The 98th Academy Awards are fast approaching, and the buzz is building around two standout performances: Jessie Buckley’s deeply affecting portrayal in “Hamnet” and Timothée Chalamet’s captivating turn in “Marty Supreme.” Industry experts are increasingly predicting a win for Buckley in the Best Actress category, while the Best Actor race remains more competitive, though Chalamet has been a consistent favorite.
Buckley embodies Agnes, Shakespeare’s wife and a mother grappling with profound loss, in “Hamnet.” The 36-year-old actress, previously nominated for an Oscar for her supporting role in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Lost Daughter,” has been lauded for the emotional range she brings to the role, guided by director Chloé Zhao. Her performance has already garnered significant recognition, including wins at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, BAFTA Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards, solidifying her position as a strong contender for Oscar glory.
The awards season has been particularly strong for Buckley, leading many to believe an Academy Award is within reach. “The Hollywood Reporter” and “Variety” are among the publications predicting her success. But, the Best Actress category boasts a talented field of nominees. Emma Stone delivered a compelling performance in “Bugonia” as a businesswoman held captive by conspiracy theorists, and Renate Reinsve impressed with her portrayal of a woman confronting her family history in “Sentimental Value.” Rose Byrne (“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”) and Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”) are also considered to have had strong performances, though their chances are considered less likely in a more competitive year.
Chalamet’s Momentum Faces Challenges
While Timothée Chalamet was initially considered a frontrunner for the Best Actor award for his role as a fiercely competitive table tennis player in “Marty Supreme,” his momentum has waned somewhat in recent weeks. He has already received a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award for his performance, and a win would make him the second-youngest actor to ever win the award, following Adrien Brody (“The Pianist”). However, his recent awards success hasn’t been as consistent as some had predicted.
Chalamet now faces stiff competition, particularly from Michael B. Jordan, who has gained traction following his Screen Actors Guild Award win for his dual role in “Blood & Sinners,” a musical vampire horror film set in Mississippi. “Variety” has recently shifted its prediction in favor of Jordan. Leonardo DiCaprio, nominated for his performance in the satirical political thriller “One Battle After Another,” is also a strong contender, with many observers believing Chalamet will fall short against DiCaprio’s performance.
Other Contenders in the Running
Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”) and Wagner Moura (“The Secret Agent”) round out the Best Actor nominations. Hawke, a veteran nominee, is considered a long shot, while Moura has received accolades, including a Golden Globe and Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival, for his performance.
The supporting actor and actress categories also present competitive races. Stellan Skarsgård is nominated for his role in “Sentimental Value,” and Sean Penn, nominated for “One Battle After Another,” has already secured wins at the BAFTA Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Benicio del Toro (“One Battle After Another”) and Jacob Elordi, recognized for his portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster in “Frankenstein” at the Critics Choice Awards, are considered less likely to win. Delory Lindo’s performance in “Blood & Sinners” is also gaining attention, with “Variety” predicting a win for him.
On the supporting actress side, Amy Madigan (“Weapons”) and Teyana Taylor (“One Battle After Another”) are considered strong contenders, alongside Wunmi Mosaku (“Blood & Sinners”). Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, both appearing in “Sentimental Value,” are seen as having outside chances.
“Sentimental Value” Leads in Acting Nominations
Notably, “Sentimental Value” has garnered four acting nominations, making it a leader in that category. However, the film was surprisingly overlooked in the inaugural Best Casting category, with nominations going to Francine Maisler (“Blood & Sinners”), Cassandra Kulukundis (“One Battle After Another”), Jennifer Venditti (“Marty Supreme”), and Nina Gold (“Hamnet”). Gabriel Domingues (“The Secret Agent”) was the only male nominee in the category.
The Academy voting concludes on Thursday, March 5th. The winners will be revealed in the early morning hours of March 16th. The ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation) will broadcast the event live, beginning at 10:55 PM on Sunday, March 15th, with a preview of the nominees, followed by red carpet coverage at 11:30 PM and the awards show itself at midnight.
As the final votes are cast, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable night for the film industry. The outcomes in the leading actor and actress categories, in particular, will be closely watched, with Jessie Buckley and Timothée Chalamet poised to potentially take home the coveted awards.
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