Best Actress
Number 1: Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga has been making waves in the awards circuit ever since she was announced as the lead in Ridley Scott’s biopic House of Gucci. The film follows the events leading up to the death of fashion mogul Maurizio Gucci. Gaga portrays Patrizia Reggiani, the wife of Gucci, who was ultimately discovered to be the mastermind behind his murder.
Number 2: Kristen Stewart
As one of the most polarizing and recognizable women in history, Princess Diana is reborn in this biopic starring Kristen Stewart, overdue for an Oscar nomination since her performance in Personal Shopper. The film takes place over the course of the Christmas holidays with the royal family as Diana decides to end her marriage to Prince Charles.
Number 3: Jessica Chastain
In another biopic, Chastain transcends into the role of Tammy Faye Bakker, the disgraced former televangelist and singer turned author, talk show host and all around camp icon. The film follows the rise and fall of the Bakker’s shared empire and sheds light on her struggle with addiction and grief.
Number 4: Nicole Kidman
In the first major film based on the life of Lucille Ball, Nicole Kidman takes on the challenge of portraying the dramatic side of funny lady Ball who, in the midst of a crisis, questions the security of both her career and her marriage to Desi Arnaz.
Number 5: Cate Blanchett
6. Frances McDormand—The Tragedy of Macbeth
7. Jennifer Hudson—Respect
8. Penelope Cruz—Parallel Mothers