The Red Carpet’s Most Anticipated Question: Who Will Take Home the Gold?
The Oscars are just around the corner, and the anticipation is palpable. For the nominees in the Best Actress category, the thrill of recognition is matched only by the agony of defeat. But who will be the lucky one to take home the gold statuette? Will it be the “lock” Mikey Madison, whose chilling performance in ‘The Bear’ has critics singing her praises? Or perhaps the ‘long shot’ Zendaya, whose mesmerizing portrayal in ‘Dune’ has fans and pundits alike pondering a potential upset?
Locked and Loaded: The Top Contenders
As we edge closer to the 2025 Oscar nominations, the Best Actress category has become increasingly unpredictable. However, there are a few frontrunners who have consistently held the top spots in our rankings. Mikey Madison, for instance, has led the race since early September with her powerful performance in the Brooklyn-set drama Anora.
Madison’s 37/10 odds make her the clear favorite to snag a nomination. Her impressive precursor nominations, including Golden Globe, Critics Choice, Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA, and dozens of critics’ group nods, demonstrate her exceptional talent and widespread recognition. Moreover, her campaign trail has been ably managed, with Madison herself describing Anora as “the role of a lifetime” at the Deauville Film Festival.
Madison’s “it girl” factor has also propelled her to the forefront of the Best Actress conversation. Her age, charisma, and the fact that she’s the breakout star of a Best Picture favorite – all these elements have combined to make her a strong contender for the coveted Oscar nomination.
Mikey Madison: The Frontrunner
- 37/10 odds, making her the clear favorite to snag a nomination
- Impressive precursor nominations, including Golden Globe, Critics Choice, Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA, and dozens of critics’ group nods
- Dozens of critics’ group nods, including the National Board of Review and the Palm Springs Film Festival
- “It girl” factor has propelled her to the forefront of the Best Actress conversation
- 4/1 odds, making her a close second to Madison in the Best Actress conversation
- Golden Globes win for her role as an aging movie star in The Substance
- Narrative of a veteran, “popcorn” actress finally receiving awards attention at the age of 62
- Age and experience have worked in her favor, with many voters recognizing her as a talented and deserving actress
- 5/1 odds, making her a dark horse in the Best Actress conversation
- Savvy campaign strategy, including her acceptance speech at the Golden Globes
- Role in the Best Picture favorite Emilia Pérez has helped her gain recognition
- Talented and charismatic performance as the complicated, beating heart of the film
While Madison’s consistent lead in the Best Actress race is undeniably impressive, some might argue that Demi Moore’s upset Golden Globes win has given her a solid platform to challenge Madison’s dominance.
Demi Moore: The Challenger
Moore’s 4/1 odds make her a close second to Madison in the Best Actress conversation. Her Golden Globes win for her role as an aging movie star in The Substance has been a significant turning point in her campaign. Moore’s narrative – that of a veteran, “popcorn” actress finally receiving awards attention at the age of 62 – has resonated with many voters.
Moore’s triumph at the Golden Globes has undoubtedly given her a much-needed boost, with her acceptance speech leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Her age and experience have also worked in her favor, with many voters recognizing her as a talented and deserving actress.
Last but not least, Karla Sofía Gascón’s historic potential as a trans actress has brought attention to her campaign. Her 5/1 odds make her a dark horse in the Best Actress conversation, but her chances of snagging a nomination have increased significantly with each passing day.
Karla Sofía Gascón: The Dark Horse
Gascón’s campaign strategy has been savvy, with her acceptance speech at the Golden Globes showcasing her exceptional talent and charisma. Her role in the Best Picture favorite Emilia Pérez has also helped her gain recognition, with many voters praising her performance as the complicated, beating heart of the film.
On the Bubble: Contenders Who Could Make a Late Push
While the top contenders have consistently held the top spots in our rankings, there are several on-the-bubble contenders who could make a late push for a nomination. Cynthia Erivo, for instance, has been a consistent performer in the Best Actress conversation, with her 11/2 odds making her a strong contender.
Erivo’s collaboration with Ariana Grande on the Wicked campaign trail has been a significant factor in her chances. The two actresses have been a packaged pair, with Erivo’s performance as the green-skinned Elphaba Thropp and Grande’s role as the pink-loving Galinda Upland working in tandem to boost both of their respective Oscar chances.
Cynthia Erivo: The On-the-Bubble Contender
- 11/2 odds, making her a strong contender in the Best Actress conversation
- Collaboration with Ariana Grande on the Wicked campaign trail has been a significant factor in her chances
- Performance as the green-skinned Elphaba Thropp and Grande’s role as the pink-loving Galinda Upland working in tandem to boost both of their respective Oscar chances
- No odds, making her a long shot in the Best Actress conversation
- Connection to the original author and the story behind the film have garnered attention and praise
Another contender who could make a late push is Fernanda Torres, who has been recognized for her role in the drama I’m Still Here. Her no odds make her a long shot, but her connection to the original author and the story behind the film have garnered attention and praise.
Fernanda Torres: The Long Shot
Long Shots: Dark Horses Who Could Still Make an Impact
While the top contenders have consistently held the top spots in our rankings, there are several long shots who could still make an impact in the Best Actress conversation. These dark horses have been flying under the radar, but their talents and performances have not gone unnoticed.
Other contenders, including their strengths and weaknesses, and how they could still make a late push for a nomination, are worth exploring. The remaining contenders have been struggling to gain recognition, but their performances have been impressive, and they could still make a late push for a nomination.
The Remaining Contenders
- Strengths and weaknesses, and how they could still make a late push for a nomination
- Impressive performances, but struggling to gain recognition
Conclusion
So, there you have it, the Best Actress race is heating up, with some frontrunners seemingly set in stone and others battling it out for a coveted spot. From the powerhouse performance of Mikey Madison, who many consider a lock, to the electrifying talent of Zendaya making a strong late-stage push, the possibilities are as exciting as they are unpredictable.
This year’s nominations reflect the evolving landscape of Hollywood, showcasing a diverse range of stories and talent. The Academy’s recognition of these powerful performances underscores the importance of representation and the impact of compelling, nuanced characters on screen. Will we see a historic upset, or will the favorites reign supreme? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the 2024 Oscars Best Actress race promises to be a captivating spectacle, leaving audiences breathless with anticipation.