Could this be the moment the Academy finally recognizes the comedic genius of Adam Sandler? After dominating the Hollywood box office for years, his performance in Noah Baumbach's latest film, "Jay Kelly," might just land him a coveted Oscar nomination.

Premiering at the Telluride Film Festival, Sandler, along with Baumbach and co-star Laura Dern, celebrated a pivotal moment in his career. While Dern, an Oscar winner for "Marriage Story" (2018), lauded Baumbach's artistic vision, Sandler took the opportunity to highlight the director's talent for crafting poignant dialogue.

Despite his commercial success, Sandler has seldom been viewed as a serious contender for awards. Critics have praised his roles in films like "Punch-Drunk Love," "Uncut Gems," and most recently, "Hustle," which earned him a SAG nomination, yet an Oscar nod has remained just out of reach.

In "Jay Kelly," Sandler portrays Ron, a dedicated manager to the character Jay Kelly, played by none other than George Clooney. This multifaceted role—of a man who selflessly champions another's legacy—could resonate with Oscar voters, echoing the sacrifices made by often-overlooked figures in Hollywood.

There are striking parallels to characters in classic James L. Brooks films, suggesting Sandler could mimic Robert Downey Jr.'s successful supporting actor campaign for "Oppenheimer" (2023), where he finally received recognition for an exceptional performance. Ultimately, Sandler's Oscar buzz will depend on how well "Jay Kelly" resonates with Academy members.

While Clooney brings star power, Sandler stands out as the film's emotional core. His blend of dry humor and vulnerability has garnered attention, even if reviews for the film range from good to merely acceptable.

And Sandler isn't the only talent to shine—Billy Crudup delivers a memorable performance, while Dern adds depth and gravitas to the narrative that explores the intricate dynamics of fame and sacrifice.

As a distributor, Netflix has a knack for promoting films into award contention, even when critical opinions are mixed. They have successfully championed titles from "Emilia Pérez" (2024) to "The Trial of the Chicago 7" (2020), and they’re poised to support Sandler amid other strong contenders like Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" and Kathryn Bigelow's "A House of Dynamite."

But let's get real—"Jay Kelly" feels tailor-made for the Hollywood elite. Co-written by Baumbach and Emily Mortimer, the film delves into the relationship between a star and his manager, offering a heartfelt exploration of fame and mortality that could resonate with Academy voters.

For Sandler, long dismissed by critics yet beloved by viewers, "Jay Kelly" might be the film that finally brings both camps together to celebrate his enduring talent.