Lionsgate is employing a smart awards strategy in hopes of positioning *The Long Walk* as a dark horse Oscar contender. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the dystopian drama will campaign its entire principal cast of boys—including Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson—in the supporting acting categories across all major awards bodies, Variety has learned exclusively.
Adapted by JT Mollner from Stephen King’s early novel, *The Long Walk* centers on the emotional dynamics among a group of teenage competitors forced to walk continuously until only one remains. The filmmakers believe the film’s power lies not in traditional leads but in the collective experience, a choice they feel is best reflected by submitting the ensemble together.
Although Hoffman’s Raymond Garraty (No. 47) and Jonsson’s Peter McVries (No. 23) may seem to anchor the narrative, all nine boys will be campaigned in supporting categories across the Oscars, Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, BAFTA, and the Independent Spirit Awards. Additionally, Judy Greer, who plays a pivotal adult figure, will be campaigned in the supporting actress races.
Submitting the entire cast together underscores the filmmakers’ confidence in casting director Rich Delia, whose work in assembling a cohesive ensemble of emerging talent is expected to be a focal point of the campaign. The young actors each deliver distinct responses to the story’s brutal marathon, adding depth and variety to the ensemble.
With its ensemble-driven structure and bold category placements, *The Long Walk* joins a growing trend of awards hopefuls challenging traditional definitions of lead and supporting roles.
### Awards Campaign Highlights
Alongside the ensemble campaign, *The Long Walk* will compete in all major craft and above-the-line categories, including:
– **Best Picture**: Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, Francis Lawrence, Cameron MacConomy
– **Best Director**: Francis Lawrence
– **Adapted Screenplay**: JT Mollner
– **Supporting Actor**: Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang
– **Supporting Actress**: Judy Greer
– **Best Casting**: Rich Delia
– **Cinematography**: Jo Willems
– **Costume Design**: Heather Neale
– **Film Editing**: Mark Yoshikawa
– **Makeup and Hairstyling**: Doug Morrow, Zinka Tuminski
– **Production Design**: Nicolas Lepage; Set Decoration by Scott Rossell
– **Sound**: Supervising sound editors Jeremy Perison, Thomas Jones; production sound mixer Jeffrey Murias; re-recording mixers Jeremy Perison, Carlos Sanches
– **Original Score**: Jeremiah Fraites
This innovative and ensemble-focused approach may set *The Long Walk* apart in this year’s awards race, spotlighting the collective strength of its cast and crew.
https://variety.com/2025/film/awards/the-long-walk-oscars-submissions-cooper-hoffman-supporting-1236581847/