2023 Oscars
Who is the critics favorite to win Best Actor at the 2023 Oscars?
Austin Butler had all the momentum at the start of award season, but could Brendan Fraser or Colin Farrell come out on top on Sunday?
When it comes to the Best Actor category at the 2023 Oscars, two names stand out above the rest, but don’t rule out a surprise winner.
Who is favorite to win Best Actor?
This year’s contenders include Austin Butler for his work in ‘Elvis’, Colin Farrell for ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’, Brendan Fraser for ‘The Whale’, Bill Nighy for ‘Living’ and Paul Mescal for ‘Aftersun’.
For the first time since 1935, the category consists of all first-time nominees, but heading into Sunday, it looks like the race is down to Fraser and Butler.
While Butler came out on top at the BAFTA and Golden Globes, Fraser responded by taking home wins at the Critics Choice and SAG.
Butler’s wins suggest strong international support, and the fact his film, ‘Elvis’, is up for Best Picture means he may hold the slight edge over Fraser.
As for Fraser, his comeback story has added another dimension to the close race. After seeing his film work slow down in the late 2000s to mid 2010s, the 54-year-old has returned with a vengeance.
A win for his work in ‘The Whale’ would cap off the fairytale return, but reaction to Darren Aranofsky’s movie from critics has been divisive.
Although the film earned three Oscar nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Hong Chau and Best Makeup and Hairstyling for Adrien Morot, Judy Chin and Annemarie Bradley, the lack of a Best Picture nomination could prove the difference in the end.
Could Collin Farrell spring a surprise?
While most eyes have been on Butler and Fraser, don’t rule out a surprise victory for Colin Farrell.
His stock has risen in recent years, but despite all of the plaudits, this is his first Oscar nomination. His work as an Irish fellow who fails to understand why his best friend (Brendan Gleeson) wants to end their friendship struck a chord with critics.
However, after winning a Golden Globe, failure to win at the BAFTA and SAG means he’s since lost momentum.
That said, the three-way race leaves the door open for anything to happen on Sunday.
The 95th edition of the Oscars will take place Sunday, March 12 at 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT on ABC.