Among the possibilities listed are Andrew Garfield, Michael Keaton, Sebastian Stan, Jesse Plemons, and many more.
Though the 2025 Oscars are still months away, Variety’s Awards Circuit has started speculating on the Best Actor in a Leading Role possibilities. Denzel Washington’s performance in Ridley Scott’s much-awaited “Gladiator II” is right now leading the pack.
Rumors that Washington will give one of the best performances of his career drive this hype and might set him in a position for a lead actor nod instead of the expected supporting one.
Ralph Fiennes for his performance in the thriller “Conclave” and Joaquin Phoenix, allegedly to be “even better” in the sequel “Joker: Folie à Deux,” closely follow Washington. Other notable contenders are John David Washington for “The Piano Lesson” and Colman Domingo for his performance in A24’s “Sing Sing.”
Along with possible possibilities like Andrew Garfield, Michael Keaton, Sebastian Stan, Jesse Plemons, and many more, the list also has several acquisition titles remaining under auction—like “Queer” with Daniel Craig, “The Apprentice” with Sebastian Stan, and “Eden” with Jude Law—complicates the race even more.
The 97th Oscars are set for Sunday, March 2, 2025; Variety’s Awards Circuit has complete rankings and forecasts available.