Thursday, 1 January 2026

Another Year and Another Official Lineup

Lead actor this year seems to have to close to sure things in Chalamet and DiCaprio, who have powerful films, extremely well regarded performances and all the momentum. Following that is probably Jordan in his twin role, a showy notion however not really all that popular with Oscar voters historically. But given his film is in the top 3, and the likely nomination leader, it is hard to argue against him too much other than the fact that action/genre oriented roles often often struggle more, but probably won't matter this time. Moura has plenty of momentum, awards and is probably well known enough internationally to make the jump, but non-English contenders aren't too common in this category so lock would probably slightly too strong worded even if he's in a very good position. The last spot is the last spot to me, and for me it is probably between Joel Edgerton and Hawke. Edgerton likely will have the stronger film with the academy nomination wise, but Hawke has the far "showier" part. Showy usually wins out so leaning there but wouldn't be surprised by Edgerton getting in either. I wouldn't count out a passion push for Plemons, biopics never hurt either so I wouldn't say Johnson or White are totally out of the game either...in fact I'd say either could easily show up at SAG. Clooney also is around if Jay Kelly has any momentum. 
Supporting seems easy, too easy probably. But Penn and Del Toro seem ready to continue the semi-trend of two supporting actors making it, this time as the chief villain and comic relief/comfort of the best picture frontrunner. There's no reason to doubt either. Nor SkarsgĂ„rd, despite being an obvious lead in his film, his film is probably in the top five, and seems primed for the vet recognition. Speaking of leads, Mescal also in a top five film, in a juicy role as Shakespeare, hard to doubt him either. Leaving only Elordi, who is also in a film that is likely to be in the top 7 at least. He has the raves though, and even detractors tend to praise him. But he is playing a very genre part so I struggle to say lock, despite looking very strong at the moment. BUT Lindo maybe could happen if Sinners overperforms. Sandler if Jay Kelly is a thing. But I do feel pretty comfortable predicting these five. 

10 comments:

Luke Higham said...

Happy New Year

Louis: Thoughts on the Actresses.

Matt Mustin said...

Happy New Year all!
So that's...three out of 5 in the supporting category that are arguably leads. Nice.

Robert MacFarlane said...

Same predictions as you. I’m slightly skeptical on Hawke, not just on personal bias, but I’m getting 2018 flashbacks.

As for Actress and Supporting Actress, my current guess is;

Byrne/Buckley/Reinsve/Stone/Infiniti Alt: Seyfried or Hudson

Madigan/Grande/Taylor/Fanning/Lilleaas Alt: Mosaku or A’zion

Tahmeed Chowdhury said...

I buy Elordi happening, although I'm going to need to see where SAG goes to feel fully comfortable about it. Part of it is that I get a slight Melton in May December vibe...although Elordi has more 'prestige', and Frankenstein is by far a stronger film nomination wise.

Michael McCarthy said...

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Marty Supreme, I kinda cant stop thinking about it? I’ll give it another watch but it’s a contender to win the year for me.

Calvin Law said...

Exactly the same predictions as you, though I hold out hope that Lee Byung-hun can *ahem* sort out some of the competition here...

Calvin Law said...

And a very happy new year to all!

Luke Higham said...

Louis: Ratings and thoughts on the cast of Went The Day Well and Springsteen.

Luke Higham said...

And Left-Handed Girl, Belen and Late Shift.

Luke Higham said...

Louis: I assume the backlog won't be finished until after 2025 which would be fine by me because I would like to see all recommendations completed which is quite possible with the extended window for Awards season.