Sonic 3 Writer Calls Out Oscars for Ignoring Comedy: ‘Jim Carrey Deserves a Nomination—Twice!

In a bold and unexpected declaration, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 co-writer Pat Casey ignited a flurry of conversation on December 17, 2024, when he posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Jim Carrey deserves an Oscar nom for Sonic 3. That’s right, I said it.” The statement, quickly picked up by outlets like GameSpot and GamesRadar+, highlights a growing chorus of fans and insiders pushing for broader Academy recognition of Carrey’s work — and of comedic, genre performances at large.

Carrey’s performance in Sonic 3 — portraying both the manic villain Dr. Ivo Robotnik and his grandfather, the brilliant but tragic Gerald Robotnik — has been widely praised for its energy, complexity, and scene-stealing flair. Casey, responding to fan support on X, even joked that Carrey should be nominated twice for his dual roles, emphasizing the range and nuance the actor brings to the family-friendly blockbuster.

This call for Oscar recognition challenges longstanding traditions at the Academy Awards, where dramatic performances have historically dominated. Casey himself noted this bias, arguing that the Oscars’ focus on drama is “a little silly,” and drawing comparisons to Johnny Depp’s celebrated Best Actor nomination for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl — a rare moment when a genre-defying, comedic performance broke through awards season barriers.

Despite Carrey’s decades-long career and critically acclaimed dramatic turns in films like The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, he has never received an Oscar nomination. This fact, lamented by fans responding to Casey’s post, only fuels the argument that Carrey’s transformative, larger-than-life portrayal of Robotnik deserves recognition, even if Sonic 3 itself — a commercial action-comedy — faces hurdles for categories like Best Picture.

Historically, genre films have occasionally broken through, with Heath Ledger’s Oscar-winning performance in The Dark Knight and Depp’s earlier nomination setting a precedent. However, Sonic 3’s family-oriented tone and its focus on vibrant action may make a serious campaign for Carrey more of an uphill battle — especially with reports suggesting the film faces eligibility issues in some major categories.

Regardless of the odds, the public enthusiasm is undeniable. Fans flooded Casey’s post with support, praising Carrey as “the best” and expressing frustration that his decades of outstanding work have yet to earn the industry’s top honor. Some even humorously begged for more Carrey-led Sonic sequels, blending genuine admiration with the playful energy that defines the franchise’s fan base.

Ultimately, Casey’s statement does more than advocate for one nomination — it reopens a larger conversation about what types of performances the Academy chooses to honor. In a year when Sonic 3 is breaking box office records and Carrey is delivering what many consider one of his most dynamic performances yet, maybe it’s time the Oscars took another look at the magic that great comedic acting can bring to the big screen.

As Casey said: “That’s right, I said it.” And judging by the response, a lot of people are glad he did.