- - Adam Sandler reveals feelings about 'Jay Kelly' Oscar nom snub

Bryan Alexander, USA TODAYFebruary 8, 2026 at 7:09 AM

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SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Netflix's "Jay Kelly" was the kind of prestige movie that seemed destined to propel both George Clooney and Adam Sandler deep into the movie awards race.

Yet after Golden Globe nominations for both superstar actors, a Critics Choice nomination for Sandler, and an inclusion in the American Film Institute's Top 10 movies of the year, writer-director Noah Baumbach's "Jay Kelly" was snubbed entirely during last month's Oscar nominations.

Sandler, 59, who has never received an Oscar nomination for an overlooked body of work ("Punch Drunk Love," "Uncut Gems" just to name a few), was at peace with the latest film academy pass, while speaking at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Thursday, Feb. 6.

"I didn't get an Oscar nomination, that's all good," Sandler told film historian Leonard Maltin onstage while receiving the Maltin Modern Master Award. "I don't sit and think about that too much. I woke up that morning and heard I didn't get it, and said, 'Oh, that's fine.'"

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Adam Sandler receives the Maltin Master Award at the 41st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Feb. 5.

Sandler said he felt even better after seeing who did get a best supporting actor nomination — including Delroy Lindo ("Sinners), Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn ("One Battle After Another"), Jacob Elordi ("Frankenstein") and Stellan Skarsgård ("Sentimental Value").

"I was like, 'Whoa!' so it made sense," Sandler said humbly.

The actor said he feels nothing but "pride" for the "Jay Kelly" role, especially a powerhouse climactic scene with Clooney, who plays the titular self-absorbed actor in the drama. Sandler plays his constantly overlooked manager, Ron, who reaches a breaking point.

"Watching that scene kind of broke my heart, because I remember how hard we worked, and how much that scene meant on paper," said Sandler. "And you want to make sure you crushed it when you're shooting it."

Adam Sandler arriving at the 41st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival to receive the Maltin Master Award. He came in peace.

Sandler also had fond memories of shooting in Italy, which is famously Clooney's backyard. His co-star was always coming up with hole-in-the-wall places well off the beaten track.

"Clooney knows everything about Italy," said Sandler. "I remember for two nights in a row we ate at this place before we shot that Clooney recommended. And it was just like, 'Show me more, Clooney!'"

Sandler sends up Oscar snub in hilarious acceptance speech

Comedian Sandler also lampooned the Oscar miss during his acceptance speech for the Maltin honor, a golden trophy.

"Thank you for my fortune teller who told me in 1982 I would win an Oscar for a movie called 'Jay Kelly,'" Sandler said, as the crowd roared in laughter. "Is it possible that you didn't say the full title and actually meant, 'Jay Kelly 2'?"

Sandler continued by thanking "everyone who got an Oscar nomination" this year.

Oscars are here! See which actors, directors and films are nominated for the 98th Academy Awards, to be handed out live March 15 and broadcast on ABC and Hulu.

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Oscars are here! See which actors, directors and films are nominated for the 98th Academy Awards, to be handed out live March 15 and broadcast on ABC and Hulu.

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1 / 36Oscars 2026 – The top nominees in photos

Oscars are here! See which actors, directors and films are nominated for the 98th Academy Awards, to be handed out live March 15 and broadcast on ABC and Hulu.

"Congrats, you earned it. I truly believe you are better at acting than me," said Sandler, before joking again. "I also truly believe you are better at ass-kissing the academy than me."

The crowd went deliriously wild as Sandler, known by his nickname The Sandman, ended his speech with a knock-out joke.

"And I have to say, to my fellow thespians, I think next year I'm gonna whup your ass," said Sandler. "I'll show the world the deep, darkest Sandman you have seen yet...in 'Grown Ups 3'!"

With that, Sandler dropped the mic on the Oscar discussion.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Adam Sandler discusses 'Jay Kelly' Oscar nom snub and its hilarious

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