The actor who plays Project Hail Mary’s Rocky is eligible for an acting Oscar

by

Even though the character Rocky is an alien with no face, the actor who performs the role in ‘Project Hail Mary’ could be nominated for an Oscar at the next Academy Awards.

This year, ‘Project Hail Mary’ has become incredibly popular, receiving almost universal praise. It currently boasts a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has earned over $575 million worldwide.

The movie, adapted from Andy Weir’s novel, tells the story of a scientist sent into space to save Earth from disaster. During his mission, he encounters an alien he names Rocky, and the two form a friendship and work together.

Next year, ‘Project Hail Mary’ is predicted to receive several Academy Award nominations, potentially including Best Picture, Best Director, and numerous awards for its technical achievements. Adding to the excitement, James Ortiz is a surprising contender who could also be nominated.

Project Hail Mary’s Rocky performer could be nominated in Best Supporting Actor category at Oscars

James Ortiz skillfully brought the character Rocky to life on screen through intricate puppetry and a captivating voice performance.

Ortiz collaborated with directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller to develop the character of the stone-like alien, and he worked through each scene with Ryan Gosling, planning and practicing their movements together.

According to Variety, Ortiz’s performance will be considered for an Academy Award, and Amazon MGM Studios intends to submit him for Best Supporting Actor.

Ortiz explained in a recent interview that puppetry is often seen as a technical skill, and it certainly is impressive to watch.

As an actor, I don’t start by focusing on outward appearances. I’m much more interested in understanding what motivates a character – what they’re trying to say and what emotions drive their actions.

It’s incredibly rewarding when we can use an art form like puppetry – something often considered just a visual decoration – to create a character that feels real and connects with audiences on an emotional level. That’s when we’re truly making a difference.

According to Variety, Ortiz’s performance won’t qualify for a Golden Globe award based on current rules. However, it could be eligible for a BAFTA – the same award Eddie Murphy received for his voice performance in Shrek.

If Ortiz isn’t nominated for an acting Oscar, he could still receive a ‘Special Achievement Award,’ which recognizes outstanding contributions to the film industry that don’t fit into regular award categories.

As a huge fan, I’ve always been amazed by the work this technology enabled! It really helped create the incredible sound, visuals, and creatures we saw in classics like Star Wars, Superman, and even Who Framed Roger Rabbit. And it was still being used on groundbreaking films like the original Toy Story – before they even had a Best Animated Feature Oscar category, which just shows how impactful it was!

If Ortiz and Project Hail Mary were recognized, it would also be a chance for the Academy to acknowledge Neil Scanlan, the creative force behind the Rocky films.

You can now see Project Hail Mary in theaters! If you’re planning a visit, we have a guide to the best times for bathroom breaks, a fun story about Ryan Gosling and a mop on set, and a full explanation of how the movie ends.

Read More

2026-04-22 17:51