The Impact an Oscar Win Will Have on Michael B. Jordan and Timothée Chalamet With 1 Set for a ‘Major Career Shift’
Timothée Chalamet and Michael B. Jordan have been going up against each other in the Best Male Actor category all awards season. Chalamet won the Golden Globe for his role in Marty Supreme, before Jordan got the win at the SAG Awards for his role in Sinners. Now, it’s anyone’s guess who will take home the Academy Award.
As Hollywood’s biggest night draws near, Jordan and Chalamet remain the two favorites in the category, and a PR expert is weighing in on the impact winning the Oscar will have on their careers.
Expert says an Oscar win for Chalamet would be a ‘defining moment’
Kayley Cornelius is a celebrity PR specialist and brand strategist, known for her expertise in media, pop culture, and influencer culture. She specializes in crisis PR, traditional PR, celebrity branding, and brand reputation, advising on reputation management and public perception. Cornelius’ commentary and analysis on celebrity branding, reality TV stars, influencers, and high-profile relationships have been featured in the New York Post, Elle, the Daily Mail, the BBC, and more.
Speaking on behalf of Covers, Cornelius told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “As the awards season reaches its final stretch, the Academy Awards are not just about celebrating the best performances of the year; they often act as a turning point in an actor’s career.”
She opined that “If Timothée Chalamet were to take home the Best Actor award, it would mark a defining moment in his career. While he has already built a strong reputation with both critics and audiences, an Oscar would firmly cement him as one of Hollywood’s leading men rather than simply one of its rising stars.
“Studios would likely begin positioning him as the centerpiece of major productions rather than part of ensemble casts, and financially, it could see his salary for leading roles rise well into the multi-million dollar bracket. For someone already commanding attention from major directors, the award would simply accelerate that trajectory.”
Expert says an Oscar win for Jordan would bring a ‘career shift’
Cornelius also talked about how a victory for Jordan at the Academy Awards could mean a “major shift in his career.”
“Another star who could win big is Michael B. Jordan. While he is already one of Hollywood’s most recognizable leading men, an Oscar victory would represent a major shift in his career [and where he is] positioned within the industry,” Cornelius explained. “Much of his success so far has come from blockbuster films such as Black Panther and Creed, but an award such as an Oscar would clearly show that he is also a strong dramatic actor.”
She added, “In practical terms, that level of recognition often leads to even more ambitious projects, collaborations with leading directors, and greater creative control in front of and behind the camera. Given he had already dabbled into directing while filming Creed III, a win could transform his career from simply being a major star to becoming a powerful voice shaping the future of films being made in Hollywood.”
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
