Oscars 2026: Who Will Win, and Who Should Win? - The Daily Recap
Podcast: The Daily
Published: 2026-03-08
Duration: 35 min
Summary
In this episode, film critic Manola Dargas discusses the surprising depth and quality of this year's Oscar nominees, highlighting standout performances and the tension between who will win versus who should win. The conversation centers on the best actress category and the emotional journeys portrayed in the nominated films.
What Happened
As the Oscars approach, Michael Bilbaro invites Manola Dargas, the New York Times' chief movie critic, to share her insights on the standout films and performances of the year. Dargas describes the nominees as 'surprising,' noting the exceptional quality of films released over the past year, despite challenges facing the industry. She likens the resurgence of American cinema to the iconic ending of 'Carrie,' suggesting that the magic of filmmaking is very much alive and thriving.
Dargas dives into the best actress category, predicting that Jesse Buckley, who portrays Agnes, William Shakespeare's wife in 'Hamlet,' is the frontrunner for the award. Her performance is described as a rich emotional journey, showcasing various aspects of motherhood, love, and tragedy. Buckley’s ability to navigate through intense emotional states, including a harrowing birth scene and the grief of losing a child, exemplifies the kind of 'big performance' the Academy often honors. Dargas also expresses admiration for Renata Rensve’s nuanced performance in 'Sentimental Value,' emphasizing its subtlety and complexity in contrast to Buckley's more dramatic role.
Key Insights
- This year's Oscar nominees are noted for their surprising quality, defying expectations amidst industry challenges.
- Jesse Buckley's portrayal in 'Hamlet' is seen as a frontrunner for Best Actress, marked by a range of intense emotions.
- Dargas highlights the Academy's preference for big performances that evoke strong emotional responses.
- Renata Rensve’s performance in 'Sentimental Value' is acknowledged for its subtlety and depth, offering a contrast to more traditional dramatic roles.
Key Questions Answered
Who is likely to win Best Actress at the 2026 Oscars?
Manola believes that Jesse Buckley, who plays Agnes in Hamlet, is the consensus frontrunner for Best Actress. She describes Buckley's role as a classic portrayal of the woman behind the man, showcasing a range of emotions from love and motherhood to tragedy.
What makes Jesse Buckley's performance in Hamlet stand out?
Buckley's performance is notable for its emotional depth as it captures the complexities of Agnes's character. The story is told through her perspective, allowing viewers to experience a spectrum of emotions including love, grief, and marital conflict.
What is Manola Dargas's opinion on Renata Renseve's performance?
Manola expresses her fondness for Renata Renseve's performance in 'Sentimental Value,' describing it as a more subtle and complicated portrayal compared to Buckley's. She highlights the fraught relationship between Renseve's character and her father, played by Stellan Skarsgård.
How does the Oscars ceremony affect public perception of films?
Michael notes that critics often have a love-hate relationship with the Oscars, feeling frustrated with the outcomes unless their favorites win. This dynamic showcases how the awards can influence public perception and popularity of films.
What themes are prominent in this year's Oscar-nominated films?
Manola discusses the richness and emotional complexity of the characters in the nominated films. This year's nominees explore themes of love, tragedy, and the struggles of supporting roles, particularly in the context of historical narratives.