“And the Oscar goes to… a talking rock.” That probably won’t be heard on stage at the Oscars next year, but now, we at least know it’s possible.
According to Variety, performer James Ortiz, who did the voice and much of the puppet work behind the character of Rocky in Project Hail Mary, officially qualifies for consideration at next year’s Academy Awards. Amazon MGM, which distributed the film, plans on campaigning for him for Best Supporting Actor.
This is newsworthy because, well, think about it. Did you ever once consider that it was possible? Probably not. And yet, it’s completely worthy. Ortiz is the primary person who brought Rocky to life, both with the incredible voice work and emotive puppetry. Of course, CGI and other tricks did help complete the performance, but according to the trade, he qualifies under current rules. And that performance, the dialogue, the heart and soul of that character, really make the movie what it is.
He also qualifies for several other major awards. That includes the Actor Awards (formerly Screen Actors Guild Awards) and the BAFTAs (British Academy of Film and Television Arts). He does not, however, qualify for a Golden Globe. Boo hoo.
Now, obviously, being eligible is one thing. Actually, being nominated is something else entirely. Andy Serkis, for example, has long been eligible for his performance capture work in films like War for the Planet of the Apes but never felt even remotely close to an actual nomination.
Ortiz’s best bet might be Project Hail Mary regaining momentum come award season, which is still several months away from kicking off in a larger sense. In the next five or six months, many other films will emerge as contenders, but Project Hail Mary will still be one of them. And, clearly, Amazon MGM is already thinking ahead of how to position the film, which is the smart move. If directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller, writer Drew Goddard, leading actor Ryan Gosling, and more start to become part of the conversation, Ortiz will too.
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