The 98th Academy Awards are happening in just over a month, and the competition is heating up in all the major categories. While some awards seem almost certain – like Jessie Buckley winning for her role in Hamnet – and One Battle After Another is currently the favorite to win Best Picture, the outcome is still far from decided.
Everyone’s talking about the Best Actor race, and right now, Timothée Chalamet seems like the one to beat. I was blown away by his performance in Marty Supreme – he really threw himself into the role of this intense table tennis player. It’s such a complex performance, showing this character’s ambition and drive, but also these really quiet, thoughtful moments. Honestly, it feels like exactly the kind of serious, dedicated work we’ve come to expect from Timothée, and it really sets him apart from other actors right now.
Last year, Timmy campaigned hard for Best Actor for his role as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. He often compared himself to legendary actors during his speeches (though Adrien Brody ultimately won for The Brutalist). The marketing for his new film, Marty Supreme, is also emphasizing Timmy’s determined personality. While this approach is typical for him, it’s alienated some critics and voters who wonder if his confidence comes across as arrogance.
While there are many strong performances from actors like Leonardo DiCaprio in One Battle After Another, Ethan Hawke in Blue Moon, Wagner Moura in The Secret Agent, and Michael B. Jordan in Sinners, it’s difficult to see anyone challenging Timothée Chalamet. He’s currently the frontrunner, and any potential winner would need to overcome both his popularity and strong performance, which will become clear at awards shows like the SAG Awards or BAFTAs. However, if voters start to turn against Chalamet, the race could become much more competitive, with votes potentially splitting among several candidates.
As a film buff, I’m always excited when great performances become more accessible. Everyone’s seen DiCaprio and Michael B. Jordan lately – their films did really well in theaters and are streaming on HBO Max. But I was thrilled to discover that a fantastic Best Actor nominee, Blue Moon, just dropped on Netflix on February 14th. It’s a performance that truly rivals Timothée Chalamet’s, and now it’s so much easier to check it out!
Ethan Hawke Gives The Performance Of A Lifetime In Blue Moon
Ethan Hawke portrays Lorenz Hart, a playwright who previously worked with Richard Rodgers. The film centers on the night of the premiere of “Oklahoma!”, the first musical created by Rodgers and his new partner, Oscar Hammerstein II, and Hart’s struggle to accept losing his creative partnership with Rodgers.
Set in the restaurant hosting the afterparty, Blue Moon delves into themes of artistic struggle and grief. While the story focuses on the relationship between the main character and Elizabeth Weiland (Margaret Qualley), it also captures the vibrant world of 1940s Broadway, even featuring playful cameos from figures like Stephen Sondheim and George Roy Hill. Richard Linklater’s direction is both charming and nostalgic, and the dialogue is sharp, but the film truly shines because of Ethan Hawke’s performance.
One of the first things you’ll notice in Blue Moon is Ethan Hawke’s striking physical portrayal of Richard. The real-life Richard Hart was significantly shorter than Hawke, and this difference in height is central to the film. However, it’s Hawke’s ability to combine deep sadness with a subtle sense of humor that truly makes the performance memorable.
Sony Pictures Classics
As someone who follows the film industry closely, I’ve noticed Blue Moon is consistently getting fantastic reviews this awards season, especially for Ethan Hawke’s performance – which stands out compared to other contenders. Zachary Lee at MovieWeb gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars, calling Hawke a truly talented and versatile actor. Ever since the film came out in October, people have been talking about a possible Best Actor nomination for Hawke, though it’s looking less likely now.
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Even though Blue Moon received critical praise, it didn’t perform well financially, earning only $3 million in theaters. While Oscar wins aren’t always about box office success, the Academy has recently tended to favor films that audiences actually went to see – as shown by movies like One Battle, Sinners, and Marty Supreme all earning over $100 million globally. A boost in viewers on Netflix probably won’t be enough to change this trend. Currently, Ethan Hawke is considered a long shot to win, and experts disagree on who the frontrunner is.
Ethan Hawke has been nominated for an acting Oscar twice – for his supporting roles in Boyhood and Training Day. He’s also been nominated for Best Original Screenplay for Before Sunset and Before Midnight, but hasn’t won yet. While this might not be the year he takes home the award, Blue Moon is a standout film in his career and will now reach a wider audience thanks to its availability on Netflix.
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2026-02-14 18:33