This week sees the release of Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film One Battle After Another - predicted to one of the front-runnners for Best Picture 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 Frankenstein, and Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine.
They’ll be among the films hoping to bag a spot on the Oscars shortlists, which will be announced on Tuesday, December 16.
The awards will then be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
But there are already a number of actors who have been tipped to take home the Best Actor in a Lead Role trophy, last year won by Adrien Brody for his performance in The Brutalist.
Here are the 11 with the best chance of leaving with Oscar in their pocket.
9. Wagner Moura - 10/1
Best known for playing Pablo Escobar in televison series 'Narcos', Brazilian actor Wagner Moura won the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival for his performance in 'The Secret Agent' and is 10/1 to follow it up with an Oscar. Directed by Kleber Mendonca Filho, he plays a teacher fleeing persecution at the hands of a Brazilian military dictatorship. | Getty Images
10. Paul Mescal - 14/1
Paul Mescal bagged is first Oscar nomination for 'Aftersun' and looks like has a good chance of another for playing William Shakespeare in historical drama 'Hamnet'. His co-star Jessie Buckley is favourite for the Best Actress gong, but Mescal will have to make do with odds of 14/1. | Getty Images
11. George Clooney - 14/1
Geroge Clooney has received eight Academy Award nominations, winning two - Best Supporting Actor for 'Syriana' and as co-producer of Best Picture winner 'Argo'. He's 14/1 to bag his first Best Actor Oscar for 'Jay Kelly', in which he plays an actor travelling around Europe with his manager, played by Adam Sandler. | AFP via Getty Images