Could a rock alien win an Academy Award? Project Hail Mary has become one of the most talked-about films of the year, and it could even receive Oscar glory from one of its breakout characters. Of course, I’m talking about Rocky, the alien creature who teams up with Ryan Gosling in the film to help save their respective worlds.
Project Hail Mary Oscar?
James Ortiz serves as the voice and lead puppeteer of Rocky, and according to Variety, he’s actually eligible for an Oscar. Amazon MGM Studios plans on submitting him in the Best Supporting Actor race. It’s an exciting prospect, but it raises an interesting question: can a nontraditional performance stand a chance against those of human actors?
The possibility of a nomination is all the more impressive given that Ortiz was never intended to be the permanent voice of Rocky. “James Ortiz was meant to just be the puppeteer and we were going to figure out Rocky’s voice later. But James started doing the lines for me so that I had someone to read lines with, so I wasn’t just imagining this dialogue,” Gosling explained. “[James] understood Rocky so deeply that it got to a point where he knew what Rocky would say, what he wouldn’t say, what he would do. James was Rocky and James is Rocky now and you can’t imagine it any other way.“
In addition to the Academy Awards, Ortiz is also eligible for the Actor Awards, the BAFTAs, and possibly the Critics’ Choice Awards, but he wouldn’t be eligible for a Golden Globe under its current rules.
All About Project Hail Mary
“Science teacher Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship with no recollection of who he is or how he got there,” reads the official synopsis. “As his memory slowly returns, he soon discovers he must solve the riddle behind a mysterious substance that’s causing the sun to die out. As details of the mission unravel, he calls on his scientific training and sheer ingenuity — but he may not have to do it alone.“ In addition to Gosling and Ortiz, the film also stars Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, Milana Vayntrub, and more.
We Loved It
The hype machine has been running high on this one, but our own Chris Bumbray thinks it’s well deserved. “While it runs a hefty 156 minutes, the running time zips along, with Lord and Miller having a good handle on pace,” he wrote. “It’s really an impeccably made movie, with everyone involved doing superlative work, including Daniel Pemberton, who contributes a strong score. It’s the kind of movie that deserves to become the next Sinners, so hopefully audiences will give it a shot. It’s upbeat and leaves you walking out of the theater feeling optimistic — which I think all of us could use in these rather somber times.” You can check out the rest of his review right here. Also, be sure to let us know what you thought of the film as well!
A Sequel?
Project Hail Mary has been doing great at the box office, currently sitting at over $573 million worldwide. Combined with the rave reviews, the studio has naturally been thinking… sequel. Andy Weir, who wrote the novel on which the film is based, has reportedly been kicking around some ideas for a continuation, but it remains to be seen whether it will actually happen.
Should James Ortiz win an Oscar for his performance in Project Hail Mary?
The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.
What’s Not Allowed