11 Unexpected Actors Who Might Win Oscars Next Year

3. Debra Winger - The Lovers

The Lovers Debra Winger Tracy Letts
A24

The Role: Mary, a middle-aged woman seeking a divorce from her husband (Tracy Letts) until an unexpected spark causes them both to give it one last shot.

Why She Might Win: Debra Winger is a three-time Oscar nominee, receiving her last nomination in 1994 for Shadowlands. Don't bet against the Academy to be a little sentimental about Winger starring in her first major movie in many, many years following a long hiatus from mainstream Hollywood, which combined with the intriguing subject matter could make this 2017's Little Indie Film That Could.

Considering writer-director Azazel Jacobs' (Momma's Man, Terri) strong track record so far, Winger could land her fourth nomination and possibly even her first win.

Why It's Unexpected: Most figured Winger was out of the Oscar game at this point in her career, but what does the Academy love more than a comeback?

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.