Best Actress Oscars Predictions (November)

While the wide release of Pieces of a Woman is still some time away, Netflix recently unveiled the film to a wider group of critics where the reaction to Vanessa Kirby’s stunning performance has been nothing short of raving. It’s a breathtaking performance that could easily score an Oscar for first-time nominee Kirby, especially in a field of previous winners. There’s a long way to go yet, but Kirby steamrolls into my frontrunner position this month.

Now that Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom has been seen by a select media group ahead of its December release, Viola Davis remains a strong contender for her second Academy Award, thanks to a rousing response to her performance. However, some pundits have commented she may have been more suited in the supporting category. Netflix has already announced they’re campaigning her in lead, but you never know what could happen over the next few months, particularly if Davis’ chances start to look stronger in the supporting race.

Elsewhere, Netflix has confirmed Meryl Streep will be campaigned in the lead category for her performance in Ryan Murphy’s musical extravaganza, The Prom. After hearing a cringeworthy snippet of Streep rapping in one of the film’s songs, it’s hard to know how serious a contender this performance will be. But it’s 20-time nominee Streep, so we must include her in the mix for now.

BEST ACTRESS PREDICTIONS:
1. Vanessa Kirby – Pieces of a Woman (Netflix)
2. Viola Davis – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)
3. Frances McDormand – Nomadland (Searchlight Pictures)
4. Sofia Loren – The Life Ahead (Netflix)
5. Carey Mulligan – Promising Young Woman (Focus Features)

MAJOR CONTENDERS:
Amy Adams – Hillbilly Elegy (Netflix)
Nicole Beharie – Miss Juneteenth (Vertical Entertainment)
Rachel Brosnahan – I’m Your Woman (Amazon Studios)
Carrie Coon – The Nest (IFC Films)
Andra Day – The United States vs. Billie Holiday (Paramount Pictures)
Sidney Flanigan – Never Rarely Sometimes Always (Focus Features
Han Ye-ri – Minari (A24)
Elisabeth Moss – Shirley (NEON)
Michelle Pfieffer – French Exit (Sony Pictures Classics)
Meryl Streep – The Prom (Netflix)