Kirsten Dunst quietly expressed her backing of husband Jesse Plemons after he was overlooked for an Oscar nomination for his role in Bugonia. When the Academy Award nominees were revealed on Thursday, the Bring It On actress reposted an Instagram Story from her co-star Stavros Halkias that called out the omission.
The image shared by Halkias featured himself with a stern expression and a gun pointed toward the camera by an unseen person. The caption read,
“Me to everyone who didn’t nominate Jesse Plemmons [sic] for Best Actor tho,”
drawing attention to the snub.
Public Praise from Industry Peers Highlights Plemons’ Performance
Following the nominations, Dunst also shared a clip from the Bluff Council Podcast where host Ev Durán lauded Plemons’ work. Durán emphasized the actor’s extraordinary talent in the comedy sci-fi, comparing his acting to legends like Daniel Day-Lewis and Sidney Poitier.
Jesse Plemons gives one of the greatest performances of all time,
Durán said.
Jesse Plemons in this film gives [a] Daniel Day-Lewis–, Sidney Poitier–level transcendent performance that I worry is being completely overlooked for f—in’ Chalamet’s ‘Marty Supreme,’ which was a very good performance, but wasn’t — what Plemons does in this movie is beyond.
– Ev Durán, Film Producer
This vocal admiration reflects the disappointment felt by many who believed Plemons deserved a Best Actor nod.
Dunst’s Personal Tribute and Oscar Race Context
Earlier in the month, Kirsten Dunst posted a photo of Jesse Plemons on set for Bugonia with the caption “Some top-level s—,” signaling her enthusiasm for his work. The 37-year-old actor’s absence from the Oscar race contrasts with other nominees, including Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent).
Despite the snub in acting categories, Bugonia did receive a Best Picture nomination, while co-star Stone is up for Best Actress. Plemons has earned recognition elsewhere this season, securing Best Actor nominations from the Golden Globes and SAG Awards.
Jesse Plemons’ Acting Journey and Family Life with Dunst
Jesse Plemons’s career gained major traction through his portrayal of Landry Clarke on NBC’s Friday Night Lights, where he appeared across all five seasons from 2006 to 2011. Fans can also look forward to a reboot of the acclaimed series, with former star Taylor Kitsch expressing hope for its success.
I’ll be first in line to watch it. I hope it’ll be done right,
Kitsch told The Post last year. He confirmed he would not return as Tim Riggins but wished the cast well:
I wish them all the best, really. I’m as curious as everyone else.
– Taylor Kitsch, Actor
Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons married in 2022 and share two sons, Ennis, 7, and James, 4. Both have maintained steady careers in Hollywood over many years. Dunst first achieved fame in 1994 with her role in Interview with the Vampire and credits her support system for her career resilience, telling People, “Good friends and good family.”
On balancing her long-term acting career, Dunst said,
I think that I just feel very proud that I can keep doing films that I want to do,
and,
that […] the industry has embraced me still and keeps doing so. I really appreciate growing up, finding my path and being part of making movies that mean a lot to me.
– Kirsten Dunst, Actress
Past Recognitions and Awards for Plemons and Dunst
Jesse Plemons previously received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Power of the Dog in 2022. His wife Kirsten Dunst was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for the same film. This shared recognition highlighted their stature as a Hollywood couple who balance family commitments with thriving careers.
Meanwhile, Best Actor winner Timothée Chalamet recently secured the Golden Globe award, intensifying the competition this awards season.
Industry Reaction to Jesse Plemons’ Oscar Omission
Though Jesse Plemons did not earn the coveted Oscar nod this year, his continued acclaim from peers and other industry groups suggests his career remains on a strong trajectory. The passionate support from Kirsten Dunst and colleagues like Stavros Halkias and Ev Durán underscores the belief that his work in Bugonia was exceptional and worthy of wider recognition.
With the Friday Night Lights reboot generating buzz and both Dunst and Plemons maintaining active careers, fans and critics alike are watching closely as their journeys unfold beyond this awards cycle.
