Following her breakout international success in 2023, Sandra Hüller has effectively claimed 2026 as her own. The German actress is currently navigating a year that spans from high-concept Hollywood science fiction to prestigious European dramas, punctuated by two official submissions for the upcoming 99th Academy Awards.
Hüller began the year as a central figure in the adaptation of Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary, which arrived in theaters on March 20, 2026. Playing Eva Stratt, the authoritative lead scientist tasked with saving humanity, Hüller transitioned into the realm of major studio blockbusters. A notable highlight from the film that gained significant social media traction was Hüller’s performance of a cover of Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times,” a moment that showcased a different range than her typical dramatic roles.
The Tom Cruise Collaboration in ‘Digger’
On October 2, 2026, Hüller returns to the spotlight in Digger, the latest project from director Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Starring alongside Tom Cruise, Hüller plays Emma Rockwell, described as the chaotic half-sister and business partner of Cruise’s character. The film represents a rare satirical turn for the actress, placing her at the center of one of the most anticipated wide theatrical releases of the autumn season.
Dual Oscar Entries: ‘Rose’ and ‘Fatherland’
Beyond her Hollywood presence, Hüller remains a dominant force in the international film circuit. She holds the rare distinction of starring in the official Oscar entries for two different nations in the same year. Austria has submitted Rose, directed by Markus Schleinzer, for the Best International Feature category at the 99th Academy Awards. Hüller has already received critical acclaim for this role, winning the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival. Rose is scheduled for its U.S. theatrical premiere on December 11, 2026.
Simultaneously, Hüller stars in Fatherland, which has been selected as Poland’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film. Directed by Paweł Pawlikowski, who earned the Best Director award at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival for the project, Fatherland features Hüller as Erika Mann, the daughter of the Nobel Prize-winning author Thomas Mann.
This four-project slate demonstrates Hüller’s successful move from prestige European arthouse cinema to a position as a global power. By balancing mainstream science fiction with award-winning international dramas, she has established a presence in 2026 that few contemporary actors can match, securing her place at both the global box office and on the path toward the next awards season.
