Adam Sandler is generating significant Oscar buzz in 2026 for his supporting role in the Netflix film Jay Kelly, a comedy-drama directed by Noah Baumbach. While the film’s chances of securing a Best Picture nomination remain uncertain, many agree that Sandler’s performance stands out as some of his best work to date. His longtime collaborator Terry Crews recently expressed deep admiration for Sandler’s achievements amid this award season excitement.
Terry Crews Reflects on the Challenge of Comedic Acting and Praises Sandler
Terry Crews, who has appeared alongside Sandler in movies such as Blended, Sandy Wexler, and The Ridiculous 6, shared his thoughts in an interview with ScreenRant’s Grant Hermanns during a campaign for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Crews highlighted how comedic actors often face greater hurdles when aiming for critical acclaim compared to their dramatic counterparts, pointing out that many comedians are only recognized when they cross into drama.
Crews remarked,
“It’s very easy to tell what’s dramatic, but no one can agree on what’s funny.”
He went on to express a heartfelt endorsement of Sandler’s career milestone:
He [Sandler] deserves this.
Reflecting on their professional relationship, Crews added,
put me on the map in so many ways,
emphasizing his pride in Sandler’s growth and recognition.
In-Depth View: Terry Crews on Comedy, Drama, and Sandler’s Impact
When asked about Sandler’s transition from broad comedy to serious Oscar buzz, Terry Crews praised Sandler’s longstanding talent, citing his earlier dramatic role in Punch-Drunk Love as evidence. Crews also emphasized the unique difficulty of comedy compared to drama, noting that many acclaimed actors started in comedy before receiving praise for dramatic work, including Jamie Foxx and Robin Williams.
Crews explained,
He’s always been that good, man. Look at Punch Drunk Love. This man is an icon. But one thing people forget is that comedy is harder than drama. It just is. You have the most amazing comedians who’ve done the most terrific dramatic work, from Jamie Foxx to Robin Williams. It’s very easy to tell what’s dramatic, but no one can agree on what’s funny. Comedians are always more willing to go there, and a lot of times you have to go there to be funny because their lives are too serious. It’s a way of dealing with a lot of hard stuff. Comedy was always my way out of very hard situations. All you have to do is just stop before you get to the funny. That’s true drama. So, I’m proud of Adam. Him and Clooney? I saw the billboard the other day, and I just smiled. He deserves this, man. He put me on the map in so many ways. We’ve done almost seven projects together, and I’m just so proud of him.
— Terry Crews, actor
The Story Behind Jay Kelly and Its Awards Prospects
Jay Kelly, directed and co-written by Noah Baumbach, tells the story of George Clooney’s character, a former actor renowned for playing versions of himself, who embarks on a journey to rediscover meaning alongside his long-time manager, played by Adam Sandler. The film is among Netflix’s hopefuls for this year’s award season but faces stiff competition that may limit its chances of landing a Best Picture slot.
While the movie holds a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it trails behind other anticipated Best Picture nominees that generally maintain scores above 80% or 90%. Given these circumstances, Sandler’s path to nomination likely depends on the strength of his individual performance rather than the film’s overall reception.
Competitive Landscape for Best Supporting Actor in 2026
Adam Sandler remains a contender for a Best Supporting Actor nod, though the race is crowded with several strong candidates. Leading frontrunners include Sean Penn for One Battle After Another and Stellan Skarsgård for Sentimental Value, alongside Paul Mescal for his role in Hamnet. Sandler is competing for one of the final nomination spots against actors such as Delroy Lindo, Jacob Elordi, and Jeremy Strong.
The ensemble cast of Jay Kelly also features notable actors like Laura Dern and Riley Keough in smaller roles, contributing to the film’s high-profile nature despite mixed critical reception.
Industry and Audience Recognition of Sandler’s Career Milestone
Although Jay Kelly may struggle to secure a Best Picture nomination, Adam Sandler’s performance has earned widespread recognition as a significant milestone in his career. His collaborators, including Terry Crews, celebrate this moment as a well-deserved advancement reflecting Sandler’s unique talents and range. Fans and industry insiders alike acknowledge the transformation in his acting, signaling new respect for his work beyond comedy.
This surge of recognition positions Sandler as a compelling figure in awards conversations this season, with many eager to see whether this buzz will translate into an official Oscar nod, potentially establishing a new phase in his celebrated career.
