The awards push for the epic film The Odyssey has gained significant momentum this week after a period of notable silence. For several months, the campaign appeared subdued, partly because director Christopher Nolan has historically preferred a low-key approach. This reticence was perhaps amplified following the massive success of his previous film, Oppenheimer, which won numerous awards three years ago. Additionally, key cast members have been occupied with other commitments. Anne Hathaway has been on maternity leave, while Matt Damon, Robert Pattinson, Tom Holland, and Zendaya have been actively working on other productions. Although John Leguizamo and Samantha Morton had been supporting the film, industry observers were eager to see the major stars step forward against strong competition from titles such as La Bola Negra and You Can See Everything.
The campaign officially kicked off on Tuesday night at the Universal lot, where hundreds of guild members and press attended the world premiere of Behind the Scenes of The Odyssey. This 75-minute documentary details the making of the feature film. Nolan delivered opening remarks, and Damon moderated a post-screening question and answer session. The discussion included twelve key contributors to the production, including producer Emma Thomas, casting director John Papsidera, and editor Jennifer Lame. Other participants were production designer Ruth de Jong, costume designer Ellen Mirojnick, and head of hair Gloria Casny. The session also featured makeup head Luisa Abel, sound mixer Willie Burton, supervising sound editor Craig Henighan, composer Ludwig Göransson, and visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson.
The following evening, the focus shifted to the United Kingdom. The film screened at the BFI Imax in London, utilizing the largest Imax screen in the country. The audience consisted of hundreds of members from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. After the screening, Scottish television presenter Edith Bowman led a Q&A with Pattinson and Holland. Pattinson is currently generating significant buzz as the leading candidate to play James Bond in an upcoming film, while Holland continues to build his profile in major blockbusters.
Back in Hollywood, a separate event took place on Wednesday night at the TCL Chinese Theatre. A 70 mm Imax screening was followed by a Q&A session moderated by Robert Downey Jr., who won an Oscar for his role in Oppenheimer. Downey joined Nolan, Thomas, and Damon for the conversation. He introduced Thomas as the essential figure behind the project, praising her as the one person without whom the group would not be present. He also highlighted Damon’s acting, calling it a generation-defining performance. Furthermore, Downey described Nolan as the most influential and successful director of his generation by any standard.
The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively obtained footage of this full conversation between Downey, Nolan, Thomas, and Damon. The interview offers a look into the collaborative dynamics of the team as they navigate the awards season.
Also on Wednesday night, a simultaneous event occurred at the Academy Museum’s Ted Mann Theater. The film was shown to an audience of Society of Composers and Lyricists members. Following the screening, Göransson, James Blake, and Travis Scott discussed their collaborative work on the film’s end-credits track, titled When I’m Home.
The campaign continued on Thursday night with a screening at the Universal CityWalk Hollywood Imax. This venue is considered Nolan’s preferred location in the Los Angeles area. The audience was composed of members of the Visual Effects Society. After the film, Nolan and VFX supervisor Andrew Jackson were interviewed by Guillermo del Toro, a fellow best director Oscar winner who is known for his appreciation of visual effects.
As the awards season progresses, more talent from The Odyssey is arriving in Los Angeles in advance of the Governors Awards on Sunday. An additional 70 mm screening is scheduled for Saturday night at the Academy Museum. This event is targeted at members of the Academy and SAG-AFTRA nominating committees. A Q&A session will follow the screening, featuring Damon, Holland, Leguizamo, Morton, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Himesh Patel, and Elliot Page.
These consecutive events mark the beginning of a comprehensive strategy for the team behind The Odyssey. As the nomination window opens, the film is set for a long and competitive journey through the Oscar season.
