Black Mass: Joel Edgerton generates buzz alongside Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch

AUSTRALIAN actor Joel Edgerton is generating early Oscar buzz for his US crime film — despite being in the company of two high-wattage stars.

Australian actor Joel Edgerton arrives for the screening of the movie "Black Mass" presented out of competition at the 72nd Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2015 at Venice Lido. AFP PHOTO / GIUSEPPE CACACE

AUSTRALIAN actor Joel Edgerton is generating early Oscar buzz after his US crime film Black Mass screened at the Telluride Film Festival.

Strong reviews for the biographical film emerged yesterday and it was Edgerton who received several favourable comments, holding his own against famous co-stars Johnny Depp and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Media outlet Deadline.com claimed the 41-year-old, who plays FBI agent John Connolly, “could well be in contention for a Best Supporting Actor nomination”, while Chicago Tribune noted his ability to avoid becoming a “caricature”.

But it was The Hollywood Reporter that had the greatest praise for Edgerton.

It said he “comes pretty close to stealing the show” from Depp and it would be a shock if he did not receive an Oscar nomination.

Depp earnt his fair share of praise for his portrayal of Boston crime boss Whitey Bulger, with reviewers also calling for him to be among the nominees at next year’s Academy Awards.

Black Mass will be released in Australian cinemas on October 8.

Originally published as Black Mass: Joel Edgerton generates buzz alongside Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch