11 Unexpected Actors Who Might Win Oscars Next Year

7. John Boyega - The Circle

The Role: Kalden, a mysterious man who protagonist Mae (Emma Watson) falls in love with as she works for an Internet company which gives way to a dangerous dystopia. Why He Might Win: Everyone loves John Boyega right now, and though Kalden is strictly a supporting part in the novel, given its twisty nature, there's every chance it could give him some unique acting opportunities beyond the fairly broad nature of something like Star Wars. It helps that he's sharing the screen with the likes of Watson, Tom Hanks and Bill Paxton, and the film's being written and directed by the fantastic James Ponsoldt (The Spectacular Now, The End of the Tour). Plus, if we want to get cynical about it, there's a fair chance we'll see an upswing in black nominees next year, which can only enhance his chances at a nod and even a win. Why It's Unexpected: Because Boyega's career is just hitting its stride, and entertaining though he was in Star Wars, that's not really proof enough that he has the makings of an Oscar-winning talent. He still needs to prove his dramatic skills, and acclaimed material of this kind could be just the ticket.