Eisenberg's 'The Debut' Launches Oscar Push With Moore-Led Musical Satire

Key points

• Jesse Eisenberg directed and wrote all seven original songs for 'The Debut,' which features nearly an hour of music.
• Julianne Moore stars as Mona Friedman, a passive housewife who transforms into a bold actress in a community theater production.
• Paul Giamatti plays the frustrated director Jerry, who uses intense Method acting techniques to break down Moore’s character.
• A24 is focusing its Best Original Song Oscar push on the song 'This City May Have Chewed Me Up (But It Hasn’t Spit Me Out).'
• The film received rave reviews at Telluride, with critics praising Moore’s range and the film’s blend of comedy, thriller, and musical elements.

Background

Eisenberg previously directed 'When You Finish Saving the World' (2022) and 'A Real Pain' (2024), the latter of which earned Kieran Culkin an Academy Award. 'The Debut' continues his exploration of character dynamics and self-discovery, building on his reputation as a multi-talented filmmaker and writer. The film’s release follows a strong festival season, with Moore also set to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Zurich Film Festival.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes the strategic Oscar push, noting that A24 is prioritizing one song for the Best Original Song category while acknowledging the possibility of submitting others. Deadline’s Pete Hammond highlights the film’s comedic timing and Moore’s 'all-timer' performance, calling it the funniest comedy of the year. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman frames the film as a 'dizzying' and surreal experience, comparing it to 'Waiting for Guffman' but with a Coen Brothers edge. Vulture’s Bilge Ebiri focuses on Moore’s transformative performance, describing it as a 'fire-breathing encomium' to the power of acting. All outlets agree on the film’s quality but differ in emphasis: THR on awards strategy, Deadline on comedy, Variety on surrealism, and Vulture on Moore’s range.

Why it matters

The film’s strong reception and clear awards positioning make it a key player in the 2026 Oscar race, particularly in acting and original song categories. Its success could further cement Eisenberg’s status as a leading independent filmmaker and boost A24’s reputation for launching award-winning films. The film’s blend of comedy, drama, and musical elements also signals a potential shift in audience preferences for hybrid genres.

What to watch

The film will screen at the Toronto, New York, and Zurich film festivals before its limited release on December 11. A wide release is scheduled for the Christmas season. The Best Original Song Oscar push will likely intensify as the awards season progresses, with A24 potentially submitting additional songs if they gain traction.