At the Critics’ Choice Awards on January 4, 2026, Jacob Elordi took home Best Supporting Actor for his haunting role as the Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. The 28-year-old Australian beat out stars like Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn, and Paul Mescal, earning his first major acting award and surprising many during awards season. His emotional, off-the-cuff speech—”Bloody hell, I really didn’t plan for it”—was as memorable as his performance.
Jacob Elordi is trending because this win marks a real turning point. He has moved past being known only for teen movies. Now, people see him as a serious actor who can take on big, challenging roles.
Jacob Elordi’s Journey from Teen Idol to Awards Contender
Jacob Elordi grew up in Brisbane, Australia, and began acting as a teenager. He first became well-known for playing Noah Flynn in Netflix’s The Kissing Booth movies, making him a heartthrob for millions of young fans worldwide.
He then took on the role of Nate Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria. Nate was a troubled and intense character, and Elordi’s realistic performance showed he could do much more than just romantic roles.
After that, he picked interesting projects like Saltburn and Priscilla. In Priscilla, he played Elvis Presley alongside Cailee Spaeny and was praised for showing both the singer’s charm and complexity.
Standing at 6’5″, Elordi stands out on screen, but he chooses roles for their stories, not just for fame. Frankenstein was his biggest challenge so far. Working with director Guillermo del Toro, he spent hours in makeup each day to become the Creature.
Early Career Highlights
- Noah Flynn in The Kissing Booth series made him a global star.
- Nate Jacobs in Euphoria – showed dramatic depth.
- Felix Catton in Saltburn – bold and controversial
- Elvis Presley in Priscilla – subtle and respectful
These roles helped build his reputation as a versatile actor.
The Critics’ Choice Moment Sparking Buzz
Acceptance Speech Highlights
- Admitting he had no speech ready
- Thanking del Toro for believing in him
- Laughing about the surprise win
- Mentioning his family back in Australia
Elordi looked genuinely surprised when his name was announced. His Australian accent and real excitement made the moment feel authentic.
The category included many experienced actors, so his win was unexpected. Del Toro’s direction brought out the best in everyone, but Elordi’s performance was especially memorable.
This win puts Frankenstein in the spotlight for awards season. It’s Elordi’s first major trophy, and many believe more are on the way.
Fellow Nominees
- Benicio del Toro – strong veteran
- Paul Mescal – rising star
- Sean Penn – Hollywood legend
- Adam Sandler – surprising dramatic turn
- Stellan Skarsgård – reliable character actor
Winning against such strong competition made the victory even sweeter.
Inside Jacob Elordi’s Transformative Frankenstein Performance
Guillermo del Toro’s take on Frankenstein is dark, beautiful, and full of emotion. Elordi plays the Creature as a lonely, intelligent being who simply wants to be loved, not just as a monster.
The makeup was intense, with dozens of pieces applied each day. Elordi said it made him feel like someone else. He also worked on the Creature’s voice and movements to show pain and curiosity. Critics call it one of the most moving portrayals of a creature ever.
Del Toro had complete trust in Elordi. The role required him to convey anger, sadness, and wonder, often with few lines.
Transformation Details
- Over 40 prosthetic pieces each shooting day
- Hours in the makeup chair start early in the morning
- Special dentures that changed how he spoke
- Physical training to move like the Creature
All that hard work paid off.
Jacob Elordi’s Rapid Rise and Versatility
Jacob Elordi could have stuck with teen romance movies, but he chose more challenging roles. After Euphoria, he picked projects that helped him grow as an actor.
Saltburn was a bold and risky choice. Priscilla showed his subtle strength. Now, Frankenstein proves he can take the lead in major prestige films.
Next, he’ll play Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights, another classic role filled with passion and darkness. At just 28, he balances popular movies with more artistic projects.
Notable Recent Roles
- The Creature in Frankenstein – award-winning
- Elvis in Priscilla – gentle and layered
- Felix in Saltburn – wild and memorable
- Upcoming Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights
He continues to surprise people with his choices.
Personal Life Adding Charm
Elordi keeps his personal life mostly private. He was once linked to model Olivia Jade, but now he seems focused on his career.
He often mentions missing Australia and his family. His parents and siblings still live there, and he visits whenever he can.
In his free time, Elordi enjoys reading, photography, and surfing. He seems thoughtful and down-to-earth, and Del Toro and others praise his kindness on set.
Oscar Prospects and Awards Season Outlook
The Critics’ Choice Awards have a strong record—almost every Supporting Actor winner gets an Oscar nomination. Elordi is also nominated for the Golden Globes, which take place on January 11. Frankenstein gained momentum after winning technical awards at the Critics’ Choice Awards. Elordi is a serious contender because of his youth and strong performance.
A thrilling new chapter has begun with Jacob Elordi’s victory. Fans are enthralled with his transformation from teenage sensation to celebrated actor. Frankenstein displays his talent, and it looks like he will get more attention. At his peak, he’s definitely one to watch. Awards season just got more interesting with Elordi in the spotlight.
