Actors most likely to win an Oscar in 2025

Explore the top contenders and frontrunners for the most prestigious acting awards at the upcoming Academy Awards. This ranking delves into the performances and critical acclaim that position certain actors as strong favorites for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress categories. Discover expert predictions, analyze potential upsets, and follow the buzz surrounding the leading talents in cinema, including those from highly anticipated films and critically acclaimed roles, as the Oscar season unfolds.

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  1. 1

    Paul Mescal in "Hamnet" (2025)

    186 Global Votes
    • Predicted to receive Best Supporting Actor nomination

      (+4)

    Paul Mescal has been listed as a contender for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Hamnet", directed by Chloé Zhao. His growing recognition and the direction of an acclaimed filmmaker make him a promising candidate.

  2. 2

    Jesse Plemons in "Bugonia" (2025)

    175 Global Votes
    • Gave a career-best performance in Bugonia

      (+4)

    Jesse Plemons has received very positive reactions at the Venice Film Festival for his performance in "Bugonia", being considered a strong candidate for a Best Actor nomination. His portrayal has been described as "haunted, desperate, and unsettlingly sincere".

  3. 3

    Michael B. Jordan as Smoke & Stack in "Sinners" (2025)

    43 Global Votes
    • Won Best Actor at the 98th Academy Awards

      (+4)

    Michael B. Jordan is the top favorite for the Best Actor Oscar thanks to his impressive double role as the twins Smoke and Stack in "Sinners". His performance has been described as a technical display that is often rewarded by Academy voters.

  4. 4

    Delroy Lindo for "Sinners" (2025)

    43 Global Votes
    • Nominated for Best Supporting Actor Oscar

      (+4)

    Delroy Lindo has received his first Oscar nomination for his performance in "Sinners", a recognition of his stellar career. His presence in such an acclaimed film as "Sinners" makes him a strong candidate.

  5. 5

    Jacob Elordi for "Frankenstein"

    26 Global Votes
    • Playing Frankenstein's creation is demanding

      (+4)

    Jacob Elordi has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Frankenstein's monster in Guillermo del Toro's highly anticipated film. His role in a high-profile project and his transformation make him an interesting candidate.

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  7. 6

    Adam Sandler in "Jay Kelly" (2025)

    22 Global Votes
    • Deserves Oscar nomination for heartbreaking performance

      (+4)

    Adam Sandler has been listed as a contender for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Noah Baumbach's "Jay Kelly". His foray into dramatic roles with acclaimed directors often results in Academy recognition.

  8. 7

    Timothée Chalamet as Marty Mauser in "Marty Supreme" (2025)

    14 Global Votes
    • Won Best Actor at 2026 Golden Globes

      (+4)

    Timothée Chalamet has been an early favorite in the Oscar race, receiving Critics Choice and Golden Globe awards for his role in "Marty Supreme". His portrayal of a desperate ping-pong hustler has been highly praised by critics.

  9. 8

    George Clooney in "Jay Kelly" (2025)

    4 Global Votes
    • Tipped for an Oscar nomination

      (+3)

    George Clooney returns with Noah Baumbach in "Jay Kelly", a film already generating buzz this awards season. His involvement in a project of this caliber makes him a contender to watch for a possible Oscar nomination.

  10. 9

    Jeremy Allen White in "Deliver Me from Nowhere" (2025)

    2 Global Votes
    • Channels Bruce Springsteen

      (+4)

    Jeremy Allen White has been listed as a contender for Best Actor for his role in the biopic "Deliver Me from Nowhere". His rising popularity and the nature of biopics, often favored by the Academy, position him as a strong candidate.

  11. 10

    Jeremy Strong in "Deliver Me from Nowhere" (2025)

    2 Global Votes
    • Strong is in the conversation for an Oscar nomination

      (+4)

    Jeremy Strong has been listed as a contender for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the biopic "Deliver Me from Nowhere". His reputation for intense performances and the nature of the project make him a strong candidate.

  12. 11

    Andrew Garfield in "After the Hunt" (2025)

    1 Global Votes
    • Considered a strong contender for an Oscar nomination

      (+4)

    Andrew Garfield has been listed as a contender for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "After the Hunt". His history of nominations and his ability to deliver emotional performances keep him in the Oscar race.

  13. 12

    Leonardo DiCaprio in 'One Battle After Another' (2025)

    0 Global Votes
    • Gives the best performance in the movie

      (+4)

    Leonardo DiCaprio has been nominated for his sixth Best Actor Oscar for his role in "One Battle After Another", a Paul Thomas Anderson film. His consistent excellence and the strength of the film position him as a serious contender.

  14. 13

    Wagner Moura in 'The Secret Agent' (2025)

    0 Global Votes
    • Nominated for Best Actor Oscar

      (+4)

    Wagner Moura has received critical acclaim for his "subtle performance" in "The Secret Agent". His ability to convey complexity with nuance makes him a candidate to consider for an Oscar nomination.

  15. 14

    Ethan Hawke in 'Blue Moon' (2025)

    0 Global Votes
    • Fifth Oscar nomination across three categories

      (+4)

    Ethan Hawke has earned his second Oscar nomination for his solid performance in "Blue Moon". While not the favorite, his consistent work and Academy recognition make him a potential dark horse candidate.

  16. 15

    Sean Penn in 'One Battle After Another' (2025)

    0 Global Votes
    • Current favorite to win Best Supporting Actor

      (+4)

    Sean Penn is the favorite to win his third Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in "One Battle After Another". His wins at the BAFTAs and The Actor Awards reinforce his position as the top candidate in his category.