This Actress’ Golden Globe Win Confirms My Suspicions About The Most Competitive 2026 Oscars Category

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Just like every year, the 2026 Golden Globes winners are giving us a first look at how the awards season – and especially the Oscars – might unfold. People in the film industry closely watch the Golden Globes early in the year because the results can either make the Oscars race seem more predictable or significantly increase the competition.

The Golden Globes often foreshadow the Oscar nominations. This is because the buzz and storylines that develop during awards season heavily impact the Academy’s choices. We typically see similar nominees and winners across many award shows, but the Oscars also occasionally feature unexpected wins, keeping things interesting.

The Oscar race for acting has become more interesting following the Golden Globes, with some surprising nominations suggesting the winners aren’t as predictable as first believed. As always, the acting categories are the most competitive, and while Timothée Chalamet is the clear frontrunner for Best Actor, the other races remain wide open.

Rose Byrne Won The Best Actress Golden Globe For Comedy

This year’s Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress in a Comedy were incredibly competitive. The nominees included Emma Stone for Bugonia, Cynthia Erivo for Wicked: For Good, Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, Amanda Seyfried for The Testament of Ann Lee, and Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You.

Let’s be honest, the field was pretty crowded this year, and no one really jumped out as a guaranteed winner. But if I had to put money on someone, I’d say Emma Stone in Bugonia or, even more strongly, Chase Infiniti in One Battle After Another. Infiniti was absolutely phenomenal – a real breakout performance for her first feature film. She completely blew me away!

I was surprised, but very pleased, to see Rose Byrne win. While she absolutely deserved it, the buzz around her performance had faded recently, so I’m happy it’s being recognized. It’s great to see her work hasn’t been overlooked.

If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You Was Nominated In That Category Only

Generally, award show winners for acting are also nominated in other major categories. That’s why Rose Byrne’s Best Actress win for If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You is a bit unexpected, as the film didn’t receive many other nominations.

The film If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You centers around Linda, played by Rose Byrne, a therapist who’s overwhelmed trying to manage her patients and care for her sick daughter. The story follows Linda’s descent into anxiety and near-breakdown, but it’s surprisingly funny thanks to its clever and understated humor.

The 2026 Best Actress Oscar Race Still Has No Clear Winner

Choosing a favorite performance among the Best Actress nominees was just as challenging. The contenders in the Drama category included Eva Victor for Sorry, Baby, Jennifer Lawrence for Die My Love, Julia Roberts for After the Hunt, Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value, Tessa Thompson for Hedda, and Jessie Buckley for Hamnet. Ultimately, Jessie Buckley won the Golden Globe.

Jessie Buckley recently won a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actress. However, Rose Byrne’s unexpected win in the Best Actress Comedy category suggests it’s still uncertain whether Buckley will also win an Oscar. The upcoming SAG Awards, which often influence Oscar nominations, will give us a better idea of who the frontrunners are.

The 2025 Best Actress Oscar Winner Was A Surprise

Jennifer Bloc/Future Image/Cover Images

The Academy Awards for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress often have unexpected results. Surprisingly, Jennifer Lopez’s work in Kiss of the Spider Woman could earn her a nomination, even though it isn’t getting much attention right now. Last year’s Oscars showed that winning the Critics’ Choice or Golden Globe awards doesn’t necessarily mean a win at the Academy Awards.

In 2025, Demi Moore received several major awards – Best Actress at the Critics’ Choice Awards, Golden Globes, and SAG Awards – for her role in The Substance. However, the Academy Award for Best Actress went to Mikey Madison for Anora, which was a surprise to many. This makes Jessie Buckley’s chances of winning an Oscar uncertain, and the Best Actress category is shaping up to be the most competitive of the year.

If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You Deserves More Recognition

I really think Rose Byrne has a great shot at an Oscar this year! But honestly, even if she doesn’t win, I hope people see more than just her performance in If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You. She is the reason Linda feels so real and captivating – she perfectly portrays all the character’s inner turmoil and struggles. But the writing is fantastic too, and deserves just as much recognition. It all comes together to make a truly compelling story.

After a 17-year break from directing, Mary Bronstein delivers a deeply unsettling yet realistic portrayal of parenthood – one that avoids excusing neglectful behavior. While comedies have become popular for dealing with difficult topics like death in recent years, offering a way to process them through humor, Bronstein’s powerful film is a celebration of dedicated and effective parenting.

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2026-01-15 23:50