Anne Hathaway Leads Oscar Race for ‘The Odyssey’ Role

Tena Milakovic
Anne Hathaway The Odyssey 7
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Oscar season kicks off early these days, with discussions about potential winners often starting months ahead of the voting. Factors like festival buzz, box office performance, and studio strategies shape these predictions. This year, one name consistently emerges at the forefront of the Best Supporting Actress conversation.

Anne Hathaway has been a significant figure in the awards discussions ever since ‘The Odyssey’ debuted in theaters. Portraying Penelope, the devoted wife of Odysseus, she anchors the story’s Ithaca segments while the kingdom awaits a king who may not return. This role has positioned her as a leading contender in the race.

The market has also weighed in. According to Polymarket traders, Hathaway is the clear favorite to win Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars, with her odds currently at 67%. While these prediction-market probabilities fluctuate and are not definitive outcomes, they indicate a strong early consensus.

Other forecasters echo this sentiment. SlashFilm identifies her as a probable frontrunner, suggesting she is nearly guaranteed a nomination. Gold Derby’s combined odds place her above 95% for a nomination, although securing a nomination does not guarantee a win.

Part of her momentum stems from the studio’s strategic positioning. According to an exclusive report from Variety, Universal plans to campaign Hathaway in the supporting actress category, ending months of speculation about a potential lead role.

This placement places her in a less crowded category compared to lead actress and positions her alongside co-star Samantha Morton, who plays Circe. This raises the possibility of a vote split, although Oscar history shows that films can receive multiple supporting actress nominations.

Hathaway is no stranger to the Oscars, having won Best Supporting Actress for ‘Les Misérables’ in 2013. Variety noted that if ‘The Odyssey’ receives a Best Picture nomination, she would be the first woman to win supporting actress twice for films that were both nominated for Best Picture, adding a historic element to her campaign.

The Academy has a history of rewarding established favorites in prestigious films, and ‘The Odyssey’ fits that profile. The film has been a box office success, reportedly grossing over $1.6 billion worldwide, which can bolster awards support.

Screenshot 2026 07 25 at 11 02 38 The Odyssey 2026 Rotten Tomatoes

However, not everyone sees her as a guaranteed winner. Gold Derby highlighted that Penélope Cruz gained traction after winning at the Toronto International Film Festival and has her own projects, including ‘La Bola Negra’ and ‘The Invite’, in contention.

Sandra Hüller is also viewed as a strong contender due to ‘Project Hail Mary’. Other names like Kate O’Flynn in ‘Tender Loving Care’ and Merritt Wever in ‘Primetime’ have also garnered attention. One analyst pointed out that Hathaway is not a lock, even if the category currently favors her.

The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled for Sunday, March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Conan O’Brien will host the ceremony, which will air live on ABC. Nominations will be announced on January 21, with final voting concluding on March 4.

This leaves several months for precursor awards, festival premieres, and campaign events. Odds can shift rapidly as new films are released and critics weigh in. The journey from a strong early position to winning a trophy can be long.

Penelope is just one part of a busy year for Hathaway. She also starred in A24’s ‘Mother Mary’, which premiered in April alongside Michaela Coel. Together, these roles showcase the breadth of her recent work.

Hathaway has consistently connected with audiences through her warmth and humor, and her performance in ‘The Odyssey’ serves as a quiet counterpoint to the film’s epic battles. Many viewers have identified her portrayal as the emotional core of the film, a reaction that voters often remember.

For now, she holds the lead, but the race is far from settled. The upcoming months will reveal whether the initial excitement remains.

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