Fans of Challengers are undoubtedly not taking the film's total Oscar rejection well. The highly regarded movie received no nominations, despite many people anticipating it would win Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Score. That's, right—zilch. One fan's scathing remark,
"They're robbed," aptly captured the group's sentiment. "ROBBED," beneath a post revealing the snub. (via @DannyWxo on X)
(Via @PopBase on X)
Many were most affected by the lack of recognition, particularly in the Best Original Score category. This Oscar ghosting has become a huge issue online, generating arguments, memes, and lots of harsh humor due to the film's enormous buildup and an ensemble cast that had everyone talking (yes Zendaya was in this - need we say anything else). However, supporters have taken the Oscars snub with a fair dose of humor, transforming their displeasure into amusement in a typical online X way.
Oscar snub? Fans of Challengers aren’t holding back their hilarious reactions
The film's devoted audience has taken note of Challengers' Oscar rejection. With a mixture of deep irritation and laughter, they expressed their shock at its total blackout on social media. An X user angrily posted:
“not even being nominated for score is insane?????” echoing the disbelief shared by many over the film’s exclusion from the Best Original Score category. (via @__Onixivy_ on X)
Another added,
“it had best picture, director, lead actress, and score all in the bag. i’m assuming there was just too much comp this year but it still deserved best score idc.” (via @sethspov on X)
(Via @mattxctrl on X)
The snub also led to some pointed comparisons.
“and emilia pérez did? how awful,” (via @californialana3 on X)
one fan noted, throwing shade at another film’s nomination.
But not everyone was buying the hype surrounding Challengers in the first place.
“Not exactly Oscar worthy.. Let's be real here.. 🫠,” another user chimed in, questioning the legitimacy of the outrage. (via @evanverse7 on X)
Of course, it wouldn’t be X without a perfectly timed meme—
"This how I feel seeing this movie got zero noms,” paired with a clip from Challengers where Art pushes Patrick onto a bed, summed up many fans’ dramatic response. (via @JAMnit_JAM on X)
Some fans couldn’t resist injecting a little humor into the situation.
“for what? for having s@x with 2 guys? lol,” poking fun at one of the film’s plot points. (via @theescenicpath on X)
And as if to seal the deal, someone commented,
“Throw it in the DVDS box, it’s forgotten..,” suggesting that Challengers would soon be a distant memory. (via @kennyownedyou on X)
Others, however, were quick to praise the Academy’s decision to snub the film entirely:
“Respect to Oscar for that 🫡,” they added with a sarcastic salute. (via @ThriveWellHub on X)
While others mentioned that the score deserved a nomination - (via @Hira_Rajput786 on X)
The film that could have been
Challengers, directed by a widely respected filmmaker - apologies to Luca Guadagnino on behalf of the Academy - was anticipated to be a frontrunner during awards season. The film's plot, which revolved around a love triangle and tennis (yes, really), was daring and captivating, and its soundtrack was deemed exceptional. Many anticipated that it would make a significant impression at the Oscars because of its star-studded ensemble and powerful performances. However, its total disregard left both industry experts and fans perplexed.
Though some speculated that its novel twist on well-known genres may have worked against it at the Academy Awards, others hailed the film for its distinctive fusion of (cough) romance and athletics. Given the abundance of Oscar-worthy films vying for the few available nomination spots, Challengers may have just been a victim of an overcrowded field. Nevertheless, despite its lack of nominations, the movie has a devoted fan base, and its rejection only appears to have strengthened that bond.
Ultimately, even though Challengers may have been cheated at the award show, its supporters aren't going to let the slight go unnoticed. The internet has transformed the disappointment into a source of amusement - from memes to scathing hot takes. Regardless of whether the movie deserved more praise or not, one thing is certain: Challengers has made an impact!

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