The Odyssey sets acting categories for Oscars: No Zendaya, Charlize, Lupita

When you have a cast of thousands, not everyone can get in on the Oscar campaign action. Such is the case with The Odyssey. Christopher Nolan‘s epic adaptation of Homer is the front-runner for Best Picture and is expected to contend in nearly every eligible Academy Award category, making a run at the Sinners nomination record.

However, Universal had to make some difficult decisions when it came to winnowing down the list of actors to campaign. While Matt Damon (Odysseus), Anne Hathaway (Penelope), and Tom Holland (Telemachus) were no-brainers as the family at the center of the tale, there was a constellation of other A-list stars and notable character actors worthy of consideration. Now, Gold Derby has confirmed which actors will be submitted for the Oscars and who didn’t make the cut.

Damon leads the way in Best Actor, with Hathaway and Samantha Morton (Circe) in Best Supporting Actress, and Holland, Robert Pattinson (Antinous), and John Leguizamo (Eumaeus) in Best Supporting Actor.

Anne Hathaway and Tom HollandUniversal Pictures

That leaves out a who’s who of worthy actors, including Zendaya (Athena), Charlize Theron (Calypso), Lupita Nyong’o (Helen of Troy/Clytemnestra), Jon Bernthal (Menelaus), Elliot Page (Sinon), and Himesh Patel (Eurylochus).

As we noted early on, Hathaway could have chosen to run as lead actress — a move that would have allowed Theron or Zendaya to be put into play in supporting alongside Samantha Morton, whose role as the enchantress Circe was immediately hailed as a highlight. Universal decided it was more strategic to keep Hathaway in supporting, where she immediately vaulted to the top position in the Gold Derby odds, instead of a tough race with Julianne Moore (The Debut) in Best Actress.

Samantha Morton in 'The Odyssey' Samantha MortonUniversal Pictures

While the math didn’t work in terms of Oscar entries, many of the actors mentioned above won’t be completely overlooked this awards cycle. Most will be included in the ensemble submissions at the Actor Awards and Critics Choice.

Sinners set the record earlier this year with 16 Oscar nominations. If the Gold Derby prediction data (see below) pans out and The Odyssey scores nominations for picture, director, actor, supporting actor, supporting actress, and adapted screenplay, and then goes 10-for-10 in the craft categories, Nolan’s film would tie Sinners. And if an extra performer (or two) sneaks into the supporting races, The Odyssey’s name will be sung in the Academy record books for years to come.

John LeguizamoUniversal Pictures