Amid reports that Brad Pitt blames Angelina Jolie for his fractured relationship with his children,

it sounds like the actor may use his sway in Hollywood to get the upper hand, at least career-wise.

“Brad has so much power in Hollywood, which is one thing that’s tough for Angelina to compete with him over,” a source told In Touch,

suggesting Brad isn’t afraid to make their famous friends choose sides, as he’s confident he’d win a popularity contest.

Brad Is Apparently Ready For Friends To Choose Sides

“She does have a few friends and allies, like Salma Hayek and Ellen Pompeo, along with a handful of studio bosses, but for the most part, she’s not winning any popularity contests in Hollywood, whereas Brad’s the golden boy,” they continued.

“Brad’s always going to have more sway socially and he’s gleeful about wielding that power against Angelina,” they continued. “When Oscar season rolls around, she’s going to have to hit all the events because the buzz is she’ll be nominated for her new biopic [Maria], and you can count on Brad being there too, if only to rub it in her face how well-loved he is.”

Why Brad Is Excited For Awards Season

The same source says Brad is excited to walk the red carpet with his girlfriend Ines De Ramon, mainly to showcase to Angelina that he’s moved on in a new relationship.

“He’s spoiling for a showdown because he knows even if he can’t beat her in court, he can 100 percent beat her when it comes to a popularity contest among their peers,” they explained.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Brad’s daughters have seemingly dropped his last name, opting to go by only their mom’s surname, Jolie, in a bid to distance themselves from their famous father. There have been rumors for years that Brad’s relationship with his six kids is estranged following his dramatic split from Angelina, during which she’s accused him of abuse.

It may not only be awards season that Brad is looking forward to, but the future, in general. Reports say things are going well between Brad and Ines, who is also recently divorced from Paul Wesley. So much so, Brad is apparently eager to tie the knot and start a family with Ines, who’s two decades younger.

“Ines is a breath of fresh air for Brad,” a source told OK! Magazine. “With her, there’s no drama.”

“They’re not going to waste time with a long engagement,” they continued. “There’s a bit of urgency with this because Brad is very eager to have a child with Ines and she wants a proper commitment first. As soon as they tie the knot, the first priority will be having a baby.”

Brad may be planning for the future, but as the custody battle for his youngest kids wages on against Angelina, he’s going to be stuck in the past for the time being.