98th Academy Awards: Here Are the Best Actress Nominees
The 98th Academy Awards have recognized an outstanding lineup of talent in the Best Actress category for their performances in some of the most critically acclaimed films of the year. This year’s selection features a mix of seasoned Oscar winners and rising international stars who have tackled a diverse range of complex characters. From historical dramas to absurdist dark comedies, these leading ladies have delivered captivating portrayals that anchor their respective films. The race is highly competitive, reflecting a stellar year for female-led narratives in cinema.
Jessie Buckley
Jessie Buckley portrays the fiercely independent Agnes Shakespeare in the historical drama ‘Hamnet’, directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao. The film is an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, exploring the devastating grief of the Shakespeare family following the death of their young son. Buckley’s performance anchors the narrative, shifting the historical focus away from William Shakespeare to the untold story of his wife. Her portrayal highlights the mystical connection Agnes shares with nature and her profound resilience in the face of familial tragedy.
Rose Byrne
In ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’, Rose Byrne takes on the role of Linda, a family therapist navigating a complex midlife crisis. The independent drama marks the directorial debut of Mary Bronstein and was produced by the acclaimed Elara Pictures. Byrne’s character struggles to maintain her professional composure while dealing with a debilitating mystery illness and the collapse of her personal relationships. This performance showcases Byrne’s ability to balance raw emotional vulnerability with dark, deadpan humor.
Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson delivers a vibrant musical performance as Claire Sardina, also known by her stage name Thunder, in Craig Brewer’s ‘Song Sung Blue’. The film follows the true story of a married musical duo from Milwaukee who form a local tribute band dedicated to the music of Neil Diamond. Hudson showcases her celebrated vocal abilities while exploring the challenges of maintaining a marriage under the pressure of small-time fame. The biographical drama serves as a showcase for her charismatic stage presence and her ability to ground larger-than-life musical moments in authentic emotion.
Renate Reinsve
Renate Reinsve reunites with director Joachim Trier in ‘Sentimental Value’, playing a prominent theater actress named Nora Borg. The narrative revolves around Nora and her sister as they grieve the loss of their mother while dealing with the reappearance of their estranged father, a renowned film director. Reinsve captures the complicated dynamic of a performer who is forced to confront her past when her father attempts to cast her in his comeback movie. The Norwegian actress brings a sharp emotional intelligence to the role, dissecting the blurred lines between family trauma and artistic exploitation.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone continues her prolific collaboration with director Yorgos Lanthimos in the sci-fi dark comedy ‘Bugonia’, starring as pharmaceutical CEO Michelle Fuller. The plot is a remake of a South Korean cult film and follows Michelle after she is kidnapped by two conspiracy theorists who believe she is an alien attempting to destroy Earth. Stone’s performance requires her to navigate intense psychological captivity and absurdist humor as her character attempts to outwit her eccentric captors. This role further solidifies Stone’s reputation for choosing unconventional projects that push the boundaries of modern cinema.
Tell us which of these remarkable performances you think deserves to take home the Academy Award this year by sharing your thoughts in the comments.