The race for the 2025 Oscars Best Supporting Actor category is shaping up to be a fascinating mix of household names and long-overdue character actors. Adam Sandler is generating buzz for his turn in Noah Baumbach’s dramedy Jay Kelly, where he plays a seasoned Hollywood manager opposite George Clooney. Known primarily for his comedic work, Sandler has earned critical acclaim in films such as Punch-Drunk Love, Uncut Gems, and Hustle, and early reactions suggest this role could cement his awards-season prominence.
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Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård remains an early favourite following critical acclaim at Cannes for Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value. At 74, the veteran is celebrated for his collaborations with Lars von Trier and continues to demonstrate a commanding presence on screen. Other notable contenders include Jacob Elordi as Frankenstein in Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation, and Paul Mescal, who portrays William Shakespeare in Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet. Both performances have the potential to shift category expectations.
Breakout stars and newcomers are also making waves. Aidan Delbis is highlighted for his performance in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Bugonia, while Leo Woodall could gain recognition through his roles in major projects such as James Vanderbilt’s Nuremberg. Even within the horror genre, films like The Substance and Ryan Coogler’s Sinners may see actors like Delroy Lindo, Jack O’Connell, and Miles Caton earn serious consideration, signalling a broader openness to varied performances.
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Long-overlooked actors may finally receive overdue recognition, with Idris Elba expected to stand out in Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite, and Michael Stuhlbarg delivering a notable performance in Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt. As Venice and Telluride commence next week, the landscape of contenders is likely to shift dramatically, emphasising that Oscar predictions are always fluid and subject to change.
