No call, no agent — this is how Jacob Elordi discovered his Oscar nomination
His story reveals how major career milestones can be celebrated quietly, privately, and out of the public eye.
For many actors, the day the nominations are announced is filled with excitement and nervousness as they wait for a phone call from their agents or publicists. Getting nominated can be a huge turning point in an actor’s career, opening doors to new opportunities and bringing recognition from the industry. However, the experience was quite different for Jacob Elordi.
Jacob Elordi is an Australian actor who rose to international fame in 2018 as the lead in the Netflix romantic comedy franchise “The Kissing Booth”. Following his breakout as a teen idol, he gained further critical acclaim for his roles in Euphoria, Priscilla, and Saltburn. Currently, he is receiving acclaim for his powerful portrayal of the Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s version of Frankenstein, a role that has earned him nominations for both an Oscar and a BAFTA. His latest movie, Wuthering Heights, with Margot Robbie, is coming to theaters on Valentine’s Weekend 2026.
The story
In a recent interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live, actor Jacob Elordi shared his experience of finding out about his Oscar nomination. Elordi shared he is “far too nervous in the everyday”, so he made sure that nobody delivered the news to him of his nomination.
However, he woke up at 5:00 a.m. to the sound of his mother’s phone ringing. She walked up the stairs to his room, and her facial expression immediately confirmed that he had been nominated. “Her little feet coming up the stairs and then her face sort of told me that it happened”, he shared.
When asked what his mother said to Elordi at that moment, he said, “Nothing. It was just silence, and she had my whole team on like a group FaceTime call, and that was it.” Elordi noted that receiving the news this way was preferable to learning about it on social media. He felt more comfortable sharing it with his mom because they have a close relationship and talk several times a day.
The celebration continued with his father, who was at home in Australia. Elordi mentioned that his father often jokes that every movie he makes is just another version of The Kissing Booth. Despite the teasing, his father stayed up until midnight in Australia to check the announcements. He had a bottle of champagne ready on ice and called Jacob so they could toast the nomination together over the phone.
Elordi is also nominated for a BAFTA for his role in the film “Frankenstein,” which is directed by Guillermo del Toro. Elordi plays the Creature, who is immediately abandoned by his creator and forced to navigate a world that fears him. The film focuses on the Creature’s feelings and his longing for companionship.
Reactions
People didn’t just cheer for his performance; they also admired him for who he is as a person, especially when he showed his excitement about getting news from his mother. One viewer commented, “Can you imagine getting the news that you received an Oscar nomination, FROM YOUR MOM!!? Instant massive tears of joy.”
Other viewers praised his career growth. “From ‘The Kissing Booth’ to the Oscars. He is so talented”, one person wrote. The Kissing Booth was a popular Netflix romantic comedy where Elordi played a high school athlete. Moving from a mainstream teen franchise to playing a challenging role of ‘the Creature’, Elordi has come a long way and consistently shown that he can take on any role with ease.
Fans also noticed Elordi’s body language during the interview. One person wrote, “You can tell Jacob was nervous and humbled because he kept scratching his face, neck and messing with his hair. I’m rooting for him at the Oscars and BAFTA awards.” His expressions made him more relatable, showing that despite his rising fame, he still experiences the same anxieties as anyone else.
Many people praised Jacob Elordi’s performance as the Creature in Frankenstein. One person shared, “So well deserved! Jacob, as the Creature, was so moving and beautiful. I have never wanted to give a character a hug so much in my life.” Elordi’s ability to show the character’s human side, even though he is portrayed as a monster, allowed the audience to connect with the tragedy and isolation of the character, which felt almost personal.
Why this matters
Major career milestones often come with a lot of pressure, which can take away from the joy of the achievement. By choosing to sleep through the announcement, Elordi cut out the overwhelming stress that usually follows such news. This allowed him to experience the milestone on his own terms, keeping the public noise and outside expectations from ruining it.
Finding out news like this in private also offers a much-needed window for reflection before others react. In a culture obsessed with social media and “breaking” updates, people often feel forced to react instantly before they even understand what is happening. Taking the time to decide how and when to confront a major life event keeps the mind clear and prevents the situation from becoming overwhelming.
Additionally, many men who find themselves in situations like Elordy’s can understand the nervousness that comes with achieving something significant. Being in the spotlight can be uncomfortable, and not everyone feels at ease with public attention. It’s important to take a moment to process the impact of such news before sharing it with others, whether it’s receiving a prestigious award for your hard work, getting a promotion for your dedication, or celebrating any major accomplishment.
