An Oscar for Rocky? ‘Project Hail Mary’ Puppeteer James Ortiz Is Eligible for Best Supporting Actor (EXCLUSIVE)

Apr 21, 2026 1:06pm PT An Oscar for Rocky? ‘Project Hail Mary’ Puppeteer James Ortiz Is Eligible for Best Supporting Actor (EXCLUSIVE)

By Clayton Davis

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Clayton Davis

Senior Awards Editor

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Rocky is eligible for the Oscars. Amaze, amaze, amaze.

James Ortiz, a stage performer and master puppeteer, has been central to one of the year’s most talked-about screen creations: Rocky, the spider-like alien at the heart of Amazon MGM Studios’ space-traveling blockbuster “Project Hail Mary.” Brought to life through intricate puppetry and vocal performance opposite Ryan Gosling, the character has become one of the film’s most celebrated elements, and the studio is already mapping out how to position the work in the fall awards race. Ortiz will be submitted for supporting actor.

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