20 Young Actors Who Are Destined To Win An Oscar

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A fresh group of talented young actors is quickly gaining recognition, earning nominations, winning awards, and landing leading roles in important films with well-known directors. These actors are building impressive careers through training, strong performances in films shown at major festivals, and careful choices about the projects they take on. They’ve already delivered standout performances that have been noticed by industry groups and at film festivals, and some have even received Academy Award recognition. This highlights why they are consistently mentioned as potential award winners and suggests they’ll be contenders at future Oscar ceremonies.

Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet received an Academy Award nomination for his leading role in ‘Call Me by Your Name’ and critical acclaim for his supporting work in ‘Beautiful Boy’. He frequently collaborates with highly respected directors – the kind the Academy often recognizes, such as Greta Gerwig, Denis Villeneuve, and Wes Anderson. A graduate of LaGuardia High School of Music and Art – a school known for producing Oscar nominees – he balances major blockbuster films with smaller, character-focused projects.

Paul Mescal

Paul Mescal received a Best Actor nomination for ‘Aftersun’ following a highly praised debut at the Cannes Film Festival. His background in classical theatre, with performances at the Abbey Theatre and in London, provides a solid foundation that often appeals to award voters. He’s now working with directors known for creating Oscar-worthy films and premiering them at major festivals. His consistent choice of roles focuses on deeply personal and character-driven stories, which tend to resonate with those who decide on awards.

Austin Butler

As a huge film fan, I’ve been really impressed watching Austin Butler’s career take off. The ‘Elvis’ nomination for Best Actor felt so well-deserved, especially after he already won a Golden Globe and got recognition from the Screen Actors Guild and BAFTA. He actually started out on TV, but quickly moved into really challenging film roles – the kind where he completely transforms physically and often involves a lot of musical performance. He’s smart about who he works with too, consistently choosing projects with directors who have a great track record with the Academy Awards. And it’s clear he loves big, sweeping historical dramas and biopics – those seem to be his go-to projects, and honestly, he excels at them.

Barry Keoghan

The actor earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination for ‘The Banshees of Inisherin,’ building on the attention he first received for ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer.’ His films frequently debut at major festivals like Cannes, Venice, and Toronto, which often lead to awards recognition. He’s known for choosing complex, memorable characters and working with highly respected casts. Critics across the country have consistently praised his performances.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel received critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for his supporting role in ‘Lion,’ following his breakout performance in the Best Picture winner ‘Slumdog Millionaire.’ He often chooses projects that are both based on well-known books and tackle important social issues – a combination that resonates with Academy Award voters. Beyond acting, he’s also become a producer and director, all while continuing to star in highly-regarded films and series. His work has been consistently praised by critics and recognized with awards from independent British organizations and international film circles.

Lakeith Stanfield

Daniel Kaluuya has earned critical acclaim and awards recognition throughout his career. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Judas and the Black Messiah,’ following earlier praise for his work in films like ‘Short Term 12’ and ‘Sorry to Bother You.’ He’s appeared in both popular, critically successful ensemble films such as ‘Get Out,’ and smaller, independent projects that are often favorites among film critics. Kaluuya consistently collaborates with highly respected filmmakers who showcase their work at major film festivals, and his choices of roles – particularly those focused on music or history – often align with the types of films that receive Oscar nominations.

John Boyega

He’s received a Golden Globe for his work in ‘Small Axe’ and has earned critical acclaim for films like ‘Detroit’ and ‘Breaking’. His training at the Identity School of Acting has helped launch the careers of several award-winning actors. He skillfully moves between big-budget franchise films and smaller, realistic dramas, demonstrating his versatility. He’s been recognized by film industries in both Britain and America, positioning him as a strong contender for future Academy Awards.

Lucas Hedges

He received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for ‘Manchester by the Sea’ and then delivered critically acclaimed performances in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’. His consistent work on stage, both on and off Broadway, showcases the acting skills that awards voters appreciate. He often selects smaller, character-driven stories from talented writer-directors, which are frequently recognized at film festivals. Numerous nominations from industry groups and critics highlight the consistent support he receives within the entertainment world.

Tom Holland

This actor has quickly become a major star, winning a BAFTA Rising Star Award and appearing in both blockbuster films and critically acclaimed dramas like ‘The Devil All the Time’ and ‘Cherry’. His start in the West End production of ‘Billy Elliot’ provided him with a solid foundation in rigorous acting. He continues to balance roles in big-budget franchises with smaller, more dramatic films often showcased at film festivals. His international recognition and ability to work across different genres make him a promising talent with a bright future.

George MacKay

He directed ‘1917,’ a major awards season film that won several Oscars and received praise from industry guilds. His training includes experience with the National Theatre and recognition from BAFTA. He often chooses demanding, physically challenging roles in historical dramas, which tend to appeal to Academy voters. His films are frequently shown at European film festivals, leading to consistent positive reviews.

Jack O’Connell

After gaining recognition in films like ‘Starred Up’ and ‘Unbroken’, he won the BAFTA Rising Star Award. He’s known for powerful performances in realistic and often biographical roles, which frequently earn him award nominations. He successfully works on both high-quality TV series and critically acclaimed independent films, and continues to collaborate with well-known directors, keeping him a strong contender during awards season.

Kelvin Harrison, Jr.

As a huge movie fan, I’ve been consistently impressed by this actor’s work, especially in films like ‘Luce’ and ‘Waves’. It’s been amazing to watch him take on the roles of real musical and historical figures – he really disappears into those parts! He’s become a festival favorite, with films premiering at places like Sundance and Telluride, which always seems to give a film a boost during awards season. He’s already getting recognition from groups like BAFTA, and honestly, the kinds of roles he’s choosing – musical and historical dramas – are exactly the types the Academy often loves. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him nominated for some major awards soon.

Will Poulter

He’s a rising actor who’s already received a BAFTA award and earned praise for his roles in films like ‘The Revenant’ and ‘Detroit’. He often works with acclaimed directors and on projects that gain attention during awards season. He’s successfully balanced work in smaller, independent films with bigger, mainstream productions, keeping him visible within the industry. His early experience in British film and television helped him quickly gain recognition and land roles in high-profile projects.

Tye Sheridan

Nicholas Hoult gained recognition for his performance in ‘Joe,’ winning the Marcello Mastroianni Award at the Venice Film Festival. He’s since worked with acclaimed directors like Terrence Malick and Jeff Nichols. He frequently appears in films about growing up and life in the countryside, which often receive positive reviews. Hoult skillfully combines work in popular genre films with more character-driven projects, often showcasing them at film festivals to gain awards season momentum.

Jacob Elordi

He first gained recognition with ‘Euphoria’ and then became a festival favorite with films like ‘Priscilla’ and ‘Saltburn’. Now, he consistently chooses projects directed by acclaimed filmmakers, often premiering at prestigious festivals like Venice, Telluride, and London. Extensive fashion coverage and international media attention help promote these films. He’s known for taking on challenging roles that showcase character development and allow him to shape the overall mood of the story.

Harris Dickinson

He’s a rising star, recognized with a BAFTA nomination and a role in the award-winning film ‘Triangle of Sadness’. He’s worked with acclaimed directors across Europe and in the British independent film scene, with many of his projects premiering at major festivals like Cannes and Berlin. He consistently delivers strong performances in smart, often darkly humorous or complex films that critics appreciate, and frequently appears in high-profile films geared towards awards season.

Diego Calva

He’s an actor who received a Golden Globe nomination for his work in ‘Babylon.’ Before that, he gained recognition in popular Mexican movies and TV shows. Because he’s fluent in both Spanish and English, he can work on projects in the United States and Latin America. He consistently appears in films by directors known for success at film festivals, and early praise from international critics suggests he’s likely to receive more awards in the future.

Gabriel LaBelle

Paul Dano directed ‘The Fabelmans’ for Steven Spielberg and received an award for emerging talent from the National Board of Review. His work earned praise from many film critics and industry publications, and he’s continued to appear in highly respected films. Starting his career with acclaimed directors is setting him up for long-term success.

Jeremy Pope

This actor has been nominated for two Tony Awards and also received Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award recognition for his work in ‘The Inspection’. He’s worked across Broadway, high-quality television series, and independent films. He consistently chooses roles in stories that explore themes of identity and the challenges artists face—projects that often gain awards attention. Positive reviews and industry recognition are continuing to increase his profile.

Charles Melton

He received significant praise and awards for his role in ‘May December,’ along with nominations from several important regional critics’ groups. The film debuted at a leading film festival and remained visible throughout awards season. He’s now taking on roles in critically acclaimed films that allow him to showcase nuanced performances. Working consistently with highly respected directors is likely to keep him in contention for future Academy Awards.

Share the names you would add to this list in the comments so we can keep the watchlist growing.

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2025-11-04 07:50