Oscars 2017: Predicting The Winners
23. Best Actress
Will Win: Emma Stone Should Win: Natalie Portman Surprise Win: Isabelle Huppert
For her forensic dissection of a woman defined by image and legacy, Natalie Portman could pick up her second Oscar for her turn as Jackie Onassis Kennedy, but it is hard to ignore La La Land, especially in this category.
Out of its two leads, Emma Stone is more likely to win: sweet, funny and tender, the performance as Mia represents Stone's best work, a dreamer we can all relate to.
Like Brie Larson's win last year, it would not be surprising if young, emerging talent was rewarded over a veteran like Portman. The latter also has the disadvantage of giving a performance in a film that lacks the buzz of La La Land, no matter how outstanding her performance.
However, the much-loved Isabelle Huppert may finally get the recognition she deserves for a performance in Elle that everybody has been widely praised. If anyone could upset the neck-and-neck between Stone and Portman, it's Huppert.