‘Project Hail Mary’ fuels buzz for Rocky’s Oscar

Project Hail Mary has sparked Oscar buzz with an unexpected Academy Awards candidate.

According to recent reports from multiple outlets, James Ortiz, who both voiced and physically performed the spider-like alien Rocky, qualifies for consideration in the Best Supporting Actor category at 2027 Academy Awards.

The news has sparked industry-wide discussion because Ortiz is not seen on screen in a traditional sense, instead, he brings the character to life through puppetry and performance.

Rocky is a faceless, spider-crab like alien that meets Ryan Gosling’s Ryland Grace in outer-space. Both characters become close friends and attempt to solve a mysterious phenomenon that could endanger life across the universe.

While Ortiz is eligible for Oscars and SAG Awards, while other award organisations like Golden Globes may not recognise such performance due to their rules around motion-capture.

According to Variety, the situation is reigniting debate in Hollywood over what qualifies as “acting,” especially as technology and performance methods evolve.

Beyond a standard nomination, Ortiz could also be considered for a Special Achievement Oscar, which honours ground-breaking contributions outside traditional categories.

Author Andy Weir, who wrote the book Project Hail Mary is based on, told People magazine in an interview that Ortiz's work on the movie "gets a better performance out of everybody" than if the character was embodied on set by "a tennis ball and a stick" before using CGI to visualize him.

Project Hail Mary is in theatres now.

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