The morning of the Oscar nominations always brings a mix of expected triumphs and shocking snubs, but the inclusion of Jacob Elordi among the Best Supporting Actor finalists feels like a definitive cultural shift.
While his work in “Euphoria” and “Priscilla” hinted at a deep well of talent, it was his physical and emotional metamorphosis in “Frankenstein” that finally broke through the Academy’s traditional barriers. By stepping into the massive shoes of the Creature, Elordi managed to strip away his movie star persona to find the tragic soul beneath the prosthetics.
A Career Transformed
Elordi’s journey to the Dolby Theatre is a testament to the power of bold creative choices. In a role that relied as much on silent vulnerability as it did on imposing physicality, he delivered a performance that critics are calling the definitive modern interpretation of Mary Shelley’s creation. He managed to balance the inherent horror of the character with a profound sense of loneliness, ensuring that the audience felt the weight of every movement and the pain behind every gaze.
Source: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Society
Working under the direction of a visionary like Guillermo del Toro clearly pushed Elordi to new heights. The director’s penchant for finding humanity in monsters was the perfect match for Elordi’s brooding intensity. Together, they crafted a version of the Creature that feels both ancient and startlingly new, allowing the actor to showcase a range of nuances that had previously been untapped. This nomination marks the moment where the industry finally stops viewing him as a rising star and begins treating him as a veteran artist.
The competition in the Supporting Actor category is fierce this year, yet Elordi’s nomination stands out because of the sheer transformative nature of the work. It is notoriously difficult for actors to garner awards recognition under heavy makeup and effects, but Elordi’s eyes and voice cut through the layers of the character. As he prepares for his first walk down the red carpet as a nominee, he carries the momentum of a performance that has redefined his career and solidified his place in Hollywood history.
