Nolan’s The Odyssey Leads 2025 Oscars Race as Moore, Scott and Wilde Gain Momentum
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 24
Nolan’s The Odyssey Leads 2025 Oscars Race as Moore, Scott and Wilde Gain Momentum
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 24
Summary
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has emerged as the strongest early best-picture contender after combining blockbuster box office with critical support, with Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon also seen as likely nominees.
Festival season produced a fragmented field rather than a single consensus challenger, as studios kept many star vehicles away from Venice, Telluride and Toronto to avoid weak buzz.
Julianne Moore moved to the front of best actress for Jesse Eisenberg’s The Debut, while Andrew Scott’s turn in Elsinore made him an early best-actor favorite after strong Telluride and Toronto reactions.
Olivia Wilde’s Sundance breakout The Invite became A24’s top awards play after a heated acquisition and solid summer run, putting Wilde in contention for both directing and acting recognition.
Other films building awards traction include horror hit Obsession, Spanish epic La Bola Negra and Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine, with New York premieres and late releases still able to reshape the race.