Andrew Scott is the early Best Actor frontrunner for his role in 'Elsinore'

Andrew Scott has emerged as an early contender for a first Academy Award nomination after several executives identified his performance in ‘Elsinore’ as the current frontrunner in the Best Actor race.

The Irish actor plays Ian Charleson, the Scottish actor known for ‘Chariots of Fire’, in the Focus Features film. Charleson stepped in for Daniel Day-Lewis in a 1989 production of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ at London’s National Theatre while he was dying of AIDS.

‘Elsinore’ centres on that production and has been described as a heartfelt film about choosing life even when dying. Scott’s portrayal of Charleson has been called gripping and one of his most poignant performances. The part has also been described as “the role of Scott’s career”.

Scott has spent years winning critical recognition without an Academy Award nomination. His performance in ‘All of Us Strangers’ received Best Actor nominations at the Golden Globes, BAFTA and the Gotham Awards, yet the Academy passed over the performance.

The earlier omission gives the current attention around ‘Elsinore’ added significance. Scott is known for ‘Sherlock’ and for appearing in the Oscar-winning film ‘1917’, but he has yet to be nominated by the Academy.

Several executives have named Scott the leading contender at this stage of the race. John Malkovich, for ‘Wild Horse Nine’, and Matt Damon, for ‘The Odyssey’, have also been identified among the Best Actor frontrunners.

Industry interest in ‘Elsinore’ has extended to the festival circuit. The film was reportedly accepted into every festival to which it was submitted, adding to the attention around Scott’s performance before its theatrical release.

‘Elsinore’ will open in select theatres on 20 November and expand into December. Its critical and audience reception after reaching cinemas remains unknown.

The Academy Award nominations will be announced on 21 January 2027. The ceremony is scheduled for 14 March 2027. Whether Scott will secure his first nomination, or go on to win Best Actor, will be decided later in the awards season.