How Project Hail Mary’s Beloved Alien Could Win an Oscar in 2027

As Project Hail Mary begins to enter the awards conversation, its beloved character Rocky has emerged as an unexpected contender for the 2027 Oscars. The alien figure, performed by James Ortiz, has drawn attention for its performance. It has raised the possibility that Rocky could compete in acting categories despite not being a conventional on-screen role.

Project Hail Mary’s Rocky is eligible for 2027 Oscars

James Ortiz’s performance as the alien character Rocky in Project Hail Mary has been confirmed as eligible for acting categories at the 2027 Academy Awards. The role, created through puppetry and voice work, is expected to be submitted in the supporting actor race. It has drawn attention due to the unconventional nature of the role, raising questions about how such performances are evaluated alongside traditional acting work.

According to Variety, the current Academy rules allow Ortiz’s work to qualify in acting categories. His portrayal of Rocky, a non-human character brought to life opposite Ryan Gosling, has emerged as one of the most popular elements of the film. Beyond the Oscars, Ortiz’s work is also eligible for recognition at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, as puppeteers fall under SAG-AFTRA jurisdiction. 

The report further noted that the Critics Choice Awards do not have specific rules excluding such performances, while the BAFTA Awards have previously recognized similar work, citing Eddie Murphy’s nomination for Shrek. However, the Golden Globe Awards do not currently allow for this category of performance.

The report also highlighted that if the performance is not placed within standard acting categories, it could still be considered for a Special Achievement Award, a recognition previously given to Toy Story before the introduction of the animated feature category. It remains unclear whether the Academy would take that route or consider broader changes. 

Ortiz, who is known as a stage performer and puppeteer, spoke about his approach. He said, “Typically, we talk about puppetry as a technical achievement, and it is. It’s a spectacle. For me as a performer, however, that’s never my entry point. I’m interested in the heart of the character.”

Source: Comingsoon.net