He became Hollywood’s man of the hour after receiving an Oscar nomination for best actor last month and has reportedly landed a role in the upcoming Gladiator movie.

And that’s why it’s not surprising Paul Mescal appeared in high spirits Saturday at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominees Brunch in Santa Monica, California.

The 27-year-old actor was also joined by his close friend All are difficult star Dale Dickey for the day, and they snapped some sweet pictures together before the awards ceremony.

Paul, who was nominated for Best Actor for his work in the hit film After the Sun, wore a smart casual look for the event.

The “Normal People” actor wore an oversized ’90s-style white shirt.

He also teamed the oversized shirt with a pair of smart black flared trousers and a shiny leather belt.

He also opted for a pair of smart leather pumps for the event and appeared to be in high spirits as he took the opportunity to snap a few photos on the carpet before the ceremony.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominees Brunch comes after Paul starred in the 2020 hit show Normal People, which shot him to fame.

Paul took over the lead role of Connell in the series when he played the love interest of Daisy Edgar Jones’ character Mariana.

He is currently only talked about after rising to prominence in recent years and is reportedly set to star in the much-anticipated Gladiator sequel.

The actor is said to have “always” returned to the role directed by Ridley Scott.

However, he will reportedly not be playing the role of Maximus, the Roman general-turned-gladiator who won Russell Crowe an Oscar in the original.

Russell’s titular gladiator, who is killed at the end of the film, has yet to sign on for the film; however, fans hope he will return for the flashback scene.

Happy: So it’s no surprise that Paul Mezcal appeared in high spirits on Saturday as he attended the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominees Brunch in Santa Monica, California

Paul’s character is believed to be Lucius Ver, who was played by Spencer Tritt Clarke in the original and was also the nephew of the evil Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix).

While the new role came as he also received a coveted Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in Aftersun.

He won heaps of praise for his role in last year’s Charlotte Wells film, where he plays 30-year-old single father Callum.

Friends: The 27-year-old actor was also joined by his close pal and Hard Rock co-star Dale Dickey as they snapped some cozy pictures together ahead of the awards ceremony.

Award: Paul, who was nominated for Best Actor for his work in hit film After the Sun, wore a smart casual look for the event

Aftersun tells the story of a girl named Sophie, played by Frankie Cariot, who reflects on the shared joy and private melancholy of a holiday she took with her father twenty years ago.

In a statement following the announcement, he said: “This is a truly special moment for everyone involved with Aftersun. To be recognized by the Academy is a crazy honor and I’m so grateful.

“I want to dedicate this nomination to my two friends, Charlotte and Frankie, whom I love very much! It’s bananas, thank you!’

Casual chic: The Normal People actor wore an oversized 90s-inspired white shirt and teamed it with smart black flared trousers and a shiny leather belt

Awards: The Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominees Brunch comes after Paul starred in the 2020 hit show Normal People, which shot him to fame

The latest bout of good news for Paul came after he was also nominated for a BAFTA for the same role.

In 2021, he won the British Television Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Connell in Normal People.

Paul joined fellow British and Irish nominees Colin Farrell, Bill Nighy and Andrea Riseborough in winning the Best Actor and Actress categories.

The star-studded Academy Awards, to be hosted by talk show host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel, will take place on March 12 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.

Sequel: And after rising to prominence in recent years, he’s reportedly set to star in the much-anticipated Gladiator sequel