John Malkovich emerges as Oscar frontrunner for 'Wild Horse Nine'

At 72, actor John Malkovich is considered the top favorite for the Best Actor Oscar at the 2027 ceremony for his performance in the film "Wild Horse Nine." The feature, directed by Irish filmmaker Martin McDonagh, premiered in Brazilian theaters on November 5, 2026. In the plot, Malkovich plays a CIA agent reflecting on his legacy and mortality, starring alongside Sam Rockwell, who portrays a character described as a kind of soulmate to the protagonist. The narrative follows two veteran spies on a mission that begins in Chile, shortly before the 1973 military coup, and extends to Easter Island. Despite a career spanning over four decades with iconic roles in productions such as "Dangerous Liaisons" (1988) and "Being John Malkovich" (1999), the actor has never won an Oscar. He has received only two nominations throughout his career, both in the Best Supporting Actor category, for "Places in the Heart" (1984) and "In the Line of Fire" (1993). For McDonagh, Malkovich's performance in the new film is unique, noting that few actors in the world could deliver the same result. The partnership between Malkovich and Rockwell, who have known each other since 2000, is highlighted by the director as one of the pillars of the work.