Unlike last year, there isn’t a clear favorite to win the Best Actor category at the 97th Academy Awards, making it a healthy and interesting competition. There were some incredible performances that were duly appreciated in cinemas this year. When the Academy announces its list of nominees on January 17, 2025, five out of these nine actors will probably make it to the final selection.

Adrien Brody as László Tóth in The Brutalist | Credits: A24

FandomWire’s predictions factor in performers who have already caught the Academy’s attention after their Golden Globes and SAG nominations. Among our frontrunners are a first-time nominee, a previous Oscar winner in the category, and an actor who received the nod last year as well.

FandomWire’s predicted nominees for Best Actor Sebastian Stan as Edward Lemuel / Guy Moratz in The Different Man | Credits: A24

Two of the Golden Globe winners, both in the drama and musical/comedy category,...