The Academy Awards' Best Actor category has a storied history of surprising outcomes, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats each year. From Adrien Brody's unexpected win for 'A Complete Unknown' to Anthony Hopkins' second Oscar for 'The Father' over a posthumous nod for Chadwick Boseman, the path to the gold statue is rarely straightforward. With nominations set for January 21, 2027, and the ceremony on March 14, 2027, the speculation is already rife.
Matt Damon Leads the Pack for 'The Odyssey'
At the forefront of the predictions stands Matt Damon for his transformative portrayal of Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's epic blockbuster, 'The Odyssey'. Despite initial skepticism, Damon's performance has been widely lauded, particularly his nuanced depiction of Odysseus across two distinct timelines: one as a swaggering general and another as a weary, disguised wanderer. Damon, who already holds an Oscar for screenwriting ('Good Will Hunting'), has been nominated for acting three times but has yet to secure a win in this category. Many believe 'The Odyssey' offers him the career-defining role to finally claim an acting award, with SlashFilm identifying him as the likely winner.
John Malkovich a Strong Runner-Up in 'Wild Horse Nine'
Closely trailing Damon is veteran actor John Malkovich for his role in Martin McDonagh's latest film, 'Wild Horse Nine'. McDonagh, known for his critical darlings like 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri' and 'The Banshees of Inisherin', brings a compelling narrative to the screen, with Malkovich at its heart. He plays Chris Carlisle, a world-weary CIA officer battling a terminal cancer diagnosis while navigating a political coup in Chile. Malkovich, who has two prior Oscar nominations (for 'Places in the Heart' and 'In the Line of Fire') but no wins, is seen as an 'overdue' candidate whose powerful performance could easily translate into an Oscar victory.
Other Notable Contenders for the Prestigious Award
Beyond the top two, several other actors have delivered performances that could earn them a coveted nomination:
- Pedro Pascal, 'Behemoth!': Pascal delivers a compelling performance as Alex Serian, a cello prodigy returning to his hometown, in Tony Gilroy’s 'Behemoth!'. The role demanded not only convincing musicality but also a profound display of interiority, which Pascal masterfully conveyed. Having never received an Academy Award nomination, this could be his breakthrough moment.
- Robert Pattinson, 'Primetime': Known for his audacious and often unconventional choices, Robert Pattinson shines in Lance Oppenheim's debut feature, 'Primetime'. He portrays Chris Hansen, the host of 'To Catch a Predator', with remarkable accuracy and depth, transforming a potentially caricature-like role into a lived-in character. New Academy rules might even allow him to contend for both Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor (for 'The Odyssey'), highlighting the range of his recent work.
- Andrew Scott, 'Elsinore': Andrew Scott is generating buzz for his powerful portrayal of real-life Scottish actor Ian Charleson in Simon Stone's 'Elsinore'. The film depicts Charleson's struggle with an AIDS diagnosis while performing the title role in 'Hamlet' in 1989. While the subject matter might seem like traditional 'Oscar bait,' Scott's deeply moving and authentic performance elevates the film, making him a strong contender for his first-ever Academy Award nomination.
As the awards season progresses, the race for Best Actor promises to be a captivating journey, with each of these talented performers bringing their unique contributions to the cinematic landscape of 2026.