Julia Roberts Absent from 2026 Oscars Following Psychological Thriller Recognition

Academy Award winner Julia Roberts opted to skip the 2026 Oscars following her Golden Globe nod for After the Hunt, marking her seventh year away from the event.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 11:35 AM EDT

Source: BAZAAR

A Season of Selective Attendance

The absence of the Pretty Woman star is largely attributed to her lack of a direct nomination at this year’s ceremony. While Roberts received critical acclaim earlier in the season for her performance in Luca Guadagnino’s psychological thriller, After the Hunt, her recognition was limited to a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama. Having not secured a corresponding Oscar nod, Roberts has maintained a low profile throughout the subsequent events of the 2026 awards circuit.

Tracking a Seven Year Oscars Hiatus

The 2026 ceremony marks the seventh consecutive year that Roberts has declined to attend Hollywood’s biggest night as a guest or nominee. Her last appearance at the Oscars occurred in 2019, when she made a high profile surprise appearance to present the Best Picture award. During that evening, she bypassed the traditional red carpet entirely, only revealing her bright pink Elie Saab gown when she stepped onto the stage to announce Green Book as the year’s top winner.

A Storied History with the Academy

Roberts holds a prestigious place in Academy history with a total of four nominations across three decades. Her journey with the Oscars began in 1990 with a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Steel Magnolias, followed quickly by a Best Actress nod for Pretty Woman in 1991. She reached the pinnacle of the industry in 2001, taking home the Best Actress statuette for Erin Brockovich. Her most recent competitive recognition from the Academy came in 2014 for her supporting role in August: Osage County.