Oscars 2022: ‘The Power of the Dog’ Star Benedict Cumberbatch Reveals Which Stars He’s Most Excited to Meet
The Academy Awards have a long history of revisiting past winners and nominees. So perhaps it’s no surprise that Benedict Cumberbatch is back in the awards conversation. The Doctor Strange star is nominated for Best Actor for his work in writer-director Jane Campion’s Western drama The Power of the Dog. And as Hollywood’s biggest night looms ever closer, Cumberbatch recently revealed which stars he hopes to cross paths with on Oscar night.
Benedict Cumberbatch landed an Oscar nod for ‘The Power of the Dog’
In The Power of the Dog, Cumberbatch plays rancher Phil Burbank, whose life is turned upside down when his brother (Jesse Plemons) gets married. Kirsten Dunst and Kodi Smit-McPhee round out the main cast as Plemons’ wife — they’re engaged in real life — and new step-son, respectively. All four stars earned their first Oscar nominations for their performances. But for Cumberbatch, it’s his second nod following 2014’s The Imitation Game.
With Campion behind the camera, The Power of the Dog seems designed to win over critics. However, it’s become not only a critical darling but an awards season champ. The movie led the 2022 Oscars with 12 nominations. And it’s currently a frontrunner in several of those categories, including Best Picture and Best Director.
The ‘Doctor Strange’ actor revealed which stars he’s hoping to meet
Following the news of his second Academy Award nomination, Cumberbatch shared his reaction with Variety. In addition to admitting he had a “silly grin” on his face, the actor revealed which stars he wants to meet at the 2022 Oscars. And it turns out, he’s most excited to cross paths with two of his fellow Best Actor nominees.
“I’ve never met Denzel [Washington] or Will [Smith]. So I’m super excited about that. I hope we can all get together and acknowledge the moment, no matter what happens on the night.”
Two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington earned an Oscar nod for his role in The Tragedy of Macbeth. And Smith received his third career nomination as Richard Williams — father of tennis players Venus and Serena Williams — in King Richard. Given all three men are up for the same prize, chances are Cumberbatch will get his wish soon.
Will Benedict Cumberbatch win the Best Actor award at Oscars 2022?
Cumberbatch might be excited to meet two of his fellow nominees. But he also should prepare his speech if his name is read on Oscar night. After all, the actor does have a solid chance of walking home with his first Academy Award, particularly if the widespread love for The Power of the Dog is any indication.
Right now, Gold Derby — which tracks awards season odds and predictions — currently has Smith winning Best Actor. However, Cumberbatch follows closely behind, followed by Andrew Garfield for Tick, Tick… Boom! Washington and Being the Ricardos‘ Javier Bardem round out the current nominees.
The 94th Academy Awards air on ABC on March 27, 2022.
