20 Young Actresses Who Are Destined To Win An Oscar

I’m so excited to see a new generation of actresses taking over Hollywood! They’re incredibly talented, well-trained, and landing roles that really showcase their abilities – the kind of roles that often get noticed by the Academy. A lot of them have already been nominated for awards, won prizes at film festivals, or really stood out in critically acclaimed movies. Some are even making a smooth transition from amazing TV shows to equally impressive films. I’ve been following their careers closely, and here are 20 young actresses who I think are definitely on their way to Oscar night!

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh has quickly become one of the most acclaimed actors working today. She received an Oscar nomination for her role in ‘Little Women’ and gained widespread recognition for her powerful performance in ‘Midsommar’. Since then, she’s delivered compelling work in films like ‘The Wonder’ and ‘Oppenheimer’. Directors consistently give her challenging, emotionally rich roles in a variety of genres, from historical dramas to thrillers and big-budget movies, which keeps her a frequent contender during awards season.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan is a critically acclaimed actress with four Academy Award nominations for her performances in films like ‘Atonement’, ‘Brooklyn’, ‘Lady Bird’, and ‘Little Women’. She excels in both adaptations of classic books and original stories, consistently impressing audiences and critics. She often works with highly respected directors, and their films frequently debut at prestigious festivals and go on to receive numerous awards. Given her impressive career at a young age, an Oscar win would feel like a natural next step rather than a surprising upset.

Zendaya

Zendaya has won two Emmys for her leading role in ‘Euphoria’ and has become a prominent figure in film, appearing in movies like ‘Dune’, ‘Challengers’, and ‘Malcolm & Marie’. She skillfully moves between big-budget blockbusters and smaller, more artistic films, consistently demonstrating a captivating presence and nuanced control. Her recent roles feature significant screen time, physical athleticism, and in-depth explorations of her characters. Working with acclaimed directors on these projects often positions her as a strong contender for Academy Awards.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy quickly rose to prominence with independent films like ‘The Witch’ and then gained critical acclaim for her work in movies like ‘The Menu’ and ‘Last Night in Soho’. She now stars in big-budget films like ‘Furiosa’ while still choosing roles in smaller, character-driven projects. Because she can seamlessly handle complex and varied roles, casting directors consistently rely on her talent. This balance of artistic recognition and mainstream appeal positions her as a strong contender for future awards.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld first gained recognition as a teenager with an Oscar nomination for ‘True Grit.’ Since then, she’s starred in popular films like ‘The Edge of Seventeen’ and ‘Bumblebee,’ and consistently delivered memorable performances in ensemble casts. Her career has balanced both commercially successful and critically acclaimed projects. A return to a more serious, dramatic role could easily put her back in the running for major awards.

Kaitlyn Dever

Kaitlyn Dever first gained recognition for her comedic role in ‘Booksmart’, then showcased her dramatic range in the more serious film ‘No One Will Save You’. She’s also received award nominations for her work in television series, proving she’s a talented dramatic actress. Casting directors consistently choose her for roles that require subtle performance and inner strength. If she continues to take on similar roles in films, she’s well-positioned to become an awards contender, potentially an Oscar nominee.

Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney gained recognition through strong performances on TV, and has since taken leading roles in films like ‘Reality’ and ‘Immaculate’. She balances mainstream work with challenging, artistic projects, demonstrating her dedication and willingness to take chances. She’s also starting to produce her own work, giving her more creative control and allowing her to choose projects and work with people she believes in. This kind of proactive approach often attracts the attention of the Academy Awards.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright’s career has soared recently, earning her a BAFTA Rising Star Award and a leading role in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. She skillfully moves between big-budget films and critically acclaimed television like ‘Small Axe’. Wright’s acting is known for its depth, subtlety, and honest emotion. By consistently choosing projects with important social themes, she’s becoming a strong contender for future awards.

Thomasin McKenzie

Thomasin McKenzie has received excellent reviews for her work in films like ‘Leave No Trace,’ and demonstrated her versatility in ‘Jojo Rabbit’ and ‘Old.’ She consistently chooses roles that require subtlety and nuance. Working on international projects with well-known directors has broadened her career, and she’s building an impressive list of acclaimed performances that could lead to awards recognition.

Taylor Russell

Taylor Russell received the Marcello Mastroianni Award at the Venice Film Festival for her performance in ‘Bones and All’. She first gained attention for her work in ‘Waves’, where she showed a remarkable ability to handle complex scenes. Russell’s career includes both heartfelt family stories and visually striking romantic films. This combination of critical praise and demanding roles positions her as a potential Oscar contender.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler won a Golden Globe for her first major movie role in ‘West Side Story’. Since then, she’s starred in big-budget musicals and action films, gaining wider recognition. Her strong singing and theater experience help her deliver powerful and moving performances on screen. With a strategic shift towards more dramatic roles, she has the potential to earn an Academy Award nomination.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega quickly transitioned from popular TV roles to leading parts in films like ‘X’, ‘Scream’, and ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’. She handles intense genres with ease while also delivering strong emotional performances. Filmmakers are giving her more and more responsibility for the story and the overall feel of her projects. Taking on a serious, critically acclaimed drama would be a natural next step for her career.

Alana Haim

Alana Haim received significant critical acclaim and awards attention for her role in ‘Licorice Pizza,’ particularly for her natural and engaging performance in her first feature film. Her background in music and performing clearly contributed to her timing and comfort on screen. Working with respected directors positions her well for future awards consideration.

Daisy Edgar-Jones

Daisy Edgar-Jones quickly transitioned from starring in a successful limited series to leading roles in films like ‘Fresh’, ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’, and ‘Twisters’. She excels at portraying characters who are both fragile and strong, in both big-budget and independent films. Casting directors often choose her to play realistic, relatable characters that audiences connect with. Successfully balancing these qualities can lead to critically acclaimed and award-winning performances.

Emma Mackey

I’ve been so impressed watching Emma Mackey’s career take off! Seeing her win the BAFTA Rising Star award felt so deserved, especially after her powerful performance in ‘Emily’. She really seems to be able to do anything, moving effortlessly between big ensemble films like ‘Barbie’ and more serious, character-driven roles. It’s clear she shines in those historical or biographical films that awards voters love, and it’s exciting to see her working with producers in both Europe and the UK – that means even more amazing and challenging scripts are likely coming her way.

Rachel Sennott

Rachel Sennott gained recognition with ‘Shiva Baby’ and continued her success with the witty comedy ‘Bottoms’. She’s often involved in the writing and development process, tailoring characters to suit her talents. This level of creative input often leads to critically acclaimed films and strong acting performances. Exploring more serious, emotionally complex roles would be a great next step for her career.

Joey King

Joey King gained significant praise for her role in ‘The Act’ and has since starred in a variety of successful films, including action, thriller, and romance titles. She’s known for her dedication to physically demanding stunts and her nuanced performances in emotional scenes. With increasingly prominent roles in international projects and streaming releases, she’s reaching a wider audience. A critically acclaimed drama or historical film could really put her on the path to Oscar consideration.

Isabela Merced

Isabela Merced has proven her acting skills in a variety of roles, from the family-friendly adventure ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ to the intense action of ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’. She’s now expanding into science fiction and superhero films to further her career. Her ability to perform in both English and Spanish allows her to participate in international projects and work with acclaimed directors. This kind of flexibility often leads to a standout performance that gets noticed by the Academy Awards.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke has transitioned from popular TV roles to films like ‘Asteroid City’, ‘Do Revenge’, and ‘Wildcat’. She consistently works with directors who have a unique style and emphasize careful acting. Her background in music and theater helps her deliver well-timed and expressive performances. Hawke seems to be carefully choosing roles that will enhance her reputation as a serious actress.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer first gained attention for her compelling and honest performances in ‘Euphoria’. She’s since appeared in films like ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ and ‘Cuckoo’, consistently delivering captivating performances with a quiet intensity that translates beautifully on screen. Taking on more dramatic roles could position her for awards recognition in the future.

Share your picks for the next generation of Oscar winners in the comments.

2025-11-04 14:18