Will Episode IX feature a 2019 Oscar-winning actor?

Two stars from Star Wars: Episode IX — Adam Driver and Richard E. Grant –received an Oscar nomination for best actor in a supporting role. Will either one win and give Episode IX an Oscar-winning actor?

Fans already knew Star Wars: Episode IX would feature a stellar cast, a cast that is set to gain even more recognition now that Adam Driver and Richard E. Grant earned Oscar nominations. Driver was nominated for his performance as Flip Zimmerman in Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman and Grant was nominated for his performance as Jack Hock in Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Driver was fairly well known for his role on the television series Girls, but it was his brilliant portrayal of the complicated Kylo Ren/Ben Solo in The Force Awakens that truly put Driver in the spotlight.

He brought even more depth to the character in The Last Jedi, yet it’s for his BlacKkKlansman character that he receives his first Oscar nomination. Driver demonstrated true versatility in his nuanced performance as the policeman Flip Zimmerman.

How Kylo Ren’s story culminates in Episode IX will be fascinating regardless of whether Driver wins the Oscar, but we’d certainly love to see him win.

Unlike Driver who is reprising the role of Kylo Ren, Richard E. Grant is playing a new and currently unknown character in Episode IX. All fans know for sure is that Grant will not be playing Grand Admiral Thrawn, though there are still theories that he will play a villain. Grant has had a much longer acting career than Driver, yet this is also his first Oscar nomination. It could add even more intrigue to Grant’s mysterious Star Wars: Episode IX role knowing it will be played by an Oscar-winner.

Despite their enormous talent and the wonderful performances in their respective films, Driver and Grant do face some tough competition. The other nominees in their category include Sam Rockwell for Vice, Mahershala Ali for Green Book, and Sam Elliott for A Star Is Born. Much like Grant, the veteran actor Elliott is receiving a long overdue nomination.

As Star Wars fans, we are rooting for either Driver or Grant to win, though all the nominated actors are deserving of the award. It will make the buildup to Episode IX even more exciting knowing the film could feature an Oscar-winning actor, though of course the film will be highly anticipated even if Driver and Grant don’t win. Regardless, we are happy for Driver and Grant receiving their nominations and look forward to see what they add to a galaxy far, far away in Episode IX.

Do you think Adam Driver or Richard E. Grant will win the Oscar for best actor in a supporting role? Let us know in the comments!