20 Young Actresses Who Are Destined To Win An Oscar

A new wave of talent is reshaping the big screen, bringing range, training, and the kind of roles that often lead to Academy recognition. Many already have major nominations, festival wins, or scene-stealing performances in prestige films. Others are crossing over from acclaimed television to awards-caliber cinema. Here are 20 young actresses building résumés that put them firmly on the path to Oscar night.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh earned an Academy Award nomination for her supporting turn in ‘Little Women’. She broke out with a harrowing lead in ‘Midsommar’ and followed with layered work in ‘The Wonder’ and ‘Oppenheimer’. Filmmakers keep handing her emotionally complex roles across period drama, thriller, and blockbuster projects. That mix of range and high profile collaborators consistently positions her in awards conversations.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan has four Oscar nominations for roles in ‘Atonement’, ‘Brooklyn’, ‘Lady Bird’, and ‘Little Women’. She anchors literary adaptations and original dramas with equal assurance. Her collaborations with top directors frequently premiere at major festivals and sustain long awards runs. With that track record at a young age, a win feels like progression rather than leap.

Zendaya

Zendaya holds two lead acting Emmys for ‘Euphoria’ and has expanded her film presence with ‘Dune’, ‘Challengers’, and ‘Malcolm & Marie’. She balances studio tentpoles with director-driven dramas that highlight stillness, control, and star power. Her recent work showcases extended screen time, athletic physicality, and intimate character studies. Projects developed with auteur filmmakers give her the vehicles that often connect with Oscar voters.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy moved from indie breakthroughs like ‘The Witch’ to acclaimed turns in ‘The Menu’ and ‘Last Night in Soho’. She headlines large-scale releases such as ‘Furiosa’ while keeping a foothold in character-centric pieces. Casting teams trust her with roles that require sharp tonal shifts and precision. That combination of prestige and reach keeps her in the frame for future nominations.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld received an Oscar nomination for ‘True Grit’ as a young teen. She has since carried films like ‘The Edge of Seventeen’ and ‘Bumblebee’ while delivering strong supporting performances in ensembles. Her career shows steady movement between crowd-pleasers and critic favorites. A return to a grounded adult drama could readily place her back in contention.

Kaitlyn Dever

Kaitlyn Dever drew widespread acclaim for ‘Booksmart’ and delivered somber, contained work in ‘No One Will Save You’. She has also earned major award nominations for limited series that proved her dramatic chops. Casting directors place her in roles that rely on nuance and quiet intensity. Continuing that trajectory in feature films sets up a clear Oscar-friendly path.

Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney built momentum with standout television roles before leading films like ‘Reality’ and ‘Immaculate’. She pairs commercial projects with character studies that showcase commitment and risk. Her producing efforts indicate strategic control over material and collaborators. That approach often leads actors toward the kinds of roles the Academy spotlights.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright won the BAFTA Rising Star Award and stepped into franchise leadership with ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. She has balanced large-scale work with auteur television in ‘Small Axe’. Her performances highlight moral weight, restraint, and emotional clarity. Continued choices in socially resonant films position her well for awards recognition.

Thomasin McKenzie

Thomasin McKenzie earned critical praise for ‘Leave No Trace’ and showed range in ‘Jojo Rabbit’ and ‘Old’. She gravitates to roles that ask for delicacy rather than overt display. International productions have expanded her opportunities with notable directors. That steady accumulation of prestige credits builds a strong awards résumé.

Taylor Russell

Taylor Russell won the Marcello Mastroianni Award at Venice for ‘Bones and All’. She previously impressed audiences with ‘Waves’, demonstrating control in demanding material. Her filmography mixes intimate family drama and stylized romance. Festival-level acclaim and challenging roles create a direct line toward Oscar chances.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler earned a Golden Globe for her debut feature lead in ‘West Side Story’. She has since taken on large-scale musicals and action adventures that broaden visibility. Her vocal training and stage background support emotionally expressive screen work. With the right dramatic pivot, she has the toolkit for Academy attention.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega parlayed breakout television success into prominent film roles in ‘X’, ‘Scream’, and ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’. She shows composure in genre settings while anchoring character beats. Directors increasingly hand her narrative weight and tonal responsibility. A pivot to a grounded awards-season drama would align with her current momentum.

Alana Haim

Alana Haim’s lead turn in ‘Licorice Pizza’ earned major critics’ prizes and high-profile nominations. She demonstrated naturalistic timing, presence, and emotional openness on her first feature. Music and performance training help with rhythm and on-camera ease. Continued collaboration with auteur filmmakers places her in strong awards lanes.

Daisy Edgar-Jones

Daisy Edgar-Jones moved from a breakout limited series to features like ‘Fresh’, ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’, and ‘Twisters’. She handles vulnerability and resilience in commercial and indie projects. Casting teams lean on her for grounded leads that carry audience empathy. Maintaining that balance can produce a prestige vehicle with awards upside.

Emma Mackey

Emma Mackey won the BAFTA Rising Star Award and earned strong notices for ‘Emily’. She has shown versatility in ensemble hits like ‘Barbie’ while steering toward literary drama. Her screen presence suits biographical and period material favored by voters. Ongoing work with European and UK producers broadens the pool of prestige scripts.

Rachel Sennott

Rachel Sennott broke through with ‘Shiva Baby’ and followed with the sharp ensemble comedy ‘Bottoms’. She frequently contributes to writing and development, shaping roles to her strengths. That creative control can yield festival standouts and awards-ready performances. A move into dramedy with dramatic stakes would make a compelling campaign.

Joey King

Joey King earned major award recognition for ‘The Act’ and has led features across action, thriller, and romance. She brings physical commitment to stunts and clarity to intimate scenes. International productions and streaming premieres have widened her audience. A prestige drama or historical piece could consolidate that reach into Oscar traction.

Isabela Merced

Isabela Merced showcased range from family adventure in ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ to intensity in ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’. She has added sci-fi and superhero projects to raise profile. Bilingual performances open doors to cross-border productions and auteur cinema. That versatility often precedes the kind of breakout role that draws Academy attention.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke moved from high-visibility television to films like ‘Asteroid City’, ‘Do Revenge’, and ‘Wildcat’. She collaborates with directors known for distinctive tones and precise performances. Music and stage experience support timing and vocal control on screen. Continued selective choices point toward prestige-friendly roles.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer’s early work in ‘Euphoria’ showcased presence and emotional transparency. She transitioned to features including ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ and ‘Cuckoo’. Her performances demonstrate physical stillness and intensity that read well on camera. Building on genre pieces with character-driven dramas could set up an awards breakthrough.

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