Russell Crowe‘s latest film, the WWII drama Nuremberg, has reached an unprecedented 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, marking a remarkable milestone for the Oscar-winning actor. Crowe stars as Hermann Göring, Hitler’s second-in-command and a key figure in the Nazi party, in this intense historical biopic that focuses on the events leading up to the Nuremberg trials. The story follows an American psychologist, Douglas Kelley, played by Rami Malek, tasked with evaluating Göring’s mental fitness for trial.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the near-perfect audience rating is based on over 100 verified user reviews, making it Crowe’s highest-rated film in terms of viewer approval since L.A. Confidential, which holds a 94% audience score. Despite this strong showing among viewers, the film’s critical reception is more mixed, standing at 68% from 101 professional reviews. Notably, when Nuremberg premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, it opened with a much lower critical score of 40%, indicating a significant improvement in perception ahead of its general release.
Mixed Reviews Highlight Performances and Historical Portrayal
Critics have generally responded positively to Crowe’s compelling portrayal of Göring and the film’s detailed depiction of the historical context. However, some reviews have mentioned challenges with the movie’s pacing and tone, describing elements as “consistently confusing,” as noted by Film critic Gregory Nussen. Despite these issues, audiences appear deeply engaged in the powerful narrative centered on the Nuremberg trials and the psychological drama unfolding within.
The consensus among viewers and critics alike is that Russell Crowe’s performance stands out as the film’s strongest aspect, capturing the menace and complexity of the Nazi leader. This has sparked predictions that Crowe could emerge as a formidable contender for Best Actor at upcoming award ceremonies, potentially earning his first Academy Award nomination since 2002 for A Beautiful Mind. Crowe won the Oscar for Best Actor for Gladiator in 2001.
Award Season Prospects and Actor Projects in Progress
The surge in audience approval for Nuremberg aligns with the ongoing award season, though the film has yet to gain substantial traction in major contests. As the Academy Awards approach on March 15, 2026, industry observers will be watching closely to see if the momentum behind Crowe’s performance translates into official recognition. Meanwhile, Crowe continues to maintain an active presence in Hollywood, with multiple projects in development. His films Billion Dollar Spy, The Beast in Me, and Bear Country are in post-production phases, and he is currently filming The Weight. Rami Malek also has a new film, The Man I Love, underway.
Nuremberg is now playing in theaters nationwide, drawing audiences to this tense and thoughtful exploration of a pivotal moment in history.
