Every decade deserves its cute ‘lil alien movie mascot. We’ve had E.T., Groot, Grogu. Now, we have a new adorable alien we all wanted to take home with us, Rocky from Project Hail Mary. This little granite-like alien who walks around like a crab helped Ryan Gosling save the world. He won all of our hearts in the process. Now, he may actually get a Best Supporting Actor nomination as well. Well, James Ortiz, the puppeteer who brought Rocky to life, would get the nomination. According to a report from Variety, Amazon MGM Studios will officially submit James Ortiz for an Academy Award nomination for next year’s Oscars.
According to the report, Ortiz’s work in Project Hail Mary is properly eligible for Academy Award consideration in acting categories. At least based on the Academy’s current rules, which have been known to change. In addition, his work is eligible for the Actor Awards, where puppeteers fall under SAG-AFTRA jurisdiction. What he won’t be able to get a nomination for is the Golden Globes. According to their existing rules, puppeteering and voice work are not eligible. Oh well, who needs a Golden Globe nomination if you can get an Academy Award?
We fully endorse James Ortiz receiving a nomination for Project Hail Mary. Dare we say, even more than Ryan Gosling. No shade toward Gosling, who delivers a wonderful and believable performance as Ryland Grace. But we think most moviegoers walk out of the film thinking the film’s M.V.P. is the alien from Erid in the 40 Eridani star system. The Academy never nominated Andy Serkis for playing Gollum, nor was Frank Oz nominated for playing Yoda, which seems like a crime against cinema. Maybe James Ortiz will finally wake the Academy up and make them realize that puppeteering, motion capture, and voice work truly do count as acting. It’s long overdue.