Much like it has been for years now, the race for Best Actress is a case of too many worthy contenders and only five spots up for grabs. The Screen Actors Guild Award nominations in mid-January might provide some clarity as to who are the strongest five women. That being said, Amy Adams landed a SAG nomination last year and missed out on an Oscar nod. Likewise with Emily Blunt in 2018…and 2016.
As expected, Kristen Stewart has been cleaning up wins from the critics groups. However, she’s still yet to nab a victory from a major critics association. She’s been the unassailable frontrunner for months now and I still believe she is. However, it is surprising Stewart hasn’t scored a win that really holds any significant weight as yet. Stewart still “feels” like the eventual winner, but everyone’s gut feeling could be completely wrong.
The actress who has picked up major critics wins is Penelope Cruz with victories from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the National Society of Film Critics. While the fact Parallel Mothers wasn’t selected as Spain official submission for Best International Feature Film could have ended her campaign, Sony Pictures Classics clearly aren’t giving up on her, and it shows.
Alana Haim has picked up plenty of love from the critics. As has Jessica Chastain. And Olivia Colman. And Tessa Thompson. Lady Gaga landed a big win with the New York Film Critics Circle. Rachel Zegler was the National Board of Review‘s choice. Nicole Kidman is still in the hunt. Jennifer Hudson could make a resurgence with the televised awards. Likewise with Frances McDormand. My head hurts.
BEST ACTRESS PREDICTIONS:
1. Kristen Stewart – Spencer (Neon)
2. Jessica Chastain – The Eyes of Tammy Faye (Searchlight Pictures)
3. Olivia Colman – The Lost Daughter (Netflix)
4. Penélope Cruz – Parallel Mothers (Sony Pictures Classics)
5. Rachel Zegler – West Side Story (20th Century Studios)
IN CONTENTION
Jodie Comer – The Last Duel (20th Century Studios)
Lady Gaga – House of Gucci (MGM)
Alana Haim – Licorice Pizza (MGM)
Jennifer Hudson – Respect (MGM)
Emilia Jones – CODA (Apple TV+)
Nicole Kidman – Being the Ricardos (Amazon Studios)
Rooney Mara – Nightmare Alley (Searchlight Pictures)
Frances McDormand – The Tragedy of Macbeth (A24/Apple TV+)
Renate Reinsve – The World Person in the World (Neon)
Tessa Thompson – Passing (Netflix)
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