Introduction
As the film industry gears up for another exciting awards season, speculation is rife about who will secure the coveted nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2024 Oscars. While it’s still early in the year and the fall film festival circuit is yet to provide clearer insights, early indications from the Cannes Film Festival and other releases have sparked discussions about potential nominees. This category holds significant weight, often aligning with the Best Picture winner. Let’s delve into the possible contenders with our early 2024 Oscars Predictions on who could grace the nominee list.
The Contenders
1. Lily Gladstone – Killers of the Flower Moon

Lily Gladstone will be officially campaigned for Best Actress in a leading role. Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon left critics in awe, with Lily Gladstone receiving particular praise. Her powerful and complex role in a star-studded cast makes her a formidable contender. A nomination seems assured, meaning Gladstone will make history as the first Native American nominee for Best Actress.
2. Emma Stone – Poor Things

Right out of the gate, Emma Stone is said to be at her best with a tour de force performance in “Poor Things”. Collaborating with Yorgos Lanthimos again, Stone’s chances are compelling, but the eccentricity of “Poor Things” might be a factor in the Academy’s decision.
3. Natalie Portman – May December

Natalie Portman made a splash at the Cannes Film Festival with her role in “May December.” Her performance, particularly in a pivotal five-minute scene, has been hailed as a masterclass in acting. Critics and audiences alike are captivated by her strong, nuanced portrayal, cementing her as a top contender for a nomination.
4. Carey Mulligan – Maestro

Carey Mulligan teams up with Bradley Cooper in “Maestro,” a film exploring the romantic journey of Leonard Bernstein and his Costa Rican wife, Felicia Montealegre. Cooper’s track record for drawing out exceptional performances, as seen with Lady Gaga in “A Star is Born,” could work in favor of Mulligan’s chances. The question remains whether she’ll be in the lead role or potentially pivot to the supporting category for strategic advantage.
5. Greta Lee – Past Lives

Greta Lee shines in “Past Lives,” a movie generating Oscar buzz due to its directorial debut by Celine Song. Lee shoulders the film’s weight, delivering a raw and human portrayal of complex emotions. Her acting prowess positions her as a strong contender for a Best Actress nomination.
Additional Contenders to Watch
Sandra Hüller in “Anatomy of a Fall”: Garnering early attention at the Cannes Film Festival, Hüller’s nuanced portrayal and well-executed emotional moments could secure her a spot on the nominee list.
Fantasia Barrino in “The Color Purple”: Generating considerable buzz early on positions her as a potential nominee. Under Blitz Bazawule’s direction alongside the film’s pedigree, add weight to her chances.
Margot Robbie in “Barbie”: Robbie’s talent is undeniable, but the Academy’s reception of the comedic and mainstream “Barbie” remains uncertain. Her potential nomination hinges on how well the Academy embraces the film’s unique meta-commentary and performances.
Annette Benning in “Nyad”: A veteran actress with previous nominations, Annette Benning is no stranger to generating Oscar buzz. Her potential to shine in “Nyad” adds another layer of intrigue to the race.
Cailee Spaeny in “Priscilla”: Sofia Coppola’s directorial touch and Spaeny’s portrayal of Priscilla Presley make “Priscilla”, a potential dark horse in the race for Best Actress.
The competition is fierce, promising an exciting Oscars season. As the year unfolds and the fall film festival circuit provides more insights, expect new names to emerge and some contenders to solidify their positions. The Best Actress category is poised for an intriguing showdown, and film enthusiasts can look forward to the unveiling of the final nominations.
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We have full-time jobs and other responsibilities but work tirelessly to provide the best possible content for you all to enjoy. Anything is really appreciated. 😁
We have full-time jobs and other responsibilities but work tirelessly to provide the best possible content for you all to enjoy. Anything is really appreciated. 😁
We have full-time jobs and other responsibilities but work tirelessly to provide the best possible content for you all to enjoy. Anything is really appreciated. 😁
As we lead up to awards season, we will be regularly analyzing and predicting everything that comes our way. Be sure to head over to our Oscars page for all the latest news on our 2024 Oscars predictions (updated monthly), hot topics and analysis.
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