- Puppeteer James Ortiz is being submitted for Best Supporting Actor at the 99th Academy Awards for his role as Rocky in the film Project Hail Mary.
- This represents a landmark decision, as the Oscars have never previously nominated a puppeteer, voice actor, or motion-capture performance in a main acting category.
- Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling, achieved critical and box office success, with much praise directed at the friendship between Gosling's character and Rocky.
- Ortiz's eligibility is based on current rules, as puppeteers fall under the Screen Actors' Guild jurisdiction; he will also be eligible for the Baftas but not the Golden Globes.
- The move reignites a long-standing debate regarding whether technical performances should be considered in major acting categories, referencing past discussions around actors like Andy Serkis.
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