Here Are the Best Actress Nominees at the 98th Academy Awards

The competition for the 98th Academy Awards is intensifying as several high-profile performances emerge as the primary frontrunners for the Best Actress category. This year’s selection features a diverse array of narratives, ranging from historical biographies to surrealist genre-bending dramas. Each performer has been recognized for her ability to anchor complex stories with emotional depth and technical precision. These actresses represent both established Academy favorites and international stars who have garnered significant critical acclaim throughout the festival circuit. The following individuals are currently leading the conversation for one of the industry’s most prestigious honors.

Jessie Buckley

Jessie Buckley delivers a transformative performance as Agnes Shakespeare in the historical drama ‘Hamnet’. Directed by Chloé Zhao, the film is an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel and explores the domestic life of William Shakespeare’s family during a time of immense grief. Buckley portrays Agnes as a woman with a deep connection to the natural world who must navigate the loss of her young son to the plague. Her performance has been noted for its grounded intensity and the nuanced way she depicts a mother’s resilience. This role is considered a major showcase for Buckley’s dramatic range and her ability to carry a period-piece narrative.

Rose Byrne

Rose Byrne stars as Linda in the independent drama ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’, a production from A24. The film, directed by Mary Neely, centers on a woman navigating significant shifts in her personal life and family dynamics. Byrne’s portrayal focuses on the quiet vulnerabilities and internal struggles of a character facing a period of intense transition. Critics have highlighted the actress’s departure from her more comedic roles in favor of this somber and realistic character study. Her work in this project is seen as a pivotal moment in her career, showcasing her capacity for subtle and evocative acting.

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson takes on the role of Claire Sardina, also known as Thunder, in the biographical film ‘Song Sung Blue’. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the story follows a real-life husband-and-wife duo who gained local fame as Neil Diamond tribute performers in Milwaukee. Hudson’s performance requires her to balance musical sequences with a dramatic exploration of a long-term marriage and the pursuit of artistic recognition. The film highlights her vocal talents while providing a platform for a deeply empathetic and character-driven performance. This role has placed Hudson back at the center of the awards conversation for her portrayal of a spirited yet grounded musician.

Renate Reinsve

Renate Reinsve portrays Nora Borg in ‘Sentimental Value’, marking a significant creative reunion with director Joachim Trier. The Oslo-set drama follows an actress who must contend with the death of her mother and the sudden return of her estranged father. Reinsve’s performance captures the existential frustrations and emotional complexities of a woman re-evaluating her life and her art. The narrative relies heavily on her ability to convey internal conflict through a naturalistic and understated acting style. Her work continues to establish her as a prominent figure in international cinema following her previous critical successes.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone stars as Michelle Fuller in ‘Bugonia’, her latest collaboration with filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos. The film is a science fiction dark comedy about two men who kidnap Stone’s character, believing she is an alien disguised as a powerful CEO. As a remake of the South Korean film ‘Save the Green Planet!’, the role demands a balance of high-stakes tension and absurdist humor. Stone has been praised for her commitment to the film’s unique tone and her ability to navigate the psychological demands of the plot. This performance reinforces her status as an actress who consistently seeks out unconventional and challenging material.

Please share your thoughts on which of these talented actresses you believe will take home the Oscar in the comments.