Julia Roberts, one of Hollywood’s most beloved and bankable stars, has had an illustrious career filled with iconic roles, from Pretty Woman to Erin Brockovich, the latter of which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2001. However, despite remaining a powerhouse in the industry, Roberts has not been nominated for an Oscar since Closer (2004). Now, with her upcoming film [Insert Movie Title], critics and fans alike are speculating that this could finally be the project to break her 24-year Oscars dry spell.
A Look Back at Julia Roberts’ Oscar History
Roberts’ relationship with the Academy Awards has been a mix of triumph and near-misses. Her 2001 win for Erin Brockovich was a defining moment, solidifying her as more than just America’s sweetheart—she was a formidable dramatic actress. Prior to that, she received nominations for Steel Magnolias (1989) and Pretty Woman (1990).
However, after Closer (for which she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress), Roberts’ Oscar momentum slowed. While she continued to deliver strong performances in films like August: Osage County (2013) and Ben Is Back (2018), none quite captured the Academy’s attention the way her earlier work did.
Why Her New Film Could Be the One
Her latest project, [Insert Movie Title], has all the makings of an awards-season contender:
1. A Prestigious Director
The film is helmed by [Director’s Name], known for crafting actor-driven dramas that resonate with critics. Past collaborations between Roberts and acclaimed directors (Steven Soderbergh in Erin Brockovich, Mike Nichols in Closer) have yielded Oscar success, and this partnership could follow suit.
2. A Complex, Awards-Friendly Role
Early reports suggest Roberts is playing [brief character description], a layered, emotionally demanding role that showcases her dramatic range. The Academy loves transformative performances, and if Roberts disappears into this character the way she did with Erin Brockovich, voters will take notice.
3. A Thematically Relevant Story
The film’s plot reportedly tackles [central theme—social justice, family drama, etc.], a topic that often resonates with the Academy. Movies like Nomadland and Spotlight prove that socially conscious narratives frequently dominate awards season.
4. Potential Festival Buzz
If the film premieres at Venice/TIFF/New York Film Festival, it could generate the kind of early hype that propels a performance into the Oscar conversation. Roberts’ last major awards push, August: Osage County, benefited from its festival run.
The Competition She Faces
Even if Roberts delivers a career-best performance, the Best Actress race is notoriously competitive. Potential rivals could include:
- [Current Frontrunner] for [Her Upcoming Film]
- [Another A-Lister] in [Another Prestige Drama]
- A breakout indie performer (like Lily Gladstone in 2023)
Roberts will need strong campaigning, critical consensus, and perhaps a little bit of that classic Julia Roberts charm to secure the nomination—and possibly the win.
Why an Oscar Return Would Matter
Roberts has remained a superstar regardless of awards, but an Oscar nomination after 20 years would reaffirm her status as one of the great actors of her generation. It would also mirror the career resurgence of peers like Sandra Bullock and Frances McDormand, who won later in their careers after gaps between nominations.
Final Thoughts: Is This Her Year?
Only time will tell if [Movie Title] becomes Roberts’ long-awaited return to the Oscars stage. But with the right role, the right director, and the right campaign, 2025 could finally be the year Julia Roberts hears her name called at the Academy Awards once again.
For now, fans and critics will be watching closely—because if anyone deserves a triumphant Oscar comeback, it’s Julia Roberts.