Oscars 2021: Final Predictions In All 23 Categories
4. Best Actress
By far, the most difficult category to call of the night, there is a scenario where anyone of these actresses could walk away the winner. Four out of the five nominees have won a significant precursor from: Andra Day (Golden Globe), Carey Mulligan (Critics' Choice), Viola Davis (SAG) and Frances McDormand (BAFTA). There's even precedent for the fifth nominee Vanessa Kirby to win without any precursor victories (looking at you Marcia Gay Harden).
Kirby gives the best performance of the five, with a towering turn in Pieces of a Woman that will leave you breathless. Unfortunately, the film may be too intense for some voters so she remains the least likely to prevail.
The remaining four are hard to discuss in terms of who is better as they are all excellent. McDormand is an Academy favourite but are they likely to award her a third Best Actress trophy so soon after her second? Davis is picking up steam and Day is a slight wildcard but both are playing relatively similar roles that may split the vote. They also both share the narrative of being the second black woman to win Best Actress which means that neither can claim that boost.
Carey Mulligan gives the buzziest performance in the most discussed film of the nominees which may give her the edge she needs. All five are deserving and it will be an incredibly close race regardless of who wins.
What Should Win: Vanessa Kirby
What Will Win: Carey Mulligan