2026 Oscars: Why Train Dreams & Sorry, Baby Deserve Best Picture Nominations Despite Golden Globes Snubs

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The nominations for the 2026 Golden Globes are out, and everyone in Hollywood is buzzing about them! Awards season has officially begun, and as always, the nominations have sparked both excitement and disappointment. Now’s the perfect time to watch the films and shows that were nominated and share your own thoughts.

As usual, the 2026 Golden Globe nominations have sparked debate among film fans, with some favorites being left out and unexpected titles getting recognition. While most of the nominations weren’t major surprises, they’re giving us a good idea of what to expect when the Academy Awards nominations are announced.

The Golden Globe nominations often influence the Oscars, and this year’s surprises – both nominations and omissions – hint at a potentially different outcome than predicted. Notably, two films widely expected to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards weren’t recognized in the Golden Globes’ drama category, which is a significant upset.

Train Dreams And Sorry, Baby Were Nominated In Acting Categories By The Golden Globes

Everyone had high hopes for Netflix’s new Western, Train Dreams, at the Golden Globes. As a result, Joel Edgerton received a nomination for Best Actor in a Drama – and deservedly so, as his performance is the highlight of the film. Many believe this is his best work yet, and he’s a strong contender to win.

Eva Victor’s nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for Sorry, Baby was a bit of a surprise. While she gave a strong, emotionally powerful performance throughout the film, many didn’t expect it to be recognized due to the incredibly competitive field this year.

Besides a nomination for Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner for Best Original Song from the Train Dreams soundtrack, neither film received significant recognition. While Eva Victor’s acting nomination is a great achievement, many feel both movies were overlooked by the Golden Globes.

Both Movies Deserve Best Picture Nominations At The Oscars

Many predict Train Dreams will be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. The Netflix film has a strong acting performance likely to earn a Best Actor nomination, and it fits the type of movie the Academy often favors for its top prize. Therefore, it was unexpected when Train Dreams didn’t receive a Best Picture nomination at the Golden Globes.

Eva Victor’s film, Sorry, Baby, is a small, deeply personal drama that has received critical praise for its well-written script. I was hopeful it would be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and it seemed possible, but the movie received no nominations at the Golden Globes except for Best Actress, which makes an Oscar nomination less likely now.

The Oscars Have Shown Love To Similar Movies In Past Years

It’s surprising that Sorry, Baby isn’t getting more recognition from the Academy Awards. The film feels like the type of independent, emotionally powerful story they often celebrate. It’s a moving tale of a woman rebuilding her life after a traumatic assault, and it shares a hopeful spirit with Best Picture winners like Moonlight.

Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland was a major success at the 2021 Academy Awards, winning three Oscars including Best Picture. It’s a slow-paced Western film that follows a woman struggling with life as a working-class American during times of change. Now, Train Dreams is gaining attention because it’s remarkably similar in style and subject matter, leading to speculation it could also be an awards contender.

Eva Victor and Clint Bentley Also Deserve Nominations For Writing And Directing

Eva Victor skillfully blends moments of genuine warmth and hope with the difficult realities of her character’s ongoing trauma. Her screenplay is deeply compassionate, not only for the character she created, but for anyone who has experienced similar abuse – it feels like a gentle, supportive presence throughout the film.

While the film Train Dreams is based on Denis Johnson’s more dreamlike and philosophical novella, director Clint Bentley makes thoughtful changes that powerfully portray a man coping with loss and ultimately finding peace through acceptance. His grounded direction enhances the story and is particularly well done.

Netflix And A24 Still Feature Heavily In The Golden Globe Nominations

Image via A24

It might be surprising to see Train Dreams and Sorry, Baby left out of the Best Picture nominations, considering they’re from Netflix and A24 respectively. However, both studios are still predicted to win awards when the Golden Globes take place in 2026. Netflix received two Best Picture nominations with Nouvelle Vague and Frankenstein, and A24 also earned a nomination for Marty Supreme.

I’m really excited to see Marty Supreme up for Best Screenplay, and Frankenstein getting a Best Director nod – both films also landed Best Actor nominations, which is fantastic. It’s great to see A24 and Netflix dominating the acting categories overall. While the Golden Globes definitely influence the Oscars, don’t count out Train Dreams and Sorry, Baby just yet. I still think they both have a real shot at a 2026 Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards.

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2025-12-12 18:49