Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson’s latest film, Song Sung Blue, is already attracting significant Hugh Jackman Oscar buzz following its debut at the AFI Film Festival on October 26. This musical biopic, airing in theaters on December 25, 2026, tells the true story of a couple forming a Neil Diamond tribute band in the 1980s, with Jackman and Hudson portraying Mike and Claire Sardina.
Overview of Song Sung Blue and Its Festival Premiere
The film follows Mike and Claire Sardina as they navigate life and music through their tribute band, based on real events previously featured in a documentary of the same name. The performance at AFI has sparked hope among critics and audiences alike regarding its Oscar chances, particularly highlighting Kate Hudson’s role. Hudson’s portrayal draws comparisons to acclaimed performances by Reese Witherspoon in Walk the Line, Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby, and Frances McDormand in Fargo.
Audience reactions on social media, especially on X, praise Hudson’s acting as deeply emotional and sincere, overshadowing some critical aspects of the film. A user going by @OscarFilmFC noted the film’s “real emotional depth” due in large part to Hudson’s “heartfelt” and “moving” performance.
Social Media Reactions and Comparisons to Previous Oscar Winners
While some reviews addressed faults in the movie, the admiration for Hudson remains consistent. @JoeyMagidson described Song Sung Blue as both “heartbreaking” and “heartwarming,” expressing unexpected emotional impact. Furthermore, @ryanmcquade77 remarked that the film carries “major CODA vibes,” referencing the 2022 Apple TV success that won three Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor.
What This Means for Hudson and Jackman’s Award Prospects
If Kate Hudson earns a Best Actress nomination at the 2026 Oscars, it would be her first since her 2001 nomination for Almost Famous, a year in which she won a Golden Globe but not the Academy Award. Hugh Jackman, on the path to an EGOT with Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Awards already under his belt, remains one Oscar win away from that milestone. He secured a previous Oscar nomination for Best Actor in the musical Les Misérables.
Musicals and music-themed biopics have a strong tradition of Oscar recognition, as seen with films like West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Chicago, Dreamgirls, Walk the Line, Ray, and La La Land. Should Song Sung Blue secure an Oscar, it would join this notable lineage.
Potential Oscar Competition and Upcoming Dates
Hudson’s likely rivals for a Best Actress nomination include Cynthia Erivo for Wicked: For Good, Jessie Buckley for Hamnet, and Amanda Seyfried for The Testament of Ann Lee. Jackman might contend with Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, and Michael B. Jordan for Sinners in the Best Actor category. The Academy will announce the 98th Oscars nominations on January 22, 2026, with the ceremony scheduled for March 15.
Main Cast and Roles in Song Sung Blue
Besides Jackman and Hudson’s leading roles as Mike and Claire Sardina, the cast includes Michael Imperioli and Fisher Stevens, rounding out the ensemble that brings this heartfelt musical drama to life.
SONG SUNG BLUE struggles with an overlong runtime, uneven writing, and some jarring tonal shifts. However, it occasionally finds real emotional depth in large part due to Kate Hudson’s heartfelt, moving performance that is her best work since Almost Famous #AFIFest pic.twitter.com/Lbs2ENUYBy
— Jack Murphy (@OscarFilmFC) October 27, 2025
Song Sung Blue is a heartbreaking and heartwarming look at the Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning and Thunder. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson fill these human beings with life, love, pain, and music. I was not expecting to be as moved as I was.@songsungbluemov #SongSungBlue pic.twitter.com/yNUSXVcWhj
— Joey Magidson (@JoeyMagidson) October 27, 2025
Song Sung Blue has major CODA vibes. Take that information however you want. pic.twitter.com/l3hQ0hdD7r
— Ryan McQuade (@ryanmcquade77) October 27, 2025
