Julianne Moore’s Transformative Turn in Jesse Eisenberg’s 'The Debut' Sparks Oscar Buzz

Key points

• The film follows Mona Friedman, a shy homemaker who lands a role in a local musical after sabotaging competitors, only to face harsh criticism from her director, Jerry Blankenbuehler, played by Paul Giamatti.
• Eisenberg wrote all seven original songs in the film, including 'This City May Have Chewed Me Up (But It Hasn’t Spit Me Out),' which is being pushed for the Best Original Song Oscar category.
• Critics describe the movie as a 'dizzying' and 'explosive' experience that shifts between comedy, musical, and noir thriller, with Moore delivering what Vulture calls an 'all-timer' performance.
• The film is set for a limited theatrical release on December 11, 2026, followed by a wide release over the Christmas holiday, after screenings at Toronto, New York, and Zurich festivals.
• Eisenberg describes the project as autobiographical, drawing from his childhood experiences with acting and the terror of creative vulnerability, while Giamatti’s performance is noted for its raw, take-one intensity.

Background

Jesse Eisenberg’s previous feature, 'A Real Pain,' earned Kieran Culkin an Academy Award and an Original Screenplay nomination for Eisenberg. Julianne Moore previously won an Oscar for 'Still Alice' and is set to star in the Off-Broadway production 'Faydra' in early 2027. 'The Debut' is Eisenberg’s third directorial effort, following 'When You Finish Saving the World' (2022), which also starred Moore.

How outlets are covering it

Vulture’s Bilge Ebiri emphasizes Moore’s 'explosive' range and the film’s surreal, reality-bending structure, calling it a 'fire-breathing encomium' to acting. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman compares the film to 'Waiting for Guffman' meets the Coen Brothers, highlighting its 'dizzying' blend of comedy and mystery, and praises the 'astonishing' performance. IndieWire’s Anne Thompson focuses on Eisenberg’s creative process, noting the film’s autobiographical nature and the 'fever dream' quality of its production. The Hollywood Reporter highlights the business side, confirming the Oscar push for the original song and the competitive landscape against artists like Taylor Swift and Diane Warren.

Why it matters

The film represents a significant step for Jesse Eisenberg as a director, moving from grounded drama to a tonally complex, musical comedy. It positions Julianne Moore as a strong contender for the Best Actress Oscar, potentially her second win, and introduces a unique original song into a competitive awards race. The film’s success at Telluride signals strong momentum for A24’s holiday release strategy.

What to watch

The film will screen at the Toronto, New York, and Zurich film festivals in the coming weeks. Julianne Moore is scheduled to receive a lifetime achievement award in Zurich. A limited theatrical release is set for December 11, 2026, with a wide release following over the Christmas holiday. The Academy Awards submission for Best Original Song is expected to be finalized in the fall.