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The long-awaited announcement of nominations for the 97th Academy Awards is set for this Thursday. This comes at a time when many communities in Los Angeles are still dealing with the aftermath of devastating wildfires. In light of the ongoing challenges, the film industry is taking a moment to reflect on the Academy Awards once again.
This year’s Best Actor category is packed with impressive talent, although one contender is emerging as the clear frontrunner. While four of the five nominations seem to be all but guaranteed, there are always other contenders who could potentially disrupt the predictions. Let’s take a closer look at the leading candidates.
Frontal Contenders
Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) — 39/20 odds
Brody appears almost certain to receive a nomination, having captured the Golden Globe for his portrayal of László Tóth, a fictional Hungarian Jewish architect who faces the horrors of the Buchenwald death camp during World War II. Following additional accolades including a win from the New York Film Critics Circle, he has positioned himself as a serious contender for the SAG Awards and Critics Choice Awards. Brody’s recent success could lead to a sweeping recognition much like what Cillian Murphy achieved last year for Oppenheimer.
Brody’s story is compelling, as he made an impact with his previous Oscar win in 2003 for playing a Holocaust survivor in The Pianist. His reflections during the Golden Globes acceptance speech highlighted the personal significance of his career, making an emotional connection with voters.
Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) — 19/5 odds
Fiennes boasts one of the most accolades-rich careers in the industry, with notable performances in multiple Best Picture winners. Despite his impressive résumé, Fiennes has won only a single major award, a BAFTA for his role in Schindler’s List. This season, his work in Conclave has garnered him nominations from key awards, bolstering his chances for an Oscar nomination.
Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown) — 9/2 odds
Chalamet is now well-versed in the awards circuit, having previously been nominated for Call Me by Your Name. He’s positioned to gain recognition for his current role, particularly supported by a strategic push from Searchlight Pictures. His high-profile appearances, including hosting Saturday Night Live, only increase visibility at a crucial time.
Colman Domingo (Sing Sing) — 11/2 odds
Having been a part of understated yet impactful campaigns, Domingo’s performance in Sing Sing has secured him a favorable position among contenders. His elegance both on-screen and off, combined with a moving acceptance speech at the Gotham Awards, has resonated with audiences and voters alike, enhancing his viability as a nominee.
Strong Contenders on the Edge
Daniel Craig (Queer) — 14/1 odds
Craig continues to seek his first Oscar nomination, having received recognition from several major awards. Despite an unexpected snub from BAFTA, Craig’s gravitas and the legacy of the James Bond franchise keep him within striking distance for an Oscar nod, especially after an honest acceptance speech from the National Board of Review.
Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice) — 30/1 odds
Stan has recently burst onto the awards scene with significant performances, particularly in A Different Man and The Apprentice. His appeal is growing as a serious contender, bolstered by positive public perception and powerful speeches highlighting social awareness.
Hugh Grant (Heretic) — 100/1 odds
With a long and celebrated career, Grant may finally be edging toward his first Oscar nomination. Despite a long wait since his previous major accolades, this year’s recognition of his role in Heretic has ignited hope for fans eager to see him achieve award recognition.
Outside Chances
Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain) — 100/1 odds
Eisenberg has been actively promoting A Real Pain, showing a level of commitment not typically seen from him. While he focuses on elevating his co-star, his lead performance is commendable, and past nominations suggest he shouldn’t be overlooked.
Andrew Garfield (We Live in Time) — 100/1 odds
Garfield’s performances are consistently noteworthy but often fly under the radar. His latest work in We Live in Time showcases his nuanced talent, making him a worthy long-shot candidate given his past accolades.
Glenn Powell (Hit Man) — 100/1 odds
Powell has shown charisma and talent in Hit Man that could place him in Oscar conversations. His active participation in the promotional campaign has raised his profile, making him a potential dark horse as the awards season unfolds.
Source
www.goldderby.com