Oscars 2021: Who Should Win Every Award (And Who Actually Will)
2. Best Actress
Nominees
Viola Davis (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom)
Andra Day (The United States vs. Billie Holiday)
Vanessa Kirby (Pieces of a Woman)
Frances McDormand (Nomadland)
Carey Mulligan (Promising Young Woman)
Who Should Win: Carey Mulligan
There are strong cases to be made for at least four of the five Best Actress nominees, though it really comes down to Frances McDormand and Carey Mulligan.
But it's Mulligan's against-type performance and the general daring of her work therein that just barely pushes her over the top.
Who Will Win: Carey Mulligan
Best Actress is by far the most hotly-contested and unpredictable category this year, and it's extremely difficult to pick a reliable winner.
As much as it seems like a two-horse race between McDormand and Mulligan, it's entirely possible they could split the vote enough for Viola Davis to swoop in with the steal.
Yet the Academy loves to reward unexpected performances and younger actresses taking a bold swing, which combined with McDormand having already won her second Oscar just three years ago makes this feel like Mulligan's year.