Oscars 2022: All 20 Actors Who Could Get Their First Oscar Nomination

13. Idris Elba - The Harder They Fall

Cyrano Spencer The Harder They Fall
Netflix

We all know that Idris Elba will get an Oscar nomination - if not also a win - one day, and with a stonking five Emmy nominations to his name, it's truly surprising the right role hasn't yet come his way.

But that may change with his dishy part in the new Netflix Western drama The Harder They Fall, where he portrays real-life outlaw Rufus Buck.

Beyond the obvious appeal of being a rarest of Black-centric Westerns, the film has been enthusiastically praised for its performances, with Elba's turn as Buck turning plenty of heads in particular.

Westerns have a wildly mixed relationship with the Academy, but its unique throughline could help propel Elba to his first Best Supporting Actor nomination.

Contributor
Contributor

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.