Timothée Chalamet, Steven Spielberg, and a Supreme Court Justice Among Shock First-Time Grammy Nominees
The full list of nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards has finally been revealed, and while it’s packed with familiar superstars like Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Sabrina Carpenter, this year’s lineup also features a handful of names that few expected to see on a music award ballot. Beyond the usual icons of pop, rap, and R&B, the Recording Academy has surprised fans by nominating figures from film, literature, and even the legal world — marking one of the most eclectic and unpredictable nomination lists in recent memory.
Leading the pack in traditional categories are Kendrick Lamar, who scored an impressive nine nominations, and Lady Gaga, who picked up seven nods for her acclaimed album Mayhem. Sabrina Carpenter also emerged as a major contender, earning multiple nominations including Song of the Year. But alongside these predictable powerhouses sit several unconventional names who have broken into the Grammys for the first time — most notably Timothée Chalamet, Steven Spielberg, and Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Perhaps the most talked-about surprise is Timothée Chalamet’s unexpected nomination for his work in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. The actor, celebrated for his roles in Dune and Call Me by Your Name, is now officially a Grammy nominee in the category of Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. This recognition comes from his vocal and instrumental performances recorded live during the film’s production, in which Chalamet performs several of Dylan’s early songs himself. Unlike typical acting roles, his contribution was entirely musical — he sang and played guitar, capturing Dylan’s raw energy in real time.
Critics and fans alike praised the authenticity of his portrayal, noting that the film’s music was not pre-recorded but performed live on set, just as Dylan would have done during his early folk days. That artistic choice, combined with Chalamet’s dedication to embodying the musical legend, helped the soundtrack stand out to Grammy voters. The nomination is not only a milestone for Chalamet but also a signal that the Recording Academy is increasingly open to honoring crossover performances that blend cinema and music.
He’s not alone in this year’s wave of unexpected honorees. Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg has also earned his first-ever Grammy nod, thanks to his role as producer on a documentary about classic film scores, recognized in the Best Music Film category. Meanwhile, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson — yes, a sitting member of the United States Supreme Court — has received a nomination in the Best Spoken Word Album field for narrating portions of her memoir. Her inclusion marks a rare intersection between the nation’s highest court and the music industry’s most celebrated night.
The 2026 Grammy nominations have therefore turned into a cultural moment that blurs the boundaries between art forms. Where the Grammys once primarily focused on albums and singles, today’s lineup demonstrates that storytelling — whether through film, spoken word, or performance — is being recognized as an integral part of the broader musical experience.
For Chalamet, the nomination caps off a remarkable creative journey. Having already collected numerous film award nominations, including from the Oscars and BAFTAs, he now finds himself crossing into new territory. His involvement in A Complete Unknown follows his earlier musical foray in Wonka (2023), where he performed several songs himself — but this time, the work has earned him a place among music’s elite.
Competing against soundtracks from titles such as F1: The Album, Wicked, and KPop Demon Hunters, Chalamet’s entry represents both a tribute to Bob Dylan’s legacy and a personal milestone that cements him as a multi-talented artist whose artistry transcends genres.
In a year dominated by chart-topping hits and viral sensations, the 2026 Grammys may be remembered not only for who wins but for who’s been invited to the table. The inclusion of names like Timothée Chalamet, Steven Spielberg, and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson reflects a growing recognition that music and storytelling are universal — and that creative excellence, no matter its form, deserves to be celebrated on the world’s biggest stage.
