who relates to Agnes’s experience.
Despite widespread acclaim throughout the year, Sorry, Baby did not receive a single Oscar nomination. Many believe Eva Victor’s work behind the camera—as writer and director—as well as her heartfelt performance deserves much greater recognition, including consideration for Best Picture.
Eva Victor’s Filmmaking Captivates Critics but Oscar Nods Fall Short
Eva Victor earned tremendous praise from film critics, with Sorry, Baby boasting a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s patient and nuanced storytelling, combined with Victor’s own compelling acting, helped it stand out during festivals and in theaters alike.
The screenplay and direction were repeatedly lauded for their empathetic and careful portrayal of healing’s complexities. This makes the film’s exclusion from all Oscar categories, including writing, directing, and acting, particularly unexpected and disappointing for many industry observers.
Golden Globe Recognition Highlights the Film’s Impact
The film gained some notable recognition at the Golden Globes, where Eva Victor received a nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical category. Her performance was praised for its subtle depiction of trauma’s isolating silence and the ongoing emotional exhaustion her character endures.
Although Sorry, Baby was overlooked in the Golden Globe Best Picture category, the nomination for Victor herself fueled hopes that the movie might appear in the Oscar race. The absence of any Oscar nominations came as a surprise and left supporters feeling that the Academy overlooked a significant work in this awards season.
Julia Roberts’ Public Support for Eva Victor at the Golden Globes
The film’s devoted audience, though small due to its independent status, passionately embraces Victor’s honest storytelling. Their appreciation extends beyond viewers to notable figures in Hollywood. Julia Roberts, in particular, voiced her support during the Golden Globes ceremony.
While presenting the Golden Globe for Best Picture – Musical or Comedy, Roberts called attention to Sorry, Baby and urged the audience to watch the film if they had not already. She received a standing ovation, highlighting the respect and admiration within the industry for Victor’s accomplishment.
Academy’s Inconsistent Approach to Indie Films Raises Questions
Despite Sorry, Baby becoming one of the most acclaimed independent films of 2025 and receiving celebrity endorsements, it faced a total Oscar snub. This is especially striking alongside the success of films like Anora, an indie movie that won the Best Picture Oscar but reportedly had an exceptionally expensive campaign. Such details cast doubts on the Academy’s genuine support for smaller productions.
Some other indie films like If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You and Train Dreams did receive Oscar attention, but the complete disregard for Sorry, Baby remains difficult to overlook. Considering the film’s emotional depth, critical acclaim, and industry support, many are left questioning the Academy’s criteria and whether some stories are being unfairly ignored despite their artistic value.
