The 98th Academy Awards celebrated films like One Battle After Another, but several A-listers were missing from the ceremony, with reasons ranging from humanitarian missions and pregnancy to racing schedules and political barriers, underscoring a shift in how top talent prioritizes their lives over traditional award show obligations.
The 2026 Oscars, held on March 15, were dominated by Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, which secured six awards including Best Picture. Yet, the ceremony’s red carpet and audience had conspicuous gaps. While winners like Michael B. Jordan accepted trophies, seven high-profile nominees and invitees were absent, each with a story that reflects broader industry and societal trends. This isn’t just about missed appearances; it’s about evolving values where activism, family, and professional commitments increasingly take precedence over Hollywood rituals.
To understand these absences, we must look beyond simple scheduling conflicts. The reasons span personal milestones, geopolitical issues, and career pivots, offering a snapshot of contemporary celebrity culture. Here’s a breakdown of who was missing and why their absence resonates.
Sean Penn: Activism Over Awards
Sean Penn, who won Best Supporting Actor for his role in One Battle After Another, was nowhere to be seen. His absence was no accident; the 65-year-old actor prioritized a humanitarian trip to Ukraine over attending the ceremony, a decision confirmed by The New York Times. This aligns with Penn’s history of activist work, often in conflict zones. Notably, he skipped other major awards shows like the SAG Awards and BAFTAs, which also honored him, though he did appear at the Golden Globes—where infamously, cameras caught him smoking indoors. Presenter Kieran Culkin quipped about Penn’s absence, highlighting how such skips are becoming a statement in themselves: for some stars, artistic recognition matters less than real-world impact.
Brad Pitt and Lewis Hamilton: Professional Commitments
Brad Pitt, nominated as a producer for the Best Picture contender F1, did not attend. No official reason was given, but his focus remains on the upcoming racing film, which still won Best Sound. Similarly, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time F1 world champion and co-producer of F1, was absent due to competing in the Chinese Grand Prix, where he secured a podium finish—his first with Ferrari. Their absences underscore a growing trend: athletes and actors blending Hollywood with high-stakes professional sports, often choosing the latter during awards season. For Pitt, this might also signal a strategic shift away from award-driven publicity.
Hailee Steinfeld: Pregnancy and Privacy
Hailee Steinfeld, who played Mary in the Oscar-winning horror film Sinners, was also missing. While she hasn’t publicly commented, fans and media widely speculate her absence is tied to her pregnancy. Steinfeld and husband Josh Allen, quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, announced they were expecting their first child in December 2025. During his Best Actor acceptance speech for Sinners, Michael B. Jordan acknowledged Steinfeld’s situation, saying, “Hailee, at home, she’s getting ready to have a baby right now,” thanking her for her contribution. This highlights how major life events now routinely override awards show attendance, with stars opting for privacy and preparation over red carpet scrutiny.
Motaz Malhees: Political Barriers and Protest
The most politically charged absence was Motaz Malhees, a lead actor in the Best International Feature Film nominee The Voice of Hind Rajab. Malhees claimed he was blocked from entering the U.S. due to President Donald Trump’s travel ban targeting Palestinian citizens. In a poignant Instagram post, he wrote, “I am not allowed to enter the United States because of my Palestinian citizenship… You can block a passport. You cannot block a voice.” His absence transformed an awards show into a stage for geopolitical critique, with the Academy facing implicit criticism over U.S. immigration policies. This case sets a precedent for how political issues can directly influence Oscar participation.
Tom Holland and Connor Storrie: Busy Schedules and Rumors
Tom Holland, amid persistent rumors about a secret marriage to Zendaya, attended a pre-Oscars party but skipped the main ceremony. Zendaya presented Best Director with Robert Pattinson, making Holland’s absence a talking point among fans speculating about their relationship status. Meanwhile, Connor Storrie, fresh from hosting Saturday Night Live and presenting at the 2026 Actors Awards, was expected at the Oscars but only his Heated Rivalry costar Hudson Williams attended. Storrie did appear at the Vanity Fair party, suggesting he prioritized ancillary events over the main show, possibly due to scheduling or personal preference. Both cases reflect how modern stars navigate demanding calendars and media frenzy, often picking selective appearances.
Fan Community: Theories and Disappointment
Social media buzzed with theories about these absences. For Hailee Steinfeld, fan accounts dissected her pregnancy updates, with many defending her choice to prioritize family. Tom Holland‘s absence fueled marriage speculation, despite no official confirmation. Some fans expressed frustration that certain stars, like Brad Pitt, provided no explanation, while others praised Sean Penn’s activism. This fan engagement reveals a shifting audience mindset: celebrities are increasingly judged on their real-world actions, not just their on-screen work. The collective disappointment also sparked discussions about the Oscars’ relevance in an era where stars can opt out without career penalty.
Why This Matters: The Evolving Awards Show Landscape
These absences signal a broader transformation in Hollywood. Traditionally, the Oscars were non-negotiable for top talent, but now, personal milestones, activism, and external commitments regularly take precedence. Sean Penn’s Ukraine trip and Motaz Malhees’ visa issue illustrate how global events directly intersect with entertainment. Meanwhile, Hailee Steinfeld’s pregnancy and Tom Holland’s rumored marriage highlight how private lives are publicized yet still managed on stars’ terms. For the Academy, this raises questions about inclusivity and adaptability: can the Oscars remain Hollywood’s pinnacle if its biggest names routinely skip it? The trend suggests a decentralization of cultural capital, where awards are one of many priorities for celebrities.
Moreover, these no-shows impact the ceremony’s spectacle. Without marquee names, the event risks feeling like a niche gathering, despite box-office hits like One Battle After Another. Media coverage shifts from “who won” to “who wasn’t there,” potentially diminishing the Oscars’ brand. Yet, it also humanizes the stars, showing they have lives beyond the spotlight—a narrative that can resonate with audiences tired of manufactured glamour.
Conclusion: A New Normal for Hollywood’s Biggest Night
The 2026 Oscars will be remembered as much for who was missing as for who won. From Sean Penn’s humanitarian mission to Motaz Malhees’ political protest, each absence tells a story of priorities redefined. This isn’t a one-off; it’s part of a pattern where awards shows compete with real-world events, family, and personal beliefs. As fans and industry insiders adjust, the Oscars may need to evolve—perhaps by embracing virtual appearances or flexible scheduling—to stay relevant. For now, these empty seats serve as a reminder that even Tinseltown’s biggest stars are not immune to life’s demands.
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