2026 Oscar Predictions: Best Actress
The race for the Best Actress award at the 2026 Oscars is already heating up, with several talented actresses vying for the top spot. According to the latest BuzzMeter poll, Jessie Buckley of “Hamnet” is the clear frontrunner, with double the points of her closest competitor, Renate Reinsve. Buckley’s performance in “Hamnet” has been praised by critics, with Robert Daniels calling it “a gut-wrenching performance … Jessie Buckley’s fearless turn echoes with the force of a primal scream.”
Daniels also notes that it feels “inevitable” that Buckley will one day win an Oscar, given her previous nomination for “The Lost Daughter” and her consistent critical acclaim. Other contenders in the running include Emma Stone, who is expected to return to the Oscars with her performance in “Bugonia,” and Cynthia Erivo, who is set to star in the sequel to “Wicked” and is likely to “rip out our hearts” with her performance, according to Glenn Whipp.
Top Contenders
The top five contenders for the Best Actress award, according to the BuzzMeter poll, are:
1. Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet”
2. Renate Reinsve, “Sentimental Value”
3. Emma Stone, “Bugonia”
4. Amanda Seyfried, “The Testament of Ann Lee”
5. Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked: For Good”
Other notable actresses who are expected to be in the running include Rose Byrne, who stars in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” and Tessa Thompson, who stars in “Hedda.” Jennifer Lawrence is also expected to be a contender with her performance in “Die, My Love.”
RogerEbert.com
Robert Daniels
1. Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet”
2. Amanda Seyfried, “The Testament of Ann Lee”
3. Emma Stone, “Bugonia”
4. Julia Roberts, “After the Hunt”
5. Renate Reinsve, “Sentimental Value”
Category Uncertainty
One of the challenges in predicting the Best Actress award is category uncertainty. For example, Emily Blunt’s performance in “The Smashing Machine” could be classified as either lead or supporting, according to Katie Walsh. This uncertainty can make it difficult to accurately predict the nominees and winner.
Turner Classic Movies
Dave Karger
1. Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet”
2. Renate Reinsve, “Sentimental Value”
3. Emma Stone, “Bugonia”
4. Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked: For Good”
5. Sydney Sweeney, “Christy”
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Image Source: www.latimes.com
