A film arriving on Netflix next month has already left cinema-goers profoundly moved following its theatrical debut and is being tipped for Academy Award recognition thanks to its stellar ensemble cast, reports the Mirror.

Jay Kelly charts the journey of the titular performer (portrayed by George Clooney) as he embarks upon a voyage of personal revelation and reflection, examining both his history and current circumstances.

Jay is supported by his devoted and unwavering agent Ron (Adam Sandler).

What emerges is a touching narrative exploring life’s disappointments and the compromises necessary for achievement.

Alongside Clooney and Sandler, Jay Kelly features Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough, Grace Edwards, Stacy Keach, Jim Broadbent, Patrick Wilson, Eve Hewson, Greta Gerwig, Alba Rohrwacher, Josh Hamilton, Lenny Henry, Emily Mortimer, Nicôle Lecky, Thaddea Graham, Isla Fisher, Louis Partridge, and Charlie Rowe.

Jay Kelly is already creating Academy Award speculation in advance of awards season.

The film launched in cinemas today (November 14) and audiences have begun sharing their responses online.

One viewer headlined their IMDb critique: “Very sweet moving film” and noted: “The performances were wonderful. Adam Sandler has really come along way. He just gets better and better as a dramatic actor.

“His performance was heartbreaking and hopefully he’ll receive many deserving accolades for it. Clooney, well, he never disappoints but this is the most vulnerable role I’ve ever seen him tackle and he did it superbly. I was very moved and hope everyone sees this film.”

A second viewer chimed in: “George Clooney. What can I say? A brilliant actor who really understands his craft. The story is poignant and moving, the humor [sic] is well placed, and the scenery is beautiful. As an older man I feel many of the story’s elements personally. I appreciated the creativity of the film’s methods.”

Another posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Cathartic, introspective and empathetic, #JayKelly is a fascinating fictional character study of a celebrity actor in crisis, with a career-best #GeorgeClooney, and wonderfully warm #AdamSandler in a bittersweet ode to the human behind every artist [sic].”

A fourth person commented: “Although it ultimately left me wanting, JAY KELLY is a deep portrait of a man (a wonderful George Clooney) dealing with the cost of a life of fame. Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, and Billy Crudup all deserve mention for great supporting turns. #JayKelly.”

Someone else added: “#JayKelly was a cathartic therapy session for me. A beautiful reflection about our mortality. Whether you’re an actor who relates to what Jay has been through or if you wonder if you’re living your life correctly, you’ll be moved by Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer’s screenplay.”

Crudup’s performance in Jay Kelly has been met with high praise, with one viewer posting on X: “cannot stop thinking about billy crudup in jay kelly. what he does feels like a magic trick and for an actor i’ve always loved, it’s really the best performance of his career. the complexities of his character and george’s character all reflect on his expression… just unreal [sic].”

Another viewer concurred: “He was so good in that scene” while a third chimed in: “I agree I guess I was due for a good cry.”

A fourth fan shared: “Sometimes watching an actor “act” as an actor and turn tears on and off is really the magician showing their secrets but Crudup is f***ing heartbreaking here.”

Yet another viewer expressed: “Billy Crudup just broke my heart and gave one of my favourite performances of the year.”

Jay Kelly is screening in cinemas and will be released on Netflix on December 5