Best Actress is up next in my first ranked projections for the 96th Academy Awards. If you missed my posts on the other three acting derbies, they are linked at the bottom.
Per usual, let’s dispense with the usual caveats. Some of these actresses might end up being supporting players (category placement is a mystery for some pictures this early in the calendar). Some of these movies could get pushed to 2024. Both Emma Stone (Poor Things) and Regina King (Shirley) were initially supposed to contend in 2022.
And, of course, some of these performances will fall by the wayside due to poor reaction while surprises will inevitably pop up. When I made my inaugural rankings for the previous ceremony, I had eventual winner Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once) listed in third position with Cate Blanchett (Tár) in Other Possibilities.
Here we go!
TODD’S BEST ACTOR PREDICTIONS
1. Fantasia Barrino, The Color Purple
2. Greta Lee, Past Lives
3. Zendaya, Challengers
4. Emma Stone, Poor Things
5. Natalie Portman, May December
Other Possibilities:
6. Margot Robbie, Barbie
7. Jessica Lange, Long Day’s Journey Into Night
8. Saoirse Ronan, Blitz
9. Carey Mulligan, Maestro
10. Amy Adams, Nightbitch
11. Regina King, Shirley
12. Annette Bening, Nyad
13. Aunjanue Ellis, The Nickel Boys
14. Ryan Destiny, Flint Strong
15. Kate Winslet, Lee
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