Anne Hathaway's Oscar Bid: Universal Pictures' Strategy for 'The Odyssey' Unveiled

Universal Pictures has unveiled its awards strategy for Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey,' positioning Anne Hathaway for the Supporting Actress category. This strategic move aims to enhance the film's chances during the upcoming awards season, separating Hathaway's campaign from Matt Damon's Best Actor bid. With a global box office exceeding USD 1.6 billion, the film is set for a robust awards push, potentially leading to multiple nominations. Hathaway's prolific year, including roles in high-profile projects, adds to the anticipation. As the awards season approaches, all eyes are on whether 'The Odyssey' can replicate the success of Nolan's previous work, 'Oppenheimer.'

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 22, 2026, 14:51 IST

Universal Pictures' Awards Strategy for 'The Odyssey'

Universal Pictures has announced its strategy for the awards season regarding Christopher Nolan's latest film, 'The Odyssey.' The studio has decided to nominate Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway for the Supporting Actress category for her role as Penelope. This move clearly delineates Hathaway's campaign from that of Matt Damon, who is being positioned as the film's primary contender for Best Actor.

This strategic decision is part of a larger initiative by Universal to secure multiple nominations for the film, which has already garnered impressive commercial success, amassing over USD 1.6 billion globally. By placing Hathaway in the supporting category, the studio is also paving the way for a potential dual nomination, as co-star Samantha Morton is also being promoted in the same category for her celebrated performance as Circe.

Strategic Positioning in the Awards Race

Industry experts have observed that Hathaway's placement in the Supporting Actress category positions her in a less competitive field compared to Best Actress. If Hathaway receives a nomination and wins, it would be her second Academy Award in this category, following her 2013 win for 'Les Miserables.' This achievement would make her only the third woman in Academy Awards history to win the Supporting Actress award twice, joining the ranks of Dianne Wiest and Shelley Winters.

The campaign for 'The Odyssey' is anticipated to be extensive, with Universal aiming for recognition in several major and technical categories. Alongside Hathaway, Morton, and Damon, the studio is also planning to promote veteran actors John Leguizamo and Robert Pattinson for the Supporting Actor category. If the film manages to secure nominations across these various acting categories, it would join a select group of films that have achieved multiple acting nominations in different categories during a single awards season.

A Prolific Year for Hathaway

The awards campaign for 'The Odyssey' comes on the heels of a busy year for Hathaway, who has starred in several notable projects. Her recent roles include a part in A24’s 'Mother Mary' and a return to one of her most beloved characters in the sequel to 'The Devil Wears Prada,' which earned USD 691 million worldwide. Additionally, she featured in Warner Bros.’ 'The End of Oak Street' and is set to appear in the upcoming thriller 'Verity,' directed by Michael Showalter, where she will serve as both lead actress and producer.

As the awards season draws near, the momentum for Christopher Nolan’s latest endeavor remains robust, bolstered by the director's recent triumph with 'Oppenheimer.' With the studio's strategy now firmly in place, all eyes will be on whether the film can achieve a significant presence at the forthcoming Academy Awards ceremony.