This year is set to be quite a big one when it comes to film releases! While shooting movies was on pause for a lot of production companies throughout the ongoing pandemic, the industry is slowly but surely coming back to life, and it is bringing a handful of stellar movies to the forefront.
There has been a lot of talk surrounding next year's Academy Awards, and while many are wondering if it will be held in person, the bigger question is who has a shot at taking home the award for Best Actor and Best Actress. A few films have already sparked Oscar buzz, including Lady Gaga's The House of Gucci, and Timothée Chalamet's, Dune.
As newer films inch closer and closer to their release date, it's only a matter of time before the real competition starts. While the Academy Awards are months away, there is still plenty of time for upcoming films to gain worldwide recognition, however, who will ultimately come out on top next awards season? Let's dive in!
10 Lady Gaga - 'The House Of Gucci'
It was revealed the Lady Gaga would be taking on the role of Patrizia Reggiani, the wife of Gucci's heir, Maurizio Gucci, who is played by Adam Driver in the film, The House Of Gucci. The trailer was released earlier this summer, and fans immediately lost their minds.
The film is set to release on November 24, 2021, and fans are already calling for Gaga to take home a Best Actress nomination. While the star has already won herself an Oscar for 'Shallow', it's safe to say that her portrayal of Reggiani, who orchestrated her husband's assassination, might just score her a second!
9 Timothée Chalamet - 'Dune'
Yet another contender for an Oscar in 2022 is none other than Timothée Chalamet himself! The star has been regarded as one of the best actors of the younger generation and his upcoming role in the film, Dune, in which he appears alongside Zendaya and Oscar Isaac, might be the film that scores Chalamet his very first Academy Award. Timothée portrays the protagonist, Paul Atreides, in what is set to be a stellar film, which is to be released this upcoming December.
8 Jennifer Hudson - 'Respect'
Jennifer Hudson has also received herself an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress when she took on the role of Effie White in Dreamgirls, alongside Beyonce, Eddie Murphy, and Jamie Foxx, and now, she just might be taking home another!
When it was revealed that she'd be playing none other than the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin in the biopic, Respect, fans instantly assumed she'd be taking home the Best Actress Oscar. Well, when the pandemic hit, the film was pushed back a whole eight months, however, since being in theatres on August 13, it's clear Hudson not only did an amazing job but one that is worth an Academy Award.
7 Nicole Kidman - 'Being The Ricardos'
Nicole Kidman was recently announced as the lead role of Being The Ricardos, which is set to premiere by the end of the year! Kidman, who will be playing alongside Javier Bardem as Desi Arnez, stunned fans when it was announced she'd be playing Lucille Ball.
The public has always considered Debra Messing more of a spot on actress to play the role of the I Love Lucy star, however, as filming continues, it's become clear that not only can Kidman play Ball better than we expected, but it might be enough to actually snag herself an Oscar!
6 Penélope Cruz - 'Parellel Mothers'
Penélope Cruz hasn't been doing too much in recent years, however, that's all about to change! The Hollywood actress is set to take on the role of Janis in the upcoming film, Parallel Mothers, which is expected to be released on December 24, 2021.
The actress is no stranger to the Academy Awards, having earned three nominations, one of which she won in 2008, proving that she can easily snag another. Although the competition is hot this time around, Cruz might have to prepare an acceptance speech just in case as talk surrounding an Oscar win grows more and more.
5 Leonardo DiCaprio - 'Don't Look Up'
Leonardo DiCaprio has been the talk of the town just about every single awards season. Considering he is easily one of the best and biggest actors of our time, fans were stunned each and every year he wasn't nominated or didn't win. After being nominated for SEVEN Oscars, Leo finally took home his first in 2016 for The Revenant.
Well, as he readies his latest and greatest role in Don't Look Up, the public is already wondering whether the Academy will snub the actor, as they've done many times before, or grant him another Oscar nom, and hopefully, a win!
4 Kristen Stewart - 'Spencer'
Kristen Stewart made a name for herself playing Bella Swan in the hit film franchise, Twilight. While she was mocked throughout the earlier years of her career due to the vampires vs. werewolves flick, it's become evident that Stewart is quite the talent!
Not only has she since taken on an array of serious roles, but Kristen can possibly be winning her very first Oscar following her portrayal of Lady Diana in the upcoming film, Spencer. The film is set to release on November 5, 2021, and fans will finally be able to witness everything that has been teased thus far.
3 Will Smith - 'King Richard'
Will Smith is set to appear in the upcoming film, King Richard, where he plays the role of none other than Serena and Venus Williams' father! The trailer was released earlier this year and fans immediately predicted it would become a box office hit.
Smith has only been nominated for two Oscars throughout his career, one for Ali and another for The Pursuit Of Happiness. While he hasn't won an Academy Award just yet, it's clear that his performance in King Richard just might be the role that finally scores him the golden statue!
2 Emma Stone - 'Cruella'
Emma Stone also started getting Oscar buzz when it was revealed she'd be playing Cruella de Vil in the live-action of Cruella. The film, which highlights the character's origin story, has gained millions at the box office.
Not only was Emma's performance so grand that it could easily score her an oscar, but it's also scored her a second film! It was shared just last month that Cruella would be returning for a second flick, starring Stone as the lead.
1 Andrew Garfield - 'Tick, Tick...Boom!'
Andrew Garfield is also setting off Oscar alarms as his most recent role in Tick, Tick...Boom! is set to secure him a nomination and a possible win. The film, which is set to release on Netflix on November 19, however, it will also be available in select theatres a week prior.
The movie is an adaptation of the late Jonathan Larson's production of the same name, which also marks Lin-Manuel Miranda's directorial debut!