Universal Locks in ‘The Odyssey’ Oscar Campaign as Matt Damon Leads and Zendaya Sits Out

Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ has already conquered the box office. Since opening on July 17, the adaptation of Homer’s ancient epic has grossed nearly $1.8 billion worldwide, becoming Nolan’s biggest film ever and the highest-grossing R-rated movie in history.

Now the question is whether it can repeat the awards success of ‘Oppenheimer’, which won Best Picture and Best Director. Universal has made it clear it is positioning the film for a massive Oscar nomination morning, with a campaign spanning every available craft category, including original song for its Travis Scott-penned track.

With an ensemble packed with A-list talent, the studio faced difficult decisions about who to push. Universal has now locked in its acting submissions, as reported by Gold Derby, and several big names will not be part of the campaign.

Matt Damon, who plays Odysseus, leads the push in Best Actor. Anne Hathaway, who plays Penelope, and Samantha Morton, whose enchantress Circe drew some of the film’s strongest notices, will compete in Best Supporting Actress.

In Best Supporting Actor, Universal is campaigning Tom Holland as Telemachus, Robert Pattinson as Antinous and John Leguizamo as Eumaeus. The studio is also submitting Nolan for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, along with Emma Thomas and Nolan for Best Picture and John Papsidera for Best Casting.

The actors of ‘THE ODYSSEY’ being submitted for Oscar consideration: Matt Damon – Best Actor Anne Hathaway and Samantha Morton – Best Supporting Actress Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, and John Leguizamo – Best Supporting Actor https://t.co/YZ7yFfLeOK

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The decisions mean several high-profile stars won’t receive acting campaigns. Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page and Jon Bernthal were not included in Universal’s submissions.

Gold Derby noted that Hathaway could have run as lead actress, which might have opened room for Theron or Zendaya in the supporting category. Instead, the studio opted to keep Damon as the film’s lone lead contender while pairing Hathaway with Morton. Hathaway’s placement carries extra weight. She previously won Best Supporting Actress in 2013 for playing Fantine in ‘Les Misérables’.

According to Variety, if ‘The Odyssey’ lands a Best Picture nomination and Hathaway wins again, she would become the first woman to win supporting actress twice for films that were both nominated for Best Picture. The supporting race also appears less crowded than the lead actress category, where Julianne Moore has been gaining momentum for ‘The Debut’.

The announcement has sparked plenty of debate online. Many fans cheered the decision to campaign Pattinson, while others mocked Holland’s supporting actor push as deeply unserious.

The final trailer for Christopher Nolan’s ‘THE ODYSSEY’ has been released. In theaters on July 17. https://t.co/xn42TcX4aG

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Some viewers also lamented the omission of Himesh Patel. With such a large cast of notable performers, it was inevitable that not every fan favorite would make the cut. The broader awards outlook remains strong. According to Gold Derby’s prediction data, if ‘The Odyssey’ earns nominations for picture, director, actor, supporting actor, supporting actress, and adapted screenplay, and then sweeps all 10 craft categories, it would tie ‘Sinners’ for nominations.

That would make Nolan’s epic one of the most nominated films in recent memory. Strong reviews and record-breaking box office success give Universal plenty of momentum heading into the season.

With categories now set, the campaign will move into its next phase as voters weigh a crowded field. The studio’s bet is that focusing on a smaller group of performers will give each contender a stronger chance at a nomination. Whether that strategy pays off will become clear when nominations are announced. For now, ‘The Odyssey’ remains one of the season’s most formidable contenders.

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