That time of year has come about again, the Oscars. No, not the Oscars but THE Oscars. From the mastermind, director, videographer, and actor, Julian Sewell. For those not in the know, let me give you a rundown on the legend Paloma Diamond and her tragic battle with the Oscars. Enjoy.Â
The 2023 Oscars brought us a viral moment in the Best Leading Actress for a Motion Picture, which left its mark, impacting the way we have viewed the last three Oscar events. The real tension came, not before the victory announcement but as the host fumbled the wrong envelope. Lorelai Lynch’s victory was short-lived as the envelopes had accidentally been switched with best cinematography, and it was actually Taylor Witherfork who took home the victory for 2023. The comment sections exploded, but not an outcry at the way Miss Lynch was treated, but for another actress who has stolen the hearts of thousands, Paloma Diamond.Â
After the event, various interviews and articles came out regarding Paloma’s 18th loss (for The Remedy) at the Oscars, the effect it has had on her mentally and how she fits or rather doesn’t fit in with these younger actors who Paloma keeps getting passed over for. Despite succeeding with other awards, the battle for an Oscar has been a defining part of Paloma’s career often overshadowing her other accomplishments. 2024 saw her nominated for her role in Breath another loss, everyone really expected for 2025 to be Paloma’s year with her 20th nomination for her role in Bluff. She was praised for her role having conducted her own stunts and really immersing herself in the gambling life having visited Vegas to gain experience in various casino games.Â
For such a beloved actress having featured in defining features for not just the older generation but also on current media. Her contribution to The Day Hell Froze Over (2003), the 80s sitcom Destiny & Deceit really shows the range Paloma can convey across multiple decades and for not to receive that credit is disheartening. Jane Farroway did take home the 2025 Oscar for best leading actress for her role in The Face in the Mirror in the Back of the Room, however she did make a heartfelt dedication to Paloma. In her acceptance speech she thanked the academy but stated that “There is only one person in this room that deserves this more than I do, and that’s Paloma Diamond. I share this with you Paloma.” She brought her fellow nominee to tears and they both receiving a standing ovation.Â
Despite the common sentiment in the industry that Paloma has suffered great injustice for the repeated snubbing by the Academy, 2026 will not be Paloma’s year. Many of her fans have conveyed their rage when the announcement came for this year’s nominations.
2026 Best leading Actress in a motion picture nominees;
- Tabatha Barnes in Back Breaker
- Lorelai Lynch in Operation Goldfish
- Agatha Presley in The Mountain Behind Sheraton Lake
- Sue Ripley in Chlorophyll Hexagons of Deciduous Dreams
- Caroline Winter in PedestrianÂ
The shock that rippled across social media at Paloma not receiving her 21st nomination was a double-edged sword. I’m sure for the actress, it was emotional to receive so much support, yet at the same time, it is another snub by the academy and speculation around is the industry pushing Paloma to the sidelines. She has recently featured in a period film as an overly judgmental Aunt Ingrid and now 1457 as the Queen who never was, two very reserved characters despite Paloma’s wide emotional range. I am questioning if these types of roles are limiting her in the award categories, as previously, it has been the large emotional scenes that have seen her nominated.Â
Despite the nomination snub, the public really enjoyed her role in 1457, especially Gen Z taking clips of the film and adding captions showering a modern-day translation of the Old English into modern slang. Some personal tummy ticklers of mine;
“Henceforth, thou shalt dine in my royal court” – From now on, ur gonna be one of my besties
“Art though dim witted?” – R u stupid?
“Thine enemy is not as yonder as thou protests” – Ur haters ain’t far awayÂ
“Thy delusion, my fair queen, knows no bounds” – u trippinÂ
I hope Paloma is able to enjoy the 2026 Oscars event. I would not blame her if she didn’t attend after the disrespect she has faced from the Academy. My personal opinion is that out of this year’s nominations, Caroline Winter’s performance for Pedestrian is the strongest and most deserving of the award. I believe they are also up for best cinematography and film editing, so they may walk away with more than one award soon.Â
Now, that was fun. hope you have enjoyed delving into the lore of Julien Sewell’s universe. Building an article about a fictional character for a fictional Oscars was actually more fun that the actual Oscars. For me personally, the film industry has felt a little dry in recent years with too many sequels, remakes and unoriginal storylines. I’m glad Sewell has managed to breathe a little excitement back into the awards whilst also taking much deserved jabs at some of the more absurd parts. This chaos‑driven cinematic universe feels like the only place where the industry still remembers how to surprise us. Good luck to all the 2026 Oscar nominees, real or imaginary, and my best wishes to Paloma for the future.
Editor: Grace Lees