We’re looking at each individual category for the Oscars and what our thoughts are going into the final stretch. We’ll adjust our thoughts based on the precursor associated with this category, Screen Actors Guild. Below are our predictions in Best Actress.

Best Actress

Winner Predictions

• Jessie Buckley – Hamnet (WL) (PP) (TL)
• Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
• Kate Hudson – Song Sung Blue
• Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value
• Emma Stone – Bugonia

Runner-Up Predictions

• Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (WL) (PP) [New]
• Kate Hudson – Song Sung Blue (TL) [New]

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Wesley Lovell: The only acting race that seems settled, Jessie Buckley looks to be destined for the Oscar. She won all of the televised awards, which should be enough to position her as the key player in this race. Rose Byrne started strong winning most of the prominent critics prizes but Buckley’s emergence has left her an also-ran.
Pete Patrick: Anyone other than Buckley would be criminal.
Thomas La Tourrette: I am writing this before the Actor Awards have happened, but I cannot imagine anyone but Jessie Buckley winning there and then getting the Oscar too. She has already won the Critics Choice, Golden Globe, and BAFTA and I see nothing standing in her way of winning this. Rose Byrne did win the other Globe, but I do not see her standing a chance. Perhaps her strongest competitor is Kate Hudson from Song Sung Blue, the surprise nominee. She lit up the screen and had an impressive character arc. She boasts strong connections in the film community and is one of only two Americans nominated, which would have carried more weight a few years back. There is a slight possibility that she could upset the front runner, but really Jessie Buckley should have her speech written as she will be the winner.

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