Why Rose Byrne Gets Emotional Over Oscar Buzz?

Acclaimed actress Rose Byrne has found herself at the center of early Oscar buzz for her powerful performance in the new dark comedy If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You. The 46-year-old actress opened up about feeling emotional as critics and fans praised her role as an overworked mother and therapist in the thought-provoking film.

Speaking to USA TODAY, Byrne said she was deeply moved by the recognition: “It’s so flattering. I feel very emotional about it. I’ve been doing this a long time, so I feel grateful to have had such an incredible opportunity with this character.”

A Role That Redefines Her Career

Rose Byrne, best known for her sharp comedic timing in films like Bridesmaids, Spy, and the series Physical, takes a bold leap in If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You — a film that blurs the line between dark comedy, drama, and psychological horror.

She described the experience as a “tightrope act,” explaining how the film combines Lynchian elements and raw emotion to tell an unpredictable story: “It’s obviously very dark and very dramatic. There’s elements of horror and Lynchian elements. It defies genre in many ways, which is really exciting, but this is definitely a tightrope, absolutely.”

An “Extraordinary Ride” Inspired by Real Life

During her appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show on October 18, 2025, Byrne credited the film’s writer-director Mary Bronstein for crafting a deeply personal yet universal story.

“Mary is very open that this is inspired by something that happened to her and her daughter. It’s abstracted into this extraordinary movie that’s hard to define by genre. There’s horror, drama, and comedy — it’s kind of an extraordinary ride.”

The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received standing ovations for its originality and emotional impact. Byrne later won the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at the Berlin International Film Festival, cementing her as a frontrunner in the upcoming Academy Awards season.

If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You: A Genre-Defying Film

If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You explores the pressures of modern motherhood and the psychological strain of emotional labor, balancing absurd humor with moments of raw despair. Its distinct tone and fearless storytelling have made it one of the most talked-about indie films of the year.

Currently, the movie is showing in select theaters across the U.S., with an international release expected soon.