‘The Invite’ Star Olivia Wilde Poised to Make Oscar History as First Woman to Direct Herself to an Acting Nod
‘The Invite’ started as a modest ensemble comedy, often overlooked in major awards discussions. However, everything changed when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, significantly altering Olivia Wilde’s Oscar prospects.
A24 acquired the film after its debut, reportedly paying $12 million for worldwide rights following a standing ovation. It had a limited release on June 26 before expanding on July 10.
The film’s success is reflected in its box office performance. ‘The Invite’ has grossed $57.4 million globally, with $26 million from the U.S. and $31.4 million internationally, all on a $15 million budget. It boasts a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 82 on Metacritic.
Wilde directed the film based on a screenplay by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, adapted from Cesc Gay’s 2020 Spanish film ‘The People Upstairs’. The cast features Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton alongside Wilde. The film runs for 107 minutes, which David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter noted was slightly longer than necessary, yet still described it as an immensely enjoyable experience.
What has caught the attention of awards analysts is the possibility that Wilde could be the first woman to direct herself to an Academy Award nomination for acting. According to Awards Watch, while men have achieved this feat 20 times, no woman has ever done so. The site also highlights that only 35 of the 489 performances nominated for Best Actress were directed by women.
In ‘The Invite’, Wilde portrays Angela, a stay-at-home wife whose relationship with Rogen’s character, Joe, is tested when their upstairs neighbors, played by Cruz and Norton, invite them to explore group intimacy. Awards Watch describes her performance as quietly confident, blending expert comedic timing with a warm, melancholic undertone.
David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter praised the film as smart, sophisticated, and well-acted, particularly noting Wilde’s character’s deep anxiety about appearing uncool and her ability to express frustration through subtle reactions to her husband’s comments.
The case for Wilde’s nomination extends beyond her acting. ‘The Invite’ was filmed on 35mm over 23 days in chronological order in San Francisco, with Wilde reportedly financing the project to ensure it was shot on actual film rather than digital.
Rooney also highlighted the film as a testament to Wilde’s growth as a director, suggesting it should quell any skepticism. Critics have noted her adeptness in managing a single-location setting, utilizing dynamic camera angles and strategic mirror placements. One analysis pointed out her ability to create an environment that allowed Norton to improvise a significant monologue, showcasing her directorial confidence. Wilde has dedicated the film to Diane Keaton and prioritized its theatrical release.
First trailer for Olivia Wilde’s ‘THE INVITE’, starring Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, Edward Norton and Olivia Wilde.
The film follows a couple on the verge of breaking up when their neighbors show up for dinner & make everything worse.
In theaters in July. https://t.co/V9niH6bAGB— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 7, 2026
The film’s strength lies in its ensemble cast, and the awards discussion extends beyond Wilde. Critics have lauded Rogen for what many consider his best dramatic performance, with some suggesting he could also be in line for an Oscar nomination. Norton’s role has drawn comparisons to ‘Birdman’, while Cruz has received widespread acclaim for her portrayal of therapist Pina.
Cruz has already secured a Best Supporting Actress award and a Best Screenplay win at the Astra Midseason Movie Awards, with the film also nominated for a Humanitas Prize.
The outcome of awards season often hinges on campaign strategies as much as on quality, and the future of ‘The Invite’ will depend on A24’s approach. Observers believe the film has strong potential across categories including Best Picture, adapted screenplay, acting, and technical awards.
Wilde is also being discussed for other projects, with ‘I Want Your Sex’ and ‘Behemoth!’ mentioned alongside ‘The Invite’ in her Oscar year coverage. For now, however, her best chance at making history lies with the film that transformed a simple ensemble comedy into a festival sensation.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!