The Oscar Narrative: First 2022 Oscar Nomination Predictions - Best Supporting Actress

First 2022 Nomination Predictions

Cate Blanchett "Don't Look Up"

Glenn Close "Swan Song" 

Ariana DeBose "West Side Story" 

Meryl Streep "Don't Look Up" 

Anya Taylor-Joy "Untitled David O. Russell" 

Other Contenders - Mary J. Blige "Respect", Jayne Houdyshell "The Humans", Ruth Negga "Passing", Zoe Saldana "Untitled David O. Russell", Florence Pugh "Black Widow", Emma Thompson "Cruella", Judi Dench "Belfast", Olga Merediz "In the Heights", Rita Moreno "West Side Story", Toni Collette "Nightmare Alley", Ann Dowd "Mass", Zendaya "Dune", Rebecca Ferguson "Dune", Tilda Swinton "The French Dispatch", Elisabeth Moss "The French Dispatch", Julianne Moore "Dear Evan Hansen", Amy Adams "Dear Evan Hansen", Thomasin McKenzie "The Power of the Dog", Kirsten Dunst "The Power of the Dog", Audra McDonald "Respect", Olivia Colman "Mothering Sunday", Melissa Barrera "In the Heights", Zazie Beetz "The Harder They Fall", Awkwafina "Swan Song", Jodie Comer "The Last Duel", Aunjanue Ellis "King Richard", Vera Farmiga "The Many Saints of Newark", Julianne Nicholson "Blonde", Sally Hawkins "Spencer", Marlee Matlin "Coda"

Commentary - In the early race, if things turn out like we thing they might, this is going to be one heck of a race to the finish. The magnitude of talented actresses with potentials is astounding, and heartwarming considering the sometimes lack of contenders in the female races. Maybe we are starting to really see more women at the center of film. Adam McKay's Vice was incredibly divisive, and yet still managed to sweep the major categories in terms of nominations. Clearly this guy is on a high point with the Academy, and his next film Don't Look Up is a star-studded vehicle. I think the actors will continue to lavish praise, and both Cate Blanchett and Meryl Streep, Oscar-winning legends, will continue to be awards magnets. Glenn Close got in for Hillbilly Elegy, so all bets are off. I think she may return for her role in Swan Song opposite Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris, which has a lot of potential. Anya Taylor-Joy could snag Emmy gold in a few months, but either way, her star is on the rise. Paired with David O. Russell could mean she is an Oscar nominee as well very soon. Finally, an up and coming star always crashes these races, and Ariana DeBose has been quickly climbing the radar. Her role in West Side Story, which has always been an awards magnet, could be her ticket to her first nod. Beyond that there are so many contenders, the possibilities seem endless. Jayne Houdyshell could take her Tony win for this role and make it an Oscar win. Recent nominee Mary J. Blige has a big role in Respect. Ruth Negga is getting a lot of buzz for Passing. and Olga Merediz is an early favorite for In the Heights. You have plenty of previous winners hoping to get back in including Emma Thompson, Judi Dench, Rita Moreno, Tilda Swinton, Julianne Moore, Olivia Colman, and Marlee Matlin. Plenty of nominees are also hoping to return including Florence Pugh, Toni Collette, Amy Adams, Vera Farmiga, and Sally Hawkins. Television stars, many of whom were nominated or won recent Emmys are hoping to make into the film awards including Ann Dowd, Zendaya, Elisabeth Moss, Zazie Beetz, Jodie Comer, Aunjanue Ellis, and Julianne Nicholson. Finally, don't count out up and coming stars like Rebecca Ferguson, Awkwafina, Thomasin McKenzie, and Melissa Barrerra, as well as veteran stars like Kirsten Dunst and Zoe Saldana. As I said, this race is going to be packed.