With Oscar nomination voting in full swing, Demi Moore has stepped forward to lead a high-profile campaign in support of Kate Hudson’s performance in “Song Sung Blue.” On January 12, 2026, as the Academy marked the start of its crucial nomination period, Moore and an impressive gathering of Hollywood A-listers convened at Soho House in Los Angeles for a powerful showing of industry support, intensifying the spirit of the Demi Moore Oscar campaign.
The event featured influential figures including Leonardo DiCaprio, Al Pacino, Mark Ruffalo, and David O. Russell. Together, they celebrated Hudson’s standout role in Craig Brewer’s emotional drama, sending a clear message about her potential for Academy recognition as the race tightens ahead of the January 16 voting deadline.
Oscars Race Accelerates as Nomination Voting Begins
The opening weeks of 2026 have seen the Academy Awards campaign reach a fever pitch. Studios and stars are making their final efforts, with strategists comparing this final push to the intensity of an election’s closing hours. According to the prevailing wisdom:
“If you’re in line, stay in line.”
The sentiment underscores how every screening and conversation could tip the scale in this especially fierce contest. With Oscar nomination voting running from January 12 to January 16, final ballots will set the stage for the nominee announcement on January 22.
Reflecting on last year’s unexpected nominations—such as Fernanda Torres’s surprise entry with “I’m Still Here”—insiders wonder if another shocking addition could emerge this season.
Star-Studded Tastemaker Events and Q&As Amplify the Campaign Season
As nomination deadlines approach, key players across Hollywood are participating in a flurry of panels, Q&As, and celebrations highlighting contenders. On January 5, Ariana Grande captivated a standing-room-only crowd at Soho House West Hollywood, moderating a lively discussion on casting with Bernard Telsey and Tiffany Little Canfield. The session blended humor and heartfelt industry insights, resonating with guild voters eager for a behind-the-scenes look into filmmaking.
Grande continued her engagement later that week, attracting so many attendees to a CAA screening and Q&A that people were turned away at the door. Her dedication to connecting with Academy members—facilitating personal interactions and even FaceTiming with guests’ families—set a tone of openness and warmth during these intense final days.
Directors and Casts Take Center Stage Across Prestigious Venues
Meanwhile, Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone, and Jesse Plemons attracted a full house at an all-guild screening and Q&A for “Bugonia” in Los Angeles. Jesse Plemons, the subject of a new Variety cover story, participated in multiple panels and screenings, including sessions moderated by Adam Scott and David Hemingson, where the focus turned to performance choices and the intricate balance of storytelling and comedy.
Chloé Zhao, fresh from the acclaimed “Hamnet,” also made impactful appearances with Jessie Buckley, Jacobi Jupe, and her creative team, culminating in a Directors Guild event moderated by Seth Rogen. These gatherings provided a transparent glimpse into the creative processes of top contenders, engaging Academy voters from multiple disciplines.
Demi Moore and Al Pacino Spotlight Kate Hudson’s Performance
Amidst a busy awards circuit, Demi Moore seized the spotlight by hosting a Tastemaker screening and Q&A for “Song Sung Blue,” with Kate Hudson in attendance. The Soho House event drew a diverse and high-caliber crowd, including Oscar nominees and winners such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Al Pacino, Mark Ruffalo, and filmmaker David O. Russell. The gathering put Hudson’s talent front and center, as Moore guided a candid and reflective conversation emphasizing the depth and impact of Hudson’s role.
Support for Hudson is gaining momentum in the final days before nominations, as recognition builds for her moving performance under Craig Brewer’s direction and the ensemble, which includes Hugh Jackman. The campaign moment was further amplified by a subsequent Q&A, where director Craig Brewer and Kate Hudson discussed their approach with moderator Rian Johnson.
Craft-Focused Screenings and Industry Events Attract Key Voters
Intimate events, such as the “Train Dreams” screening at San Vicente Bungalows in Santa Monica, continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the scrutiny of nominations. Composer Bryce Dessner, cinematographer Adolpho Veloso, co-writer Greg Kwedar, star Joel Edgerton, and director/co-writer Clint Bentley delved into the film’s visual narrative and musical elements. With a substantial turnout from AMPAS and WGA members, the dialogue highlighted the technical and artistic contributions recognized during awards season.
Additionally, the score-to-picture event for “Sirāt” at Avalon Hollywood, featuring Kangding Ray’s live set and a Q&A guided by Mark McGille of the LA Philharmonic, left attendees energized and eager to revisit the movie’s unique soundscape. Such immersive events reinforce the role of crafts and music in overall Oscar consideration.
The Official Opening of Oscar Voting and a Competitive Season
At 9 a.m. PT on January 12, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences commenced voting across its 11,000 members representing 19 branches. The process will determine which films and performances secure a place among this year’s nominees, with balloting remaining open until 5 p.m. on January 16. The busy schedule of industry panels, screenings, and Q&As underscores the emotional and passionate tone of this awards cycle, which has drawn involvement from stars, filmmakers, union members, and industry influencers.
Recent Oscar Predictions Highlight Intense Competition
Current predictions emphasize just how competitive this season has become. Leading titles for Best Picture include “Bugonia” (Focus Features), “F1” (Apple Original Films/Warner Bros.), “Frankenstein” (Netflix), “Hamnet” (Focus Features), “Marty Supreme” (A24), and “Train Dreams” (Netflix). The director race features major names like Paul Thomas Anderson for “One Battle After Another,” Ryan Coogler for “Sinners,” Guillermo Del Toro for “Frankenstein,” Joachim Trier for “Sentimental Value,” and Chloé Zhao for “Hamnet.”
Contenders for Best Actor include Timothée Chalamet (“Marty Supreme”), Leonardo DiCaprio (“One Battle After Another”), Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”), Michael B. Jordan (“Sinners”), and Wagner Moura (“The Secret Agent”). The Actress category sees Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”), Rose Byrne (
“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”
), Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”), Chase Infiniti (“One Battle After Another”), and Emma Stone (“Bugonia”) among possible nominees.
Supporting roles feature stars such as Benicio Del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, Sean Penn, Stellan Skarsgård, Ariana Grande, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Amy Madigan, Wunmi Mosaku, and Teyana Taylor, among others.
Further predicted leaders across critical categories highlight the contributions of talents like Kate Hawley, Adolpho Veloso, Ruth E. Carter, Ronald Bronstein, Will Tracy, Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, and Ludwig Göransson. Notably, Craig Brewer and Rian Johnson’s involvement with “Song Sung Blue” continues to draw attention in this competitive race.
Significance of Star Power and Industry Support
The enthusiastic participation of industry heavyweights such as Demi Moore, Al Pacino, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Mark Ruffalo underscores how A-list endorsements and community events can significantly influence Oscar outcomes. Their collective presence has cast a spotlight on performances like Kate Hudson’s, amplifying campaigns and reminding voters of the importance of peer validation.
As nomination voting closes and anticipation builds for the January 22 announcement, the impact of such campaign events—and the resonance of the Demi Moore Oscar campaign for Kate Hudson—marks a defining note in a season characterized by intensity, emotional investment, and a celebration of cinematic excellence.
