When the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled its Oscar nominations this year, Jesse Plemons was missing from the Best Actor lineup. For many film fans, the omission came as a surprise. For Kirsten Dunst, it prompted a public show of support.
Dunst responded to the snub by amplifying praise for her husband’s performance in “Bugonia,” the latest film from director Yorgos Lanthimos. The actor had earned awards season buzz and multiple nominations elsewhere for his role, making his absence from the Oscars conversation a notable talking point.
The moment also reignited a familiar debate around awards recognition and what gets left out when the final ballot is announced.
A Public Show of Solidarity
Dunst, an Oscar nominee herself, used Instagram Stories to highlight reactions that questioned the Academy’s decision. She reposted a message from “Bugonia” cast member Stavros Halkias, who jokingly called out Oscar voters for overlooking Plemons’ work. She also shared a clip from a podcast episode in which host Ev Durán described Plemons’ performance as one of the strongest of the year and worthy of serious awards consideration.
Earlier this month, before the nominations were announced, Dunst had already signaled her admiration. On Jan. 9, she posted a still from “Bugonia” on Instagram with a brief caption praising the performance. The post resurfaced after the nominations dropped, underscoring that her support was not reactionary but consistent.
Dunst has not issued a formal statement, but her social media activity made her stance clear. She believes the performance deserved recognition.
Awards Buzz Meets Reality
Directed by Lanthimos, “Bugonia” blends dark comedy with sci-fi elements and centers on a man who becomes convinced that a powerful CEO is not human. Plemons plays the obsessive and unraveling lead, delivering a performance many critics described as unsettling and darkly funny.
The film earned Oscar nominations in other major categories, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Emma Stone. The Best Actor category, however, went to Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, and Wagner Moura.
Plemons’ omission stood out because he received nominations from both the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Those precursors often overlap with the Oscars, though they do not guarantee a nomination.
Dunst and Plemons share a long professional and personal history in Hollywood. The couple married in 2022 and previously earned Oscar nominations in the same year for “The Power of the Dog.” Their careers have often run in parallel, making this moment especially personal.
Awards season always brings its share of surprises, snubs, and spirited debate. This year, Dunst added her voice to the conversation, not through speeches or interviews, but by publicly standing behind her partner’s work.
Jesse definitely should have been nominated for Best Actor for Begonia! His acting was perfect for the roll.