The film ‘Nuremberg’ is generating Oscar buzz with standout performances from Russell Crowe and Rami Malek, making it a strong contender this awards season.
‘Nuremberg’ Instant Oscar Odds: Russell Crowe and Rami Malek’s Performances Warrant Academy Award Consideration
Following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Nuremberg, directed by James Vanderbilt, is generating significant Oscar buzz among critics. Early reactions have highlighted the film’s commanding performances from Russell Crowe and Rami Malek, who lead a stellar ensemble cast. Centered on the landmark Nuremberg Trials, which brought top Nazi leaders to justice in the aftermath of World War II, the film combines powerful subject matter, prestige production, and high-caliber acting. With these elements in play, Nuremberg is quickly emerging as a major contender in this year’s Oscar race.
Best Picture
Sony Pictures Classics could have a Best Picture contender on its hands with Nuremberg, slated for release on Nov. 7 — a prime date that positions it within the heart of awards season. The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Crowe, Malek, Michael Shannon, Leo Woodall, Richard E. Grant, Colin Hanks, and John Slattery. The Academy has consistently embraced intelligent, character-driven historical dramas — films such as Oppenheimer, The King’s Speech, Belfast, and I’m Still Here. While Nuremberg currently sits in the 23rd spot on the Gold Derby odds, it could see a rise as more viewers see the film. With its blend of compelling narrative and top-tier performances, it appears well-positioned to be a strong Best Picture contender.
Best Actor
Sony has yet to announce whether Crowe and Malek will enter the Best Actor or Best Supporting Actor race; wherever they land, they should be competitive in their respective categories. Crowe’s portrayal of Hermann Göring, Adolf Hitler’s second-in-command, captures his chilling charisma and manipulative intelligence as he stands trial for crimes against humanity. A previous Best Actor winner for Gladiator, Crowe could be on the brink of another nomination. Malek, meanwhile, plays U.S. Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, tasked with assessing the mental health of Nazi defendants during the trial. The Bohemian Rhapsody Oscar winner brings a quiet intensity to the role, exploring the moral and psychological toll of examining evil up close. As one early review noted, “Crowe and Malek uniformly deliver what are among their best performances.”
Best Supporting Actor
Shannon and Woodall are also receiving attention for their standout supporting roles. Shannon plays lead prosecutor Robert H. Jackson, the U.S. Supreme Court justice who served as chief American prosecutor during the trials. Woodall portrays Sgt. Howie Triest, an American G.I. who served as a German interpreter during the proceedings and delivers one of the film’s most moving speeches. Once there’s clarity regarding the film’s nomination strategy, we will see how Shannon or Woodall’s status rises or falls if Malek or Crowe moves into this category.
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Best Adapted Screenplay
Based on Jack El-Hai’s acclaimed 2013 nonfiction bestseller The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, the film could emerge as a strong contender for Best Adapted Screenplay. Vanderbilt brings a fresh and psychologically nuanced approach to the material, skillfully weaving together the historical events and the complex ethical questions surrounding the post-war psychiatric evaluations of Nazi leaders. The film is currently ranked No. 15 in Gold Derby’s odds for this category.
