Indie Film Studio A24 Leaves Oscars Empty-Handed Despite Multiple Nominations

The company's divisive films 'Marty Supreme' and 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You' failed to win any awards, highlighting the challenges of appealing to the Academy's older, predominantly white male membership.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:06pm

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In 2022, the indie film company A24 had a banner year at the Oscars, winning seven awards for the trippy film 'Everything Everywhere All at Once.' However, in 2026, the company went home empty-handed despite nine nominations for its brash and divisive film 'Marty Supreme' and a nomination for Rose Byrne's performance in 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.' Experts say the aggressive filmmaking style of directors like Josh Safdie and the over-the-top marketing campaign for 'Marty Supreme' starring Timothée Chalamet may have been too much for the Academy's predominantly older, white male membership to embrace.

Why it matters

A24's lack of wins at the 2026 Oscars despite multiple nominations highlights the challenges indie studios face in appealing to the traditional tastes of the Academy, which has been slow to adapt to changing filmmaking styles and audience preferences. The results also raise questions about the Academy's ability to recognize bold, unconventional films that may not align with its historically conservative leanings.

The details

A24's 'Marty Supreme,' a film about a striving table tennis player in 1950s New York directed by Josh Safdie, earned nine Oscar nominations, including for best picture, best director, and best actor for Timothée Chalamet. The film was the biggest box office hit in A24's history, grossing close to $180 million worldwide. However, it failed to win any awards, losing in all of its nominated categories to films like 'One Battle After Another' and 'Sinners.' Experts say Chalamet's aggressive marketing campaign and perceived ego may have turned off some Academy voters, who preferred the humility of winner Michael B. Jordan.

  • In 2022, A24 won seven Academy Awards for 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'.
  • In 2026, A24 received nine Oscar nominations for 'Marty Supreme' and one for 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You'.
  • The 2026 Oscars ceremony took place on Sunday, March 16.

The players

A24

An independent film production and distribution company known for its bold, unconventional filmmaking.

Josh Safdie

The director of 'Marty Supreme,' A24's biggest box office hit to date.

Timothée Chalamet

The lead actor in 'Marty Supreme,' who was considered A24's best chance at an Oscar win that year.

Michael B. Jordan

The actor who won the Oscar for best actor, beating out Chalamet and other nominees.

Paul Thomas Anderson

The director of 'One Battle After Another,' which won best picture over 'Marty Supreme'.

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What they’re saying

“You can say that A24 got blanked, but it's kind of remarkable it got 10 nominations in the first place.”

— Glenn Whipp, Oscars pundit for The Los Angeles Times

“Chalamet lost for the same reason Hawke and Moura and DiCaprio did — because Michael B. Jordan won.”

— Mark Harris, Entertainment writer

“Chalamet committed a lot of unforced errors. I heard from a lot of voters who thought he was acting too big for his britches. They didn't like his shenanigans.”

— Glenn Whipp, Oscars pundit for The Los Angeles Times

What’s next

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences will likely reflect on the 2026 Oscars ceremony and consider ways to better recognize bold, unconventional films that may not align with its traditionally conservative tastes.

The takeaway

The 2026 Oscars results highlight the ongoing tension between the Academy's preference for more traditional filmmaking and the industry's shift towards edgier, more experimental storytelling. A24's lack of wins, despite its critical acclaim and box office success, suggests the need for the Academy to evolve in order to remain relevant in an increasingly diverse and dynamic film landscape.