The 2026 awards season quietly kicked off with the Cannes Film Festival in May of this year. At least aside from the controversies that arose at the time, favoritism around controversial Emilia Perez. But despite the wave of comments and interest that the work of Jacques Audiard has attracted, this year the triumph of Jafar Panahi with It was just an accidentclarified something. The coming months will be marked with a red carpet for a more counterculture, subversive tone and focus on political debate.
Something more than obvious with the advent of the Venice Biennale, in which works such as Bugonia And Die my lovesurprised critics, viewers and judges. And this is thanks to the amazing performances of Emma Stone and Jennifer Lawrence, respectively. In turn, the Chicago Film Festival showed favoritism towards Hamnet and also, Marty Supremenew from Josh Safdie. On the other hand, Benny Safdie became interested Destruction machine in Venice and also in Toronto. For what has become its leads Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt as possible Oscar nominees.
But these are not the only names that are already beginning to appear in the forecasts of the specialized press, fans and even bookmakers in Las Vegas. To dive deeper into this panorama, we leave you with five actors and actresses we’ll definitely see at the 2026 Oscars. From a possible surprise from Brazil to an epic conclusion to a fantasy story that could surprise the nominees. Everything for fans of awards season and its celebration in the world of cinema.
Wagner Moura for “Secret Agent”
The film, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, surprised the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. At the event, the work of the director and the performance of Wagner Moura were highly praised. Particularly the way the actor brought humanity, nuance and depth. the character of a former teacher in the midst of the tense Brazilian political climate of 1970.
The performance earned him the award for best actor at the festival, becoming the first Brazilian to achieve this. An unconventional milestone that the production company is now Neonin charge of the film’s North American distribution rights, is highlighting its aggressive campaign in support of the film. So there’s a good chance that Moorecould earn a historic Best Actor nomination at the 2026 Oscars.
Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie “One Battle After Another”
Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film surprised us with its strong political content, brilliant direction, and extraordinary cast. But among all the stars leading this tragicomic tale of shattered ideals is Leonardo DiCaprio, with his other stunning roles.
Particularly thanks to his ability to delve into the complex psychology of Bob Ferguson, a revolutionary in trying times seeking redemption. The character, the driving force behind a complex, nuanced film, is able to make people laugh with his clumsiness and touch people with his determined, awkward conviction. A mixture of elements that could earn the actor a new nomination.
Dwayne Johnson in the movie “Wrecking Machine”
The actor’s performance was one of the biggest surprises at the Venice Festival, where he received a fifteen-minute standing ovation. Moreover, his portrait of fighter Mark Kerr touched with its depth and humanity. Despite this, the film did not have the same effect at the Toronto Film Festival.in which the film was received without much enthusiasm and went unnoticed.
However, so much Diversity How Time They expect Johnson to at least receive a Best Actor nomination. All thanks to the fact that the translator He was able to fully understand the meta-referential play that Benny Safdie proposes in his film.
Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon
Directed by Richard Linklater and written by Robert Kaplow, this oddity is inspired by the talents of Ethan Hawke. The actor plays composer Lorenz Hart in the quirky, unconventional biopic in which the titular character reflects on love and time with humor. Also from music, while I’m waiting for the premiere of my latest work.
The film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and created a sensation thanks to its combination of comedy and drama. But it was Hawke’s impassioned performance that sparked interest. comments and immediate rumor of a possible Best Actor Oscar nomination in 2026.
Timothée Chalamet for “Marty Supreme”
Although very few people were able to see the film today, the actor’s performance received unanimous praise in the press. The story of an atypical athlete at the center of a series of extravagant situations, which premiered at the New York Film Festival. And right away, Both Josh Safdie’s direction and Chalamet’s portrayal of the difficult athlete were praised.
In fact, the film’s main attraction seems to be the actor’s ability to bring extraordinary personality to a seemingly trivial figure. A virtue that has already blinded a large part of the critics and which, in all likelihood, puts him in the running for Best Actor at the 2026 Oscars.
Actresses we will definitely see at the Oscars 2026
Jessie Buckley for Hamnet
Chloe Zhao’s new film is already becoming one of the main favorites of the upcoming Oscars. Moreover, both in Venice, where its premiere took place, and in Toronto, it caused a wave of sustained enthusiasm. The press praised the perfect adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s book and The film’s contemplative look at suffering.
But all the praise especially went to Jessie Buckley and her vivid, painful and charming portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare. Such was the enthusiasm that he became one of the few names to appear on every nominations prediction list. So it’s more than likely that we’ll see the actress on a future red carpet.
Renata Reinsve for “Sentimental Value”
Sentimental value Joachim Trier, we are faced with the task of combating more famous works with their intimate premise and more focused on subtle suffering. Overall, the work received the Cannes Grand Prix for its director for drawing fine lines in a story in which mourning, Trauma and existential pain mix in a complex scenario.
However, critics were surprised by Renata Reinsve’s performance as Nora, an aspiring actress who must confront her painful past with her distant father. In particular, for valuable reflections on spiritual suffering and the search for redemption through art. A combination of elements that will surely earn him an Oscar nomination in 2026.
Emma Stone for “Bugonia”
New year and a new Emma Stone film with Yorgos Lanthimos. Which, of course, once again guarantees the actress’s amazing performance. In this case, the strange story of a CEO who was kidnapped by an extremist group who believed she was an alien caused concern. But much more, incarnation Stone’s story is about a mysterious woman who may or may not be an alien.
Called Lanthimos’s best film to date for its critique of society and its emotional portrayal of loss. Bugonia seems to have secured its place in awards season. Same as a nomination for your actress, which once again surprises with its versatility, depth and ability to move.
Amanda Seyfried for The Testament of Ann Lee
This Mona Fastvold musical caused a stir at its Toronto premiere with its wild and controversial take on faith, religion and women. In particular, for studying the main character from the point of view of the prophet. designed to destroy all signs of power by the power of his kindled word.
And at the center of such a plot is Amanda Seyfried, giving her all in a performance that has impressed since the film’s premiere. The actress sings, dances and brings incredible personality to a woman convinced she is destined to change the world. A tense and devastating prospect that may earn him an Oscar nomination in 2026.
Cynthia Erivo for “Wicked: For Good”
The end of the epic saga Wicked will tell what happened when Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) escaped from the Emerald City. And also, what will happen to the once devoted university student Shiz when she is declared an enemy of the kingdom.
A combination of elements that gives the actress the opportunity to reveal her character on a new level. Something that could put her among the Academy’s favorites next year.
Source: Hiper Textual
