Robert Pattinson is being tipped for an Oscar nomination after his performance in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, with critics praising his portrayal of the villainous suitor Antinous. The $250 million blockbuster, one of the year's most anticipated films, is already considered a frontrunner for the 2027 Best Picture award.
Standout Performance in Epic Blockbuster
At the film's world premiere in London on 6 July, Pattinson drew comparisons between Homer's ancient epic and the Twilight series, which launched his career. 'I keep comparing it,' he said. '[Antinous] is kind of like Jacob in Twilight. What The Odyssey is about – Penelope just can't make her mind up between the two guys. And I'm just trying to, like, help her make a decision.'
Critics have been effusive. Erik Davis wrote, 'He absolutely stole the show for me,' calling Pattinson 'so conniving, manipulative and endlessly entertaining to watch'. The buzz has led to widespread speculation about a supporting actor Oscar nomination.
From Teen Idol to Acclaimed Actor
Pattinson, 40, has carefully crafted a post-Twilight career defined by unconventional choices. After the franchise grossed $3.36 billion, he worked with directors such as David Cronenberg (Cosmopolis), the Safdie brothers (Good Time), and Claire Denis (High Life). 'For a long time, he was the industry's poster child for the teen idol turned serious actor arc,' said Guy Lodge, chief critic of Variety.
His roles have included being constantly cloned in Mickey 17, masturbating to a wooden mermaid in The Lighthouse, and playing Batman in Matt Reeves's The Batman. Steven Gaydos, veteran film journalist, described him as 'an accomplished and fearless actor with tremendous range'.
Upcoming Projects and Personal Life
Pattinson stars alongside Zendaya in both The Odyssey and the upcoming Dune 3, which is expected to be a major awards rival. He will also headline Primetime, a drama about the TV show To Catch a Predator, and reprise his role as Batman in 2027.
Off-screen, Pattinson lives with partner Suki Waterhouse and their young daughter. He is known for his quirky hobbies, including ceramics and inventing dishes like 'piccolini cuscino' (little pillow), a rice ball he almost marketed with a frozen-food manufacturer.
Critical Consensus and Legacy
Guardian critic Peter Bradshaw called Pattinson's performance 'saturnine, faintly reptilian and odious', while noting his 'haughty aristocratic looks'. Gaydos compared him to Hollywood golden era stars like Robert Taylor and Tyrone Power, while Bradshaw evoked Alan Rickman's devilish charm.
With five major films in 2026-2027, Pattinson has cemented his status as one of the most bankable and unpredictable actors of his generation. As Gaydos put it, 'If Alfred Hitchcock were directing films today, one can only imagine the thrills and fun he'd create with Pattinson in the frame.'
