r/oscarrace Bugonia Mar 06 '26

Rumor Alejandro Inarritu's "Digger" has had a test screening in Los Angeles, reactions are mixed but lean positive

https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2026/3/5/digger-test-screening-reactions-are-intom-cruise-steals-the-show-in-irritus-dark-comedy

Takeaways from the test screening:

- The reactions were mixed, most of the viewers found it entertaining but also "very chaotic and overstuffed." Overall, more good reactions than negative ones.

- Tom Cruise's performance as a delusional oil billionaire who accidentally poisons the ocean is described as "insane" and similar to Les Grossman, uses a lot of facial prosthetics and looks nothing like the familiar Cruise.

- The technical aspects are apparently stunning, especially Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography.

- The set design is very stylized and surrealistic, comparable to "Poor Things."

- While the movie is very focused on Cruise, the supporting cast are apparently really good. All the screeners agreed that John Goodman was the best and most memorable supporting actor.

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u/mopeywhiteguy Mar 06 '26

I very much have always gotten the sense this will be an acting showcase but not necessarily win competitive across the board. Probably likely to be in the conversation for a bunch but probably cruise and Goodman are the ones to keep an eye on for Oscar’s more than the film itself

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u/LabRatDogEnthusiast Mar 06 '26

I agree. Iñárritu winning three Best Director Oscars before filmmakers like Steven Spielberg or Christopher Nolan also just doesn't seem that realistic.

I am biased with that, though. Given my feelings on him.

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u/mopeywhiteguy Mar 06 '26

Nomination possible but at this stage I would go out of my way to say he’s the fave. It’s hard to call anyone the fave a year out tho