BEST ACTRESS

Jessie Buckley earns her first Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Agnes (Anne Hathaway) in Chloé Zhao's historical drama Hamnet. Based on Maggie O'Farrell's acclaimed novel, the film explores William Shakespeare and his wife navigating the devastating loss of their 11-year-old son in 16th-century England. The Irish actress brings remarkable nuance to the role of Shakespeare's wife, capturing both the specific historical context of Elizabethan England and the timeless experience of parental grief. At 36, Buckley demonstrates masterful control of her craft, creating a character who feels simultaneously of her time and profoundly relatable to modern audiences. Her performance anchors the film's exploration of grief, creativity, and resilience.

Rose Byrne receives her first Oscar nomination for her powerful work in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, a character-driven drama that explores the complexities of caregiving and maternal resilience. Byrne portrays a mother navigating the overwhelming challenges of caring for her chronically ill daughter while maintaining her own identity and relationships. After decades of acclaimed work in both comedy and drama, the Australian actress delivers what critics are calling her career-best performance. At 46, Byrne demonstrates remarkable range, stripping away her comedic persona to reveal a raw, uncompromising portrait of maternal love tested by extraordinary circumstances. Her performance captures the quiet heroism of everyday caregiving with honesty and depth.

Kate Hudson earns her first Oscar nomination since her breakthrough role in Almost Famous for her performance in the musical drama Song Sung Blue. The film follows a married couple who pursue a second life performing together in a Neil Diamond tribute band, exploring themes of artistic rediscovery, partnership, and the transformative power of music. At 46, Hudson returns to her musical roots with surprising vocal prowess, performing Neil Diamond classics while portraying a woman finding new purpose through performance and partnership. Her work demonstrates both technical skill as a musical performer and deep emotional intelligence in creating a character navigating middle-aged rediscovery. Critics praise her ability to balance musical numbers with intimate character moments.

Renate Reinsve earns her first Oscar nomination for her work in Joachim Trier's family drama Sentimental Value, a Cannes Grand Prix winner that explores complex family dynamics, identity, and reconciliation. The Norwegian actress portrays a woman confronting unresolved issues with her estranged father and sisters, revealing deep emotional truths about family bonds. Following her international breakthrough in The Worst Person in the World, Reinsve demonstrates her mastery of complex character work. At 37, she anchors the film's exploration of family secrets and reconciliation with a performance that balances curiosity, pain, and cautious hope. Her work represents the best of Scandinavian acting tradition—restrained, intelligent, and emotionally precise.