Oscars ignite 'You Can See Everything' & 'I Play Rocky' set buzz

The film‑festival season is heating up, with Venice, Telluride and Toronto already shaping the long‑shot contenders for the 2025 Oscars. A flurry of titles have surged, while others have stalled after their festival runs.

The most talked‑about films are already eyeing both Best Picture and documentary categories.

"Elizabeth Holmes: You Can See Everything," a Nathan Fielder–Lance Oppenheim project, debuted at Telluride as a “secret screening.” Critics praised the film’s bold approach, and some are calling it a dual contender for Best Documentary and Best Picture.

The movie will not hit theaters until A24 releases it on October 16, so its full impact remains to be seen.

Other titles have gained traction after Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Amazon MGM’s “I Play Rocky,” starring Anthony Ippolito as a young Sylvester Stallone, wowed audiences and critics alike. The film is already being touted as the most exciting discovery at TIFF, with test screenings and word‑of‑mouth already strong.

## Background & Context

Telluride’s secret screening of “You Can See Everything” caught the attention of industry insiders who noted its potential to compete in both Best Picture and Best Documentary categories. The film’s provocative subject matter—a look at former biotech CEO Elizabeth Holmes—has fueled speculation about its Oscar prospects.

It is set for a theatrical release by A24 on October 16, giving it a few months to build momentum before the awards season.

In the same vein, “Primetime,” another Oppenheim film that premiered at Venice, has sparked buzz around Robert Pattinson’s performance. Pattinson’s work in the biopic has generated best‑actor chatter, and an awards source remarked, “Robert is just operating on a whole other level right now. I’m so happy for him.

It makes me feel justified with my ‘Twilight’ obsession.” His visibility could carry into the Oscars.

Amazon MGM added a new contender with “I Play Rocky,” a biographical portrait of Sylvester Stallone’s early career. The film was described as “going over crazy well” by one source, who praised Ippolito’s charm and persistence.

Another noted that the movie had already impressed audiences in test screenings, calling it “seeing is believing.” This dual focus on a beloved actor and an emerging star could broaden its appeal across categories.

Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial debut, “The Debut,” featuring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, also received warm reviews at Telluride and TIFF. Eisenberg later hosted a Los Angeles screening for industry insiders. An awards source present said the event “blew the roof off the DGA,” adding that Eisenberg’s storytelling captivated the room.

The film’s critical reception suggests it could gain traction in several categories.

## What People Are Saying

The industry chatter around “I Play Rocky” is overwhelmingly positive. One awards source said, “‘I Play Rocky’ went over crazy well. I think Anthony Ippolito is so charming and so sweet, and he really fought for this role.

That will play well in his campaign, the way he talks about it.” Another added that the film already had strong word‑of‑mouth before its debut, reinforcing its potential.

Robert Pattinson’s performance in “Primetime” continues to generate buzz. A source noted that his portrayal has “best actor buzz” and mentioned his presence at multiple festivals as a “whole other level.” The conversation around Pattinson highlights how a single star can elevate a film’s Oscar prospects.

In contrast, “Prima Facie” received a lukewarm response at TIFF. A source admitted, “It’s definitely divisive. I liked it,” but added, “It didn’t go over that well.

I’m curious about why not.” Despite the mixed reaction, Cynthia Erivo’s previous nomination keeps her name in the conversation as a potential Best Actress contender.

Other performers are also catching attention: John Malkovich in “Wild Horse Nine,” Rosalind Eleazar in Chris Rock’s “Misty Green,” Andrew Scott in “Elsinore,” and Javier Bardem with Penelope Cruz in “Bunker.” Each of these actors has been highlighted by sources as delivering standout performances that could translate to award recognition.

## What Happens Next

The films that have taken flight at festivals will move into broader theatrical releases this fall. “You Can See Everything” will open nationwide on October 16, while “I Play Rocky” and “The Debut” are slated for wider distribution soon after TIFF.

Netflix’s acquisition of “La Bola Negra,” which won the TIFF , and A24’s purchase of Jordan Firstman’s “Club Kid” signal further momentum for those titles heading into the awards circuit.

As October rolls in, studios and filmmakers will likely focus on marketing campaigns aimed at Academy voters. The early buzz generated at Telluride and Toronto provides a springboard for campaigns that emphasize critical acclaim and audience reception.

With multiple films vying for dual honors—documentary and Best Picture—competition is poised to be intense.

The next few weeks will reveal which of these titles maintain their festival‑generated hype and translate it into Oscar nominations. Industry insiders will closely watch press events, screenings, and award‑season buzz to gauge the evolving landscape.

The final slate of nominees will likely reflect the mixture of breakout discoveries and seasoned performers that defined this year’s festival season.

In short, the recent festivals have already reshaped the Oscars’ field, with “You Can See Everything” and “I Play Rocky” leading the charge as the season progresses.