Jessie Buckley and Renate Reinsve Lead Star-Studded Best Actress Oscar Field

Variety's Awards Circuit Predictions: Jessie Buckley and Renate Reinsve Anchor Crowded Best Actress Race LOS ANGELES - As the 2026 Oscars approach, Variety's senior awards editor Clayton Davis has released his latest predictions for the Best Actress category. According to Davis, a crowded field of contenders is led by Jessie Buckley and Renate Reinsve, both of whom have garnered significant buzz following their performances in Chloé Zhao's adaptation of Hamnet. Buckley's portrayal of Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, has been widely praised for its nuance and emotional depth. "Jessie Buckley's performance is a masterclass in subtlety," Davis said in an interview with Variety. "She brings a level of vulnerability to her character that is both heartbreaking and mesmerizing." Reinsve, who stars alongside Anders Danielsen Lie in Joachim Trier's The Worst Person in the World, has also been recognized for her outstanding work. "Renate Reinsve's performance is a revelation," Davis noted. "She brings a level of complexity to her character that is both captivating and unsettling." The Best Actress category has long been one of the most competitive at the Oscars, with a diverse range of talented actresses vying for recognition. According to Davis, Buckley and Reinsve are currently leading the pack, but campaign selections will ultimately determine their chances of winning. Background on the contenders reveals that both Buckley and Reinsve have received critical acclaim for their performances in recent years. Buckley's nomination for The Lost Daughter (2022) marked her first Oscar nod, while Reinsve has been recognized for her work in several Norwegian films. International perspectives on the Best Actress category highlight the global nature of the competition. "The Oscars are a celebration of international cinema," said film critic and historian, Peter Travers. "This year's Best Actress contenders represent some of the most talented actresses from around the world." As the 2026 Oscars approach, Davis' predictions will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the campaign landscape. For now, Buckley and Reinsve remain at the forefront of the competition. Current status: Jessie Buckley and Renate Reinsve lead Variety's latest predictions for Best Actress, with a crowded field of contenders vying for recognition. Campaign selections will ultimately determine their chances of winning. Next developments: Davis' predictions will be updated every Thursday to reflect changes in the campaign landscape. The 2026 Oscars are scheduled to take place on March 28, 2026. *Reporting by Variety.*