Best Actress Oscars 2024 Prediction: Carey Mulligan Deserves to Win for Maestro, But Will Likely Lose to Sandra Hüller in Anatomy of a Fall
The 2024 Oscars are just around the corner, and it's anyone's guess who will win the coveted Best Actress trophy. This year's race is especially intriguing, with five talented nominees vying for the statue. Here's a run-down of the nominees, from least to most deserving, along with explanations for each.
- Carey Mulligan, Maestro Last fall, Carey Mulligan's performance in Maestro was touted as an award-season frontrunner. Unfortunately, her turn as Felicia Montealegre, the wife of composer Leonard Bernstein, falls flat. It's not that Mulligan is bad per se, but she's miscast in a role that relies on her comically attempting to portray a Latin American accent. Ultimately, it's a performance that grates on the audience's nerves rather than captivating them.
- Annette Bening, Nyad Annette Bening gives a fine performance in Nyad, but it's not particularly memorable. As real-life swimmer Diana Nyad, Bening captures her spunk and determination, but the film itself is dry and goes through the motions. With a more dynamic role, Bening could have been a shoe-in for the win, but Nyad doesn't give her much room to shine.
- Emma Stone, Poor Things Emma Stone's turn as Bella Baxter in Poor Things is undeniably good, but it's not quite exemplary. Stone is very good at portraying an infant-turned-adult's journey to discover the horrors of the world, but the character arc is straightforward, and Stone doesn't surprise as much as one would like. When compared to her impressive body of work, Stone's performance is serviceable but not spectacular.
- Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon Despite less screen time than most of her competitors, Lily Gladstone's performance in Killers of the Flower Moon is exceptional. As Mollie, she captures the quiet determination of a woman trapped in a world of violence and betrayal, and her performance grows in power as the film unfolds. It's a shame, then, that the movie itself splits its focus, preventing Gladstone from truly shining as she deserves.
- Sandra Hüller, Anatomy of a Fall In Anatomy of a Fall, Sandra Hüller gives a captivating performance as a woman accused of murdering her husband. Hüller reveals her character's complexities through a combination of subtle and nuanced acting, giving us a full picture of a woman who is both aloof and desperately wanting to break free. It's a performance that rightfully demands attention, and one that’s kept viewers talking since the film’s release.
Overall, while any of these actresses would be deserving of the Best Actress statue, Sandra Hüller’s turn in Anatomy of a Fall is the one that will have audiences talking for years to come.