Oscar Supporting Actress Showdown: Blunt, Grande, and Madigan Battle for Top Honors

Oscar Predictions: Supporting Actress Category Heats Up with Emily Blunt, Ariana Grande, and Amy Madigan In a year that has seen the supporting actress category become increasingly unpredictable, Variety's Awards Circuit section is calling it a toss-up among Emily Blunt, Ariana Grande, and Amy Madigan. According to Clayton Davis, senior awards editor at Variety, "Any actress who feels like winning the supporting actress category, feel free. I have no idea who the frontrunner is." Blunt, known for her critically acclaimed performances in films such as Oppenheimer (2023) and now The Smashing Machine, has been leading early predictions in the category. Her A24 drama has positioned her as a viable contender, with many industry insiders hailing her performance as one of the standout moments of the year. Grande, last year's nominee for her role as Glinda in Wicked , is also making waves in the supporting actress category. Her performance has been praised by critics and audiences alike, with many citing it as a highlight of the film. Madigan, known for her iconic roles in films such as Field of Dreams and Fried Green Tomatoes, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her nomination is seen as a nod to her enduring talent and dedication to her craft. Industry insiders are abuzz with excitement over the unpredictable nature of this year's supporting actress category. "It's anyone's game at this point," says Davis. "We've never seen so many talented actresses vying for the top spot." The supporting actress category has long been a hotbed of competition, but this year's crop of nominees is particularly impressive. With Blunt, Grande, and Madigan leading the pack, it's clear that the Academy will have its work cut out for them come awards night. As the Oscar nominations approach, fans can expect to see more buzz surrounding these talented actresses. Will Blunt's A24 drama propel her to victory? Can Grande build on last year's momentum? Or will Madigan's experience and talent prove too much for the competition? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this year's supporting actress category is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Background: The Oscars are set to take place on March 27, 2026. Variety's Awards Circuit section provides comprehensive coverage of all awards news and related content throughout the year. Current Status: With just a few weeks left until nominations are announced, the supporting actress category remains wide open. Stay tuned for further updates as the competition heats up. Next Developments: The Oscar nominations will be announced on January 24, 2026. Variety's Awards Circuit section will provide live coverage and analysis of the event. *Reporting by Variety.*