Critics are already predicting that Adam Sandler could win his first Oscar for his role in Jay Kelly months ahead of the film’s release — much to the chagrin of his costar, George Clooney.
Despite receiving a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, a source exclusively tells National Enquirer that the Ocean’s Eleven star, 64, is feeling jealous of the praise Sandler is getting in recent reviews.
“The response to Jay Kelly is absolutely annoying to George and his team, because this wasn’t what they were building toward at all,” the source says. “Sure, it’s nice that Adam is now firmly in the Supporting Actor Oscar race, but that seems to have come at the expense of George’s own plans for this award season!”
“This was not the outcome George wanted,” the source continues, “and his whole year has been building toward this release.”
The source adds that it’s now up to Clooney to decide “what kind of effort” he puts in while promoting the Netflix film, claiming that it could determine his place in the Oscar race.
“Adam doesn’t get caught up in showbiz rivalries like this but George, even at this stage of his life, is still susceptible to getting his ego bruised,” claims the source. “There’s not a lot he can do about it except try to be his usual charming self as he makes his rounds, and resist the urge to go back to Italy and leave the publicity to Adam and the rest of the cast.”
Clooney — who plays an aging movie star in the upcoming Noah Baumbach film — described the role as his most “vulnerable.” The Hollywood Reporter, however, reported that the film is “toothless and insincere” due to the actor’s “natural charisma” making it difficult for the audience to feel for his character.
“Jay Kelly is a fine movie, but it’s not the Best Actor slam dunk that George and his team wanted and needed,” the source tells National Enquirer. “If George really needs a Best Actor nomination for this role, he’s going to have to dance for it, and that’s the last thing he wants to do!”
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