The red carpet is being rolled out, the film festivals are buzzing, and the annual debate over who will take home the gold is officially underway. This year, the race for Best Actor looks more thrilling and unpredictable than ever, featuring a mix of Hollywood A-listers, past winners, and rising stars all vying for that coveted Academy Award.
From stunning transformations to long-awaited comebacks, here’s a look at the leading contenders who are poised to dominate the conversation this awards season.
The Front-Runners: Festival Favorites
The fall film festival circuit is often where Oscar dreams are made, and this year, all eyes are on Venice and Telluride. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is set to debut his dramatic turn in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine. Known for his action-hero roles, Johnson’s portrayal of a real-life figure could be the career-defining performance that lands him his first Oscar nomination.
Meanwhile, indie darling Jesse Plemons is generating early buzz for his role in Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest mind-bender, Bugonia. Given the Academy’s love for Lanthimos’ unique style, Plemons could easily secure a spot on the shortlist. We also have a double dose of Oscar Isaac, who will be showcased in both Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein and Julian Schnabel’s The Hand of Dante.
The Return of the King and the Overdue Star
The biggest news of the season might just be the return of a legend. Three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis has come out of retirement for his son Ronan Day-Lewis’ drama, Anemone. A performance from Day-Lewis is always an event, and the Academy is sure to pay attention.
Another comeback story to watch is Russell Crowe, who hasn’t been in the Oscar race since his 2002 nomination for A Beautiful Mind. His role in the Holocaust drama Nuremberg could put him back on the map after more than two decades.
And then there’s Michael B. Jordan. After being frustratingly overlooked for his powerful work in Fruitvale Station and Black Panther, the versatile star is long overdue. His dual role in Ryan Coogler’s supernatural thriller Sinners might finally be the project that secures his first-ever nomination.
The Full List of Contenders
The field is wide open, and dozens of actors are in contention. Here’s a breakdown of the current predictions, from top contenders to dark horses:
The Predicted Nominees
| Rank | Performer | Film | Studio |
| 1 | Jesse Plemons | Bugonia | Focus Features |
| 2 | Dwayne Johnson | The Smashing Machine | A24 |
| 3 | Wagner Moura | The Secret Agent | Neon |
| 4 | Oscar Isaac | Frankenstein | Netflix |
| 5 | Timothée Chalamet | Marty Supreme | A24 |
Next in Line
| Rank | Performer | Film | Studio |
| 6 | Daniel Day-Lewis | Anemone | Focus Features |
| 7 | George Clooney | Jay Kelly | Netflix |
| 8 | Russell Crowe | Nuremberg | Sony Pictures Classics |
| 9 | Michael B. Jordan | Sinners | Warner Bros. |
| 10 | Ethan Hawke | Blue Moon | Sony Pictures Classics |
Also in Contention
- Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another)
- Jeremy Allen White (Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere)
- Channing Tatum (Roofman)
- Denzel Washington (Highest 2 Lowest)
- Will Arnett (Is This Thing On?)
- Colin Farrell (Ballad of a Small Player)
- Brad Pitt (F1)
- Tom Hiddleston (The Life of Chuck)
The race is just beginning, and with so many incredible performances on the horizon, anything can happen. Who do you think will come out on top?
