Daniel Craig has entered the race for an Academy Award with his latest film, “Queer,” which premiered at the 2024 Venice Film Festival. The film received a nine-minute standing ovation, according to reports. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, known for “Call Me By Your Name,” “Queer” is set in Mexico City and features Craig in the role of American expatriate William Lee.
The film centers on William’s relationship with Eugene Allerton, a newcomer to the city portrayed by Drew Starkey, highlighting William’s attempt to form a meaningful bond for the first time. The movie is adapted from a novel by William S. Burroughs.
Critics have noted the film’s explicit content, with some calling the sex scenes among the most graphic seen in mainstream cinema, surpassing those in “Brokeback Mountain” and “Call Me by Your Name.” During a press event, Craig remarked on the challenges of filming such scenes, acknowledging the awkwardness of performing in front of a crew but emphasizing their goal of creating something heartfelt and authentic.
Craig described Starkey as a “wonderful” co-star, adding that they endeavored to keep the atmosphere fun during filming. The duo also engaged in dance rehearsals beforehand to foster a sense of camaraderie on set.
Guadagnino expressed his emotional connection to the narrative, focusing on the characters’ deep bond and the romantic notion of shared adventures. “Queer” marks the director’s second film release this year, following the tennis drama “Challengers.”
As award season approaches, Craig has begun to garner Oscar buzz for his performance, with speculation about a best actor nomination for the 2025 Academy Awards. This project follows his departure from the James Bond series after “No Time to Die” in 2021, making “Queer” his first film role outside of that franchise since 2018.
During the press conference, a question about the possibility of a gay James Bond elicited laughter, though Craig chose not to address that directly. He explained that he was drawn to “Queer” to collaborate with Guadagnino, noting that if he were an audience member, he would want to be part of the film.