Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Oscar Blitz Begins With Star-Studded Q&As Featuring Downey Jr., del Toro and Spielberg

Variety · 2026-10-30
Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Oscar Blitz Begins With Star-Studded Q&As Featuring Downey Jr., del Toro and Spielberg

Universal is launching a high-profile awards campaign for Christopher Nolan’s epic ‘The Odyssey’ starting the week of November 9, with a series of screenings and Q&A sessions moderated by Robert Downey Jr., Guillermo del Toro, and Steven Spielberg. The studio aims to position the film—starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Anne Hathaway—as a major contender across categories. With a reported budget of $250 million and a July 2026 release, the campaign will emphasize Nolan’s vision and the film’s technical achievements, including IMAX cinematography. The early start gives the film about 10 weeks to build momentum before Oscar nomination voting begins. Universal is betting that Nolan’s track record—including ‘Oppenheimer’s’ seven Oscars—will resonate with voters and audiences alike. As the campaign unfolds, the industry will watch closely to see if ‘The Odyssey’ can replicate that success on the awards circuit.