Unlike Supporting Actor, which is down to only two or three potential nominees for the win, Supporting Actress is still wide open with no real frontrunner as of yet despite numerous acclaimed performances. The outstanding performances yet to be seen by audiences, critics and industry experts which could change this are Ariana Grande‘s in “Wicked: For Good” and Gwyneth Paltrow‘s in “Marty Supreme”. Grande was the likely runner up for the same role last year, so it is difficult to bet against her challenging again at the upcoming Academy Awards, whilst Paltrow’s performance may be boosted by a comeback narrative.
Likely to also be in the running are the two female supports in awards player “Sentimental Value”, with both Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas looking for their first Oscar nominations. An actress who has shot up the rankings since my last predictions in June is Teyana Taylor, who despite her limited screentime in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” makes a lasting impression on the rest of the film, and is considered by many as the standout performer from the ensemble. Similarly her co-star, Chase Infiniti, will also be looking to get her first ever nomination having had her chances boosted by the movie’s strength across all categories.
An unlikely but deserving nominee, who has been tipped by several publications, is Amy Madigan for her instantly iconic turn in Zach Cregger’s mystery-horror “Weapons”. While I personally do not think it will happen as the film is unlikely to show up anywhere else, I would welcome it over several other contenders.
Other notable contenders include past nominee, and winner, Emily Blunt and Laura Dern, Wunmi Mosaku and Hailee Steinfeld from “Sinners”, and potentially Emma Stone if campaigned in supporting for her work in “Bugonia”.
Full list of Supporting Actress predictions – September 2025:
Strong Contenders
- Ariana Grande “Wicked: For Good”
- Elle Fanning “Sentimental Value”
- Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas “Sentimental Value”
- Gwyneth Paltrow “Marty Supreme”
- Teyana Taylor “One Battle After Another”
Possible Contenders
- Emily Blunt “The Smashing Machine”
- Laura Dern “Jay Kelly”
- Amy Madigan “Weapons”
- Chase Infiniti “One Battle After Another”
- Wunmi Mosaku “Sinners”
Outsiders
- Jennifer Lopez “Kiss of the Spider Woman”
- Glenn Close “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”
- Mari Yamamoto “Rental Family”
- Ayo Edibiri “After the Hunt”
- Regina Hall “One Battle After Another”
*Indicates that this actor may be campaigned in Lead Actress
Check out my Movie Reviews and other way-too-early Oscar Predictions via the links below.
Dan Loves Film 
I just saw “The Smashing Machine”, and you can expect to see Emily Blunt nominated – she’s that good! Great list as always
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I’ve thought Elle was a great actress after I saw her in 8mm. Fingers crossed! 🤞
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