Scott and Coon Lead Telluride Premieres as Oscar Contenders

Key points

• Andrew Scott stars in 'Elsinore,' a biopic about actor Ian Charleson, who played Hamlet at the National Theatre in 1989 while suffering from terminal AIDS.
• Carrie Coon stars in 'The Liberation,' a drama about a Holocaust survivor who leaves her family to join a cult in the 1980s.
• Both films premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in September 2026 and are considered strong Oscar contenders.
• Scott's performance is described as 'shattering' and 'sensitive,' with some noting he could become the first openly gay actor to win an Oscar.
• Coon's performance is praised for its nuance and emotional depth, with the film expected to have an awards-qualifying run in January.

Background

Andrew Scott and Carrie Coon have both had successful careers in television and film, with Scott known for roles in 'Fleabag' and 'Sherlock,' and Coon for 'The Gilded Age' and 'The White Lotus.' Both have previously been nominated for awards, but neither has won an Oscar. The 2026 Oscar race is expected to be competitive, with other contenders including John Malkovich and Matt Damon.

How outlets are covering it

IndieWire and The Hollywood Reporter both highlight Scott's performance in 'Elsinore' as a major Oscar contender, with THR noting he could become the first openly gay actor to win an Oscar. Variety praises Scott's performance as 'powerfully moving' and 'astonishingly layered.' The Guardian provides historical context on Ian Charleson's life and career, noting his bravery in playing Hamlet while terminally ill. For 'The Liberation,' IndieWire and The Hollywood Reporter praise Coon's performance as nuanced and emotionally deep, with the film expected to have an awards-qualifying run in January.

Why it matters

The strong performances by Scott and Coon in 'Elsinore' and 'The Liberation' have shifted the 2026 Oscar race, with both actors seen as top contenders in their respective categories. Scott's potential to become the first openly gay actor to win an Oscar adds a historic dimension to the race, while Coon's performance is seen as a strong contender in a less crowded Best Actress race.

What to watch

Both films are expected to have wide releases in the coming months, with 'The Liberation' scheduled for a January release to qualify for the Oscars. The 2026 Oscar nominations are expected to be announced in early 2027, with the ceremony taking place in March 2027.