The Odyssey is an instant awards contender. The epic movie could win multiple Oscars, including a rare feat for Christopher Nolan.
Based on Homer’s poem, The Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, who embarks on a treacherous journey home after the Trojan War. Odysseus faces mythical beings, including sirens and a Cyclops, as he fights to reunite with his wife, Penelope.
The Odyssey has been called a “once-in-a-lifetime cinematic experience.” The film is poised for an awards season run that could result in Oscar glory. Which categories could The Odyssey win?
What Oscars could The Odyssey win?
5) Best Cinematography – Hoyte van Hoytema
Ever since 2014, every Nolan movie has had Hoyte van Hoytema on the camera. The acclaimed cinematographer is responsible for shooting several of Nolan’s best visual films, including Interstellar and Oppenheimer, with the latter resulting in an Oscar for Best Cinematography.
The Odyssey’s visuals are legitimately jaw-dropping. It’s the first movie to be shot entirely on Imax 70mm cameras. They even invented new technology to shoot select scenes. Van Hoytema is a shoo-in for a nomination, and he’ll likely be one of the favorites to win the Oscar next winter.
4) Best Supporting Actress – Anne Hathaway
The Odyssey is loaded with A-list talent and award-winning actors. The supporting categories could be a bloodbath, considering how many Odyssey actors could be in contention in the male and female categories, respectively.
Out of all the actresses in The Odyssey, Anne Hathaway probably has the best chance to crack the Best Supporting Actress category. Hathaway has the pedigree — she previously won Best Supporting Actress for her work in Les Misérables. As Penelope, Hathaway is the emotional heartbeat of The Odyssey and has several key scenes that should play well with voters.
3) Best Adapted Screenplay – Christopher Nolan
For as much praise as Nolan receives as a director, he should garner the same acclaim for his screenwriting. In fact, Nolan’s first Oscar nomination came in the Best Original Screenplay category for Memento.
Nolan’s screenwriting for The Odyssey should not go unnoticed. He adapted one of history’s greatest literary works, bringing Homer’s iconic characters to the screen. Nolan’s version is the first feature film adaptation of The Odyssey in its entirety. He is a lock for a nomination and will likely be in a battle with Project Hail Mary for Best Adapted Screenplay.
2) Best Picture
The Odyssey is the movie event of 2026 so far. Dune: Part Three is probably the only movie that can threaten The Odyssey in terms of hype. That being said, The Odyssey has shot to the top of the Best Picture race. It’s a spectacle that has immense critical acclaim, and it will eventually become a financial juggernaut, one that could close in on a worldwide gross of $1 billion.
Do voters want to crown another Nolan movie three years after Oppenheimer dominated the Oscars? That’s the big question. If The Odyssey wins Best Picture, Nolan will join David Lean as the only filmmaker to helm Best Picture winners for consecutive movies.
1) Best Director – Christopher Nolan
If you were to ask me what I think is the likeliest scenario for The Odyssey, I would say the movie loses in Best Picture but wins for Best Director. This situation feels similar to Saving Private Ryan, where Spielberg took home his second directing Oscar but lost Best Picture.
The Odyssey is the culmination of a masterful career that spans almost 30 years. It’s going to take a Herculean performance from a director to beat Nolan this year. With a win, Nolan would become the 22nd filmmaker with at least two directing Oscars.
