5 Actors and Actresses Likely to Be Oscar Nominees 2026

The excitement surrounding the film awards season is palpable as the Oscars approach in 2026. With the recent festivals, critics and moviegoers alike are buzzing about the performances that could secure nominations. This year, we witness a landscape rich with talent, where narratives challenge societal norms and evoke deep emotional responses. Here’s a closer look at some actors and actresses who are strong contenders for the prestigious awards.

Wagner Moura in ‘The Secret Agent’

The film directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, The Secret Agent, made a significant impact at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, captivating audiences and critics alike. Moura's portrayal of an ex-teacher navigating the tumultuous political climate of Brazil in the 1970s was noted for its depth and humanity. He skillfully infused his character with layers of emotion and complexity, showcasing his range as an actor.

Moura's remarkable performance earned him the Best Actor award at Cannes, marking a historic achievement as the first Brazilian to receive this honor. This accolade has sparked interest from distributors, particularly Neon, who are ramping up their promotional efforts aimed at securing Moura a well-deserved nomination for Best Actor at the 2026 Oscars. The film’s compelling narrative combined with Moura's performance makes this a promising contender.

Leonardo DiCaprio in ‘One Battle After Another’

Renowned filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson's latest project, One Battle After Another, has captured attention for its poignant political commentary and stellar cast. DiCaprio, known for his transformative roles, delivers a standout performance as Bob Ferguson, a revolutionary grappling with his ideals. His character’s journey is one of both comedy and tragedy, reflecting the complexities of human nature.

DiCaprio’s ability to navigate the intricate layers of Ferguson’s psyche—balancing moments of humor with profound conviction—positions him as a strong contender for another Oscar nomination. This film not only showcases DiCaprio’s talent but also highlights the film's thematic depth, making it a compelling entry in the awards race.

Dwayne Johnson in ‘The Smashing Machine’

In a surprising turn, Dwayne Johnson's performance in The Smashing Machine has been lauded as one of the festival's most memorable. His portrayal of real-life wrestler Mark Kerr resonated deeply with audiences at the Venice Film Festival, where he received a prolonged standing ovation. The depth and vulnerability he brought to the role has been widely praised.

Despite the film receiving a lukewarm response at the Toronto Film Festival, both Variety and Time have anticipated that Johnson will likely secure a nomination for Best Actor. His capacity to engage with the complex meta-narratives presented by director Benny Safdie is a testament to his evolving craft and the film's potential within the competitive awards landscape.

Ethan Hawke in ‘Blue Moon’

Directed by Richard Linklater, Blue Moon is a unique biopic that follows the life of composer Lorenz Hart. In this engaging narrative, Ethan Hawke's performance stands out as he explores themes of love and time through humor and music. The film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, where it was met with critical acclaim.

Hawke's passionate portrayal has not only garnered attention but also sparked discussions about a potential nomination. His ability to merge comedic elements with poignant reflections on life’s fleeting nature could resonate well with Academy voters, making him a likely candidate for Best Actor at the 2026 Oscars.

Timothée Chalamet in ‘Marty Supreme’

Though Marty Supreme has yet to be widely seen, early screenings have already generated a buzz around Timothée Chalamet's performance. The film, which premiered at the New York Film Festival, follows an unconventional athlete through a series of bizarre situations. Critics have praised both the direction by Josh Safdie and Chalamet's ability to portray a multifaceted character.

Chalamet's knack for transforming seemingly trivial figures into captivating performances is a hallmark of his career. His portrayal in this film has led many to speculate that he could be a strong contender for an Oscar nomination, further cementing his status as one of Hollywood's leading talents.

Actresses Likely to Shine at the 2026 Oscars

Jessie Buckley in ‘Hamnet’

The latest project from director Chloé Zhao, Hamnet, has quickly emerged as a favorite for the upcoming Academy Awards. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, the film has been met with enthusiasm, particularly for its adaptation of the novel by Maggie O’Farrell. Buckley’s portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare has captivated audiences, earning her critical acclaim for her intense and heartfelt performance.

Her character’s emotional depth and the film's exploration of grief and loss are expected to resonate with voters, making Buckley a likely nominee for Best Actress in 2026. The film’s thoughtful approach to storytelling coupled with Buckley’s talent positions her as a frontrunner in the awards race.

Renate Reinsve in ‘Sentimental Value’

Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value presents a more intimate narrative that delves into themes of trauma and existential dread. Reinsve's portrayal of Nora, a struggling actress confronting her painful past, has garnered significant attention. Critics have praised her nuanced performance that captures the essence of human suffering and the quest for redemption through art.

Reinsve's ability to convey complex emotions in a deceptively simple narrative makes her a compelling candidate for an Oscar nomination. Her performance, alongside the film's thematic richness, reinforces her place in the competitive landscape of the 2026 awards season.

Emma Stone in ‘Bugonia’

Emma Stone continues to impress with her latest collaboration with director Yorgos Lanthimos in Bugonia. The film features a bizarre narrative centered around a CEO who is mistaken for an alien, allowing Stone to explore a character filled with mystery and depth. Critics have hailed it as one of Lanthimos's best works, showcasing Stone's versatility as an actress.

The film’s sharp social commentary and Stone’s engaging performance are expected to secure her a nomination for Best Actress at the 2026 Oscars. Her ability to capture the complexities of her character is likely to resonate with voters, solidifying her status as a leading contender.

Amanda Seyfried in ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’

Mona Fastvold’s The Testament of Ann Lee delves into the controversial themes of faith and female empowerment. Seyfried's powerful portrayal of the titular character, a prophet who challenges societal norms, has been described as nothing short of mesmerizing. Her performance combines singing and dancing, bringing a dynamic energy to the role.

The intensity and depth of Seyfried's character may position her for a nomination at the 2026 Oscars, as her ability to embody a woman on a mission to change the world is both compelling and timely.

Cynthia Erivo in ‘Wicked: For Good’

The conclusion of the Wicked saga offers Cynthia Erivo the opportunity to further explore her character, Elphaba, as she navigates complex moral dilemmas after fleeing the Emerald City. This final installment promises to showcase Erivo’s growth as an actress, providing her with rich material to work with.

With the potential for a powerful performance, Erivo may find herself among the Academy's favorites as the narrative unfolds and captivates audiences. Her ability to portray emotional depth and strength could earn her a coveted nomination for Best Actress in 2026.

For more insights on the upcoming Oscar nominations and predictions, check out this informative video:

AV2 codec reduces video size by 30% while maintaining AV1 quality

AI acqui-hire may enhance Apple Intelligence's vision features

Best Sci-Fi of 2025: Top 10 Movies and 3 Series