Emma Thomas Eyes Historic Second Best Picture Oscar for The Odyssey
Producer Emma Thomas is competing for Best Picture with The Odyssey. A win would make her the second woman to receive the award twice. She is among several women in the running for the top Academy Award this year.
Emma Thomas produced The Odyssey, which is listed first for Best Picture at 90.3% in the Oscar predictions. The movie also leads predicted categories including director, supporting actress, casting, cinematography, costume design, editing, production design, score, and sound. If it wins, Thomas would become only the second woman to take Best Picture twice.
The piece frames 2026 as a notable year for women in the Academy’s top film prize. Sara Murphy won Best Picture in March for One Battle After Another, and Thomas is one of several female contenders. Thomas and director Christopher Nolan were pictured backstage at the 2025 Academy Awards.
A second Best Picture win for Emma Thomas could spotlight the producing work women do on major films. It may shape how studios, awards voters, and audiences view female leadership in entertainment. Seeing multiple women compete for the Academy’s top prize could encourage emerging producers and crew members, though awards recognition alone may not immediately change hiring, funding, or access across the industry.