Universal spends weeks and $1.1 billion pushing Nolan's 'Odyssey' for Oscars

Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” has grossed $1.1 billion globally, making it his highest-earning film. Universal Studios is now deploying a ten-week Oscar campaign to convert that box office success into Academy Award nominations. The studio’s official push begins the week of November 9, 2026.

The film opened in July with a $264.1 million debut, the largest of Nolan’s career. The campaign strategy emphasizes the film’s technical format. Nearly every Los Angeles screening is booked in IMAX 70mm, 70mm, or 35mm. The goal is to remind voters that the film was shot on IMAX film cameras and designed for large screens, not the digital portal.

The studio is using high-profile figures to moderate the early screenings. Robert Downey Jr., who won a supporting actor Oscar for “Oppenheimer” in 2025, will moderate the Los Angeles kickoff on November 11 at the TCL Chinese Theatre. Guillermo del Toro will moderate a session on November 12 at AMC Universal CityWalk. Steven Spielberg will moderate a 70mm screening with Nolan on November 17 at the DGA Theater.

These three moderators hold seven combined Oscar statuettes. Their presence is intended to signal prestige to the Academy membership. The campaign runs in parallel with a focus on the film’s artistic credentials, aiming to distinguish it from other summer blockbusters that have struggled to win the top prize.

Historical data shows that only two films with over $1 billion in revenue have won best picture: “Titanic” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.” Other high-grossing films like “Avatar,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” and “Barbie” received nominations but did not win the top award. Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” overcame this barrier by winning seven Oscars, including best picture and director, at the 2025 ceremony.

A central event of the campaign is not a feature screening. On November 10, the Universal Studios Spielberg Theater will host the world premiere of “Behind the Scenes of The Odyssey.” This 75-minute documentary will be introduced by Nolan. Matt Damon, who plays Odysseus, will moderate a question and answer session.

The Q&A will feature key crew members, including producer Emma Thomas, editor Jennifer Lame, production designer Ruth De Jong, and costume designer Ellen Mirojnick. Also present will be casting director John Papsidera, hair department head Gloria Casny, makeup department head Luisa Abel, sound mixer Willie Burton, and supervising sound editor Craig Henighan. Composer Ludwig Göransson and visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson will also attend, followed by a reception.

The campaign will extend beyond the United States. Screenings are scheduled for New York, San Francisco, London, Rome, Copenhagen, Berlin, Madrid, Melbourne, Wellington, and Rio de Janeiro. The first event takes place on November 9 at AMC Lincoln Square in New York. The schedule includes dates in Europe and Australia through November 24.

Universal’s materials list specific individuals for potential nominations. Emma Thomas and Nolan are listed for best picture. Nolan is listed for director and adapted screenplay. Damon is listed for actor. Supporting actor nominations are targeted for Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, and John Leguizamo. Supporting actress nominations are targeted for Anne Hathaway and Samantha Morton.

Technical categories are also included in the push. Hoyte van Hoytema is listed for cinematography. Jennifer Lame is listed for film editing. Ruth De Jong and Larry Dias are listed for production design. Ellen Mirojnick is listed for costume design. Luisa Abel, Gloria Casny, Conor O’Sullivan, and Rox Hodenfield are listed for makeup and hairstyling. Willie Burton, Craig Henighan, Gary A. Rizzo, and Kevin O’Connell are listed for sound. Ludwig Göransson is listed for original score, and the song “When I’m Home” is listed for original song. Andrew Jackson, Andrew Lockley, Giacomo Mineo, and Scott R. Fisher are listed for visual effects.