The 2026 Oscars are shaping up to be a battle of the mothers—both literal and metaphorical. But here's where it gets controversial: with so many powerhouse performances centered around motherhood, who will ultimately claim the Best Actress throne? This year’s race is a testament to the depth and diversity of female storytelling, but it’s also a reminder that not all mothers are created equal—at least in the eyes of the Academy.
The theme of motherhood has dominated the 2025 acting landscape, with Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence, and Amanda Seyfried delivering performances that have left audiences both moved and mesmerized. Each actress has explored the complexities of motherhood in ways that are as varied as they are profound. Yet, the category is crowded, and not just with traditional maternal figures. Enter Chase Infiniti, Emma Stone, and Kate Hudson—women whose characters embody the term ‘mother’ in entirely different, often unconventional ways. Infiniti grapples with mother issues, Stone channels a mother monster, and Hudson delivers a performance that’s nothing short of thunderous.
And this is the part most people miss: while Buckley has been the frontrunner since September, with Critics Choice and Golden Globe wins under her belt, the race is far from over. Rose Byrne’s comedic turn earned her a Globe, and Chase Infiniti and Emma Stone are no slouches either, each boasting impressive credentials. Renate Reinsve, whose performance in Sentimental Value might have been overlooked by SAG, is a force to be reckoned with. Her win at the European Film Awards this weekend solidifies her place in the conversation, proving that non-English language performances can still make waves.
But the real wildcard? Kate Hudson. After a 25-year absence from the Oscars, her performance in Song Sung Blue has ignited a firestorm of speculation. Co-star Hugh Jackman boldly predicted an Oscar win for her, and while the initial reaction was lukewarm, Hudson’s momentum is undeniable. With Globe and SAG nods, and a BAFTA longlist mention, she’s a serious contender—at least for a nomination. But here’s the question: if Hudson makes the cut, who gets left out? Infiniti, the newcomer in a likely Best Picture winner? Or Stone, a two-time Best Actress winner in the prime of her career?
Here are my final predictions for the 2026 Oscar nominations in Best Actress:
- Jessie Buckley – Hamnet (Focus Features) – CCA, GG, SAG (BAFTA longlist)
- Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value (NEON) – CCA, GG (BAFTA longlist)
- Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (A24) – CCA, GG, SAG (BAFTA longlist)
- Emma Stone – Bugonia (Focus Features) – CCA, GG, SAG (BAFTA longlist)
- Chase Infiniti – One Battle After Another (Warner Bros) – CCA, GG, SAG (BAFTA longlist)
- Kate Hudson – Song Sung Blue (Focus Features) – GG, SAG (BAFTA longlist)
- Jennifer Lawrence – Die My Love (MUBI) – GG (BAFTA longlist)
- Amanda Seyfried – The Testament of Ann Lee (Searchlight Pictures) – CCA, GG
- Cynthia Erivo – Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures) – GG (BAFTA longlist)
- Tessa Thompson – Hedda (Amazon MGM) – GG (BAFTA longlist)
Bubbling Under:
11. Julia Roberts – After the Hunt (Amazon MGM) – GG
12. Eva Victor – Sorry, Baby (A24) – GG
13. Sydney Sweeney – Christy (Black Bear)
14. Laura Dern – Is This Thing On? (Searchlight Pictures)
15. Jodie Foster – A Private Life (Sony Pictures Classics)
Written by Erik Anderson, founder and Editor-in-Chief of AwardsWatch, this analysis is rooted in a lifelong passion for the Oscars. With credentials ranging from Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic to memberships in prestigious film organizations, Anderson brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in the industry is as commendable as his ability to predict Oscar gold.
Controversial Question: With motherhood taking center stage, is the Academy ready to crown a non-traditional ‘mother’ figure? Or will they stick to the tried-and-true? Let’s debate in the comments!
