Last week saw the release of Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film One Battle After Another - which was immediately installed as favourite for the Best Picture gong at next year’s Academy Awards.
It’s the first of a number of big-hitters set to be in cinemas in the coming weeks, including Yorgos Lanthimos’ Bugonia, Guillermo del Toro’s Edinburgh-set Frankenstein, and Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine.
They’ll be among the films hoping to bag multiple nominations on the Oscars shortlists, which will be announced on Tuesday, December 16.
The awards will then be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
There are already a number of actresses who have been tipped to take home the Best Actress in a Lead Role trophy, last year won by Mikey Madison for her performance in Anora.
Here are the 11 with the best chance of leaving with Oscar in their pocket.
9. Julia Roberts - 16/1
Another former winner (for environmental drama Erin Brockovich), Julia Roberts is a 16/1 shot for her performance in 'After the Hunt'. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Roberts plays a college professor caught up in a sexual abuse accusation between one of her students and a colleague. | Getty Images for FLC
10. Tessa Thompson - 18/1
Tessa Thompson has been nominated for two BAFTAs and an Emmy but has yet to be shortlisted for an Academy Award. She's 18/1 to break her duck this year and go on to win for her role in 'Hedda'. Based on Henrik Ibsen's classic play 'Hedda Gabler', she plays a woman looking back at a past love from her currently unsatisfying current life. | Getty Images
11. Jodie Foster - 18/1
Two-time Oscar winner (from five nominations) Jodie Foster is priced at 18/1 to add a third for 'Vie Privee'. Rebecca Zlotowski's black comedy sees Foster play a psychiatrist who launches a private investigation into the death of one of her patients, who she suspects was murdered. | Getty Images