Anne Hathaway Targets Supporting Actress Oscar for Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’
Universal Pictures has announced that Anne Hathaway will be campaigned for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Penelope in Christopher Nolan’s epic film ‘The Odyssey’. The move places Hathaway alongside co‑star Samantha Morton in a rare double‑nomination scenario and positions Matt Damon a…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Universal Pictures has officially announced that Anne Hathaway will be campaigned for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Penelope in Christopher Nolan’s epic film The Odyssey. The decision places Hathaway in a unique position within the awards season, as the studio seeks to secure multiple acting nominations for the film’s star‑studded cast.
Why Penelope’s Role Matters
In The Odyssey, Hathaway portrays the faithful wife of Odysseus, played by Matt Damon. The character of Penelope is a central figure in the narrative, embodying loyalty and resilience as she waits for her husband’s return from war. By positioning Hathaway in the supporting category, Universal hopes to avoid a direct clash with Damon, who is being positioned as the film’s sole lead contender for Best Actor.
Universal’s Double‑Nomination Strategy
Universal’s plan taps into a rare Oscar phenomenon: a film earning two nominations in the same acting category. Historically, the most common double‑nomination has been for Best Supporting Actress, with films such as All About Eve (1950) and Terms of Endearment (1983) setting the precedent. By nominating both Hathaway and co‑star Samantha Morton—who plays the enchantress Circe—Universal aims to maximize its chances of securing a win in the category.
Morton, a two‑time Oscar nominee for In America and Sweet and Lowdown, has received strong praise for her performance in the film. While the two actresses will inevitably compete against each other, the studio believes the high profile of the project justifies the risk.
Hathaway’s Award‑Winning Track Record
Hathaway’s Oscar credentials are well‑established. She won Best Supporting Actress in 2013 for her role as Fantine in the musical adaptation of Les Misérables. The Academy has a history of rewarding established talent in high‑profile, prestige films, and The Odyssey fits that mold perfectly.
With the film already surpassing $1.6 billion worldwide, it stands as a major contender in Universal’s Best Picture campaign. The studio’s focus on the supporting actress category comes at a time when the lead actress field appears less crowded, with Julianne Moore’s The Debut and other contenders still building momentum.
Historical Significance of a Dual Win
If both Hathaway and Moore were to win on the same night, they would become the first pair of women to each win a second acting Oscar since 1995. That year, Jessica Lange and Dianne Wiest each secured their second Oscars for Blue Sky and Bullets Over Broadway, respectively. Hathaway would also join an exclusive club of actresses who have won Best Supporting Actress twice: Dianne Wiest and Shelley Winters.
Should The Odyssey receive a Best Picture nomination, Hathaway would become the first woman to win Best Supporting Actress twice for films that were both nominated for Best Picture, a milestone that would further cement her legacy in Hollywood.
Hathaway’s Busy 2026 Slate
Hathaway’s 2026 schedule is packed. She opened the year with the A24 film Mother Mary, a period drama that, while not a box‑office hit, earned her critical praise. She then starred in The Devil Wears Prada 2 opposite Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt, which has grossed $691 million worldwide. Following The Odyssey, she appears in Warner Bros.’ 1982‑set creature adventure The End of Oak Street as suburban mother Denise Platt. Her most anticipated role comes with Michael Showalter’s thriller Verity, where she plays the title character opposite Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett, set to release on October 2.
In addition to acting, Hathaway serves as a producer, further expanding her influence within the industry.
Universal’s Broader Oscar Campaign
Beyond the acting categories, Universal is targeting a wide array of technical nominations for The Odyssey. The film is in contention for categories such as Best Original Song, with a track penned by Travis Scott, as well as various artisan categories. Matt Damon is the primary lead actor push, while Hathaway and Morton are positioned for supporting actress. The film also has potential for supporting actor nominations, with veterans John Leguizamo and Robert Pattinson in the mix.
Pattinson, like Hathaway, has a prolific year ahead, with four films slated for release, including Primetime, The Drama, and Dune: Part Three. The latter two also feature castmate Zendaya, adding another layer of star power to the ensemble.
What’s Next for the Film
As the awards season unfolds, Universal’s strategy hinges on building momentum for The Odyssey across both technical and acting categories. The studio’s focus on a high‑profile supporting actress campaign for Hathaway reflects a calculated move to secure a strong presence at the Oscars while navigating the crowded field of contenders.
With the film’s box‑office success and the star power of its cast, Universal’s push for multiple nominations could set a new standard for how studios approach award campaigns for blockbuster projects.
In the coming weeks, industry insiders will watch closely to see if Hathaway’s campaign gains traction and whether the film secures the nominations it seeks.
Key facts
- Universal campaigns Anne Hathaway for Best Supporting Actress in <em>The Odyssey</em>.
- The move aims to secure a double nomination in the supporting actress category with Samantha Morton.
- Hathaway’s Oscar history and the film’s box‑office success bolster the campaign.
- If both Hathaway and Julianne Moore win, they would be the first pair of women to each win a second acting Oscar since 1995.
- The film also targets multiple technical and acting nominations, including supporting actor spots.
Why it matters
The strategy underscores how studios leverage star power and category placement to maximize award prospects, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape for the Oscars.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Anne Hathaway being campaigned in the supporting actress category?
Universal wants to avoid a direct clash with lead actor Matt Damon and aims to secure a double nomination in the supporting actress category, a rare and strategic move.
What makes a double nomination in the same acting category significant?
Historically, films with two nominations in the same acting category have a higher chance of winning, and it highlights the strength of the film’s ensemble.
Could Hathaway win a second Oscar for Best Supporting Actress?
Yes, if she wins, she would join a small group of actresses who have won the award twice, including Dianne Wiest and Shelley Winters.
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “Anne Hathaway to Campaign in Supporting Actress for Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ (EXCLUSIVE)”
