Awards

The Best Actor race: Where are we at now, and who is the current favourite?

Timothee Chalamet and Michael B. Jordan - Golden Globes 2026

Oscar nominations are not even upon us, yet this year’s awards season is already heating up to be an exciting competition. 

Oscar nominations are not even upon us, yet this year’s awards season is already heating up to be an exciting competition. 

Most notable of all is this year’s chase for that Best Actor title, with Timothee Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio and Wagner Moura all in a close contest.

Film News Blitz’s Oscar Trinick is here to break down who is winning and what is to come.

What is the story so far?

So far, though, it has been going Timothee Chalamet’s way, as he picked up wins at both the Critics’ Choice Awards on January 4, beating out Michael Jordan, and the Golden Globes on January 11, triumphing over Leonardo DiCaprio.

There has been a lot of discourse, however, surrounding the relationships between the actors, but despite conflated reports, Chalamet had nothing but praise for Jordan and his film Sinners at the Critics’ Choice Awards

He said: “Michael, man, unbelievable. Just rewatched Sinners. [I] hadn’t seen the after-credit scene. I’m happy I stuck around the second time.”

READ MORE: Film analysis: ‘Sinners’ – From cultural nuance to vampirism; an unrivaled blend of race, Irish identity, and music

Sinners poster

Sinners poster

Brazilian success

He’ll seek to replicate this victory at the BAFTAs and the Oscars, but he’s not alone, as Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent) picked up a win over Jordan at the Golden Globes, making history by becoming the first Brazilian actor to win in the category of Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama).

A defining moment for the country and this marvellous film, as he touched on the world scene in his speech, saying: “If trauma can be passed along generations, values can too.”

The chasing pack

Overall, it has been a bit lighter on the awards for Leonardo DiCaprio than perhaps anticipated, but these earlier showcases rarely give a clear picture down the line.

Despite being beaten out twice by his peers, Michael B. Jordan’s fantastic dual performance has seen consistent nominations, including a win at the Astra Film Awards, with his chances of success as good as most of his others, with critical acclaim firmly on his side.  

What to look out for in the coming weeks

The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards take place on Thursday, January 22, with the BAFTA nominations landing on Tuesday, January 27, which are seen as the key signifiers toward predicting the big day.

READ NEXT: Marvel news: The X-Men are in crisis in the latest ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ teaser

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