Hugh Jackman is aiming for another Oscar recognition with his latest film, Song Sung Blue, which premiered recently to positive but not unanimous critical responses. The musical docudrama, co-starring Kate Hudson, debuted at the 2025 AFI Film Festival on October 26 and explores an emotional journey of a Milwaukee couple through their Neil Diamond tribute act. The movie is set to open in theaters on Christmas Day 2025 as part of a crowded awards season.
Plot and Release Details of Song Sung Blue
Song Sung Blue centers on Mike and Claire Sardina, a married duo who perform together as the tribute band Lightning & Thunder. Directed and written by Craig Brewer, the film adapts themes from Greg Kohs’s 2008 documentary, focusing on the intersection of music, relationships, and personal growth. The film joins other contenders like Marty Supreme, The Testament of Ann Lee, and No Other Choice in the race for 2026 Oscars, scheduled for release during the key holiday season.
Critical Reception and Awards Prospects
As of October 30, Song Sung Blue holds a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score of 80%, reflecting generally favorable reviews from critics. The rating has grown gradually since its premiere, with ten critics contributing so far. While this score is respectable, other awards hopefuls have launched with perfect or near-perfect ratings, indicating tougher competition ahead for Jackman’s film. The movie’s appeal may be strongest among fans of Neil Diamond’s music, though sustaining momentum through the awards campaign could be difficult.
Actors’ Award Chances and Industry Context
Kate Hudson currently remains under consideration for a Best Lead Actress nomination, marking a significant potential milestone since her last nod for Almost Famous in 2000. However, her chances may face stiff competition from Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You and Amanda Seyfried in The Testament of Ann Lee, who are seen as top contenders outside typical Best Picture frontrunners.
Jackman, widely recognized for his portrayal of Logan/Wolverine in Marvel films, previously earned an Oscar nomination for Best Lead Actor for Les Misérables in 2012. His established reputation in musical theater—bolstered by projects like The Greatest Showman—adds depth to his performance in Song Sung Blue.
Challenges and Outlook for Song Sung Blue’s Awards Campaign
Despite strong performances by its lead actors, Song Sung Blue faces an intensely competitive field for Best Picture, with titles such as One Battle After Another, Sinners, and Hamnet generating significant buzz. The critical response indicates that while the film is engaging, it may lack the critical mass necessary to prevail in major categories.
Rotten Tomatoes ratings, known to fluctuate during awards season, highlight the film’s current standing but also suggest caution. With some competitors maintaining scores above 90%, Song Sung Blue’s 80% suggests good but limited acclaim. This positions the film more as a compelling, heartfelt holiday release rather than a clear front-runner for Oscars dominance.
Main Cast and Creative Team
Hugh Jackman stars as Mike Sardina, sharing the screen with Kate Hudson in the role of Claire Sardina. Supporting cast includes Michael Imperioli and Fisher Stevens. The film is written and directed by Craig Brewer and is based on the documentary work of Greg Kohs, connecting a narrative grounded in real-life musical homage.
“Song Sung Blue has debuted with a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score of 80%, broadly meaning reviewers see it as a good movie.”
– unnamed critic
“Hudson, in particular, is still a part of discussions about potential 2026 Best Lead Actress nominees, but may lose to Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You and Amanda Seyfried for The Testament of Ann Lee, seemingly the two strongest performances not attached to an obvious Best Picture nominee. This would be Hudson’s first nomination since 2000’s Almost Famous.”
– unnamed industry source
“Jackman is a well-established figure in the musical theater world.”
– unnamed analyst
