List compiled by Eddie on 01/05/2026

While like anything in life there are no guarantees, below there’s a list of 10 current day actors that based off past works could and should be seen one day on Hollywood’s night of nights with a golden statue in their hand.

Some in this list you could argue are unlucky to have never been nominated so or even won prior, with many starting out as young performers and delivering years’ worth of worthy works that the Academy has so far failed to recognise.

It’s an exciting thing as a film fan to sit back and witness the birth of what appears on paper to be a promising career, personally I still vividly remember the first time I saw the likes of Tom Holland (The Impossible), Florence Pugh (Lady Macbeth), Alicia Vikander (A Royal Affair), Michael Fassbender (Hunger), Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later) or Barry Keoghan (The Killing of a Sacred Deer) in early career roles that clearly showcased they were on track for superstardom/career mastery and that same thrill is found today with a fantastic crop of industry risers coming our way.

It will be interesting to look back at a list like this in 5 – 10 years’ time to see where everyone listed finds themselves, in the meantime, happy reading and see you at the movies!

Disclaimer – In compiling this list actors that had already been nominated for an Academy Award were not considered and those aged over 40 also.

10. Christopher Abbott

Notable roles – Poor Things, Possessor, It Comes at Night

Making his film debut back in 2011 in the memorable Martha Marcy May Marlene, American actor Christopher Abbott has continued to deliver over the past 15 years with a range of notable indie turns and prominent roles in bigger budget fair. Lined up to appear in one of his biggest projects yet in the high-profile East of Eden miniseries, at the age of 40, Abbott’s career still feels like its ready to really hit the big time.

9. Joseph Quinn

Notable roles – Stranger Things, Warfare, Gladiator 2

For some he may always be Stranger Things favourite Eddie Munson but Quinn is a lot more than his iconic mulleted hero. Currently filming his role as legendary Beatles member George Harrison and playing a prominent part in the new Avengers outing, Quinn is set to become even more of a household name of the next few years as he progresses on his way to becoming one of cinema’s biggest stars, with all the talent to boot.

8. Odessa A’zion

Notable roles – Marty Supreme, Until Dawn, I Love LA

Still very much in the early stages of her budding career, having one of her more prominent career patches in 2025 thanks to a key role in critical darling Marty Supreme and HBO show I Love LA, Odessa A’zion is still somewhat of an unknown entity but based off recent years you’d be a brave soul to bet against her becoming one of the biggest and brightest young talents in the world.

7. Owen Cooper

Notable roles – Adolescence, Wuthering Heights

It may seem somewhat unfair to throw teenager Owen Cooper into a list like this but for the millions of others like me that were wowed by the British performers work in hit Netflix miniseries Adolescence, it’s clear to see that the Emmy winner is showing all the signs of becoming one of the biggest talents we’ve seen in the modern era. With a key role in esteemed director Tom Ford’s long awaited next feature film soon to come, the hype around Cooper is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

6. Josh O’Connor

Notable roles – Challengers, Wake Up Dead Man, The Crown

Steadily building up his C.V from indie fair into prominent mainstream outings, notably in the soon to release new Spielberg blockbuster Disclosure Day, Josh O’Connor’s spent the better part of the last decade showcasing a vast array of acting chops and his keenness to test himself in challenging arthouse products as well as notable event pictures is the perfect formula for him to remain front and centre to awards voters in the many years to come.

5. Juno Temple

Notable roles – Killer Joe, Ted Lasso, Fargo

Undoubtedly most well-known to viewers as Keeley Jones from hit Apple series Ted Lasso, Juno Temple has been crafting an impressively diverse and consistent collection of films and TV since making her debut all the way back in 2000. Temple’s ability to play it straight, demented and funny is testament to her considerable range and when she gets the right chance in the right film, it’s highly likely she will deliver a performance that is undeniable to Academy voters.

4. Zendaya

Notable roles – Dune, The Drama, Spider-Man: Homecoming

A brand unto herself, Zendaya has quickly and surely become one of Hollywood’s most powerful entities. Consistently delivering quality products and attaching herself to some of the most challenging and notable works of recent times sets Zendaya up to become a major awards player for decades yet to come with her recent turn in hit The Drama potentially her likely first time as a nominee.

3. Jack O’Connell

Notable roles – Starred Up, Unbroken, Sinners

Finally starting to get some more wider recognition after big roles in recent horror films 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and Sinners and hit British show Rogue Heroes, one gets the feeling that one-time child actor Jack O’Connell is about to launch into the stratosphere. With all due respect, O’Connell should have already been in Academy conversations for the likes of Sinners, Starred Up and Unbroken and as he enters this new phase of his career we can only hope he starts to get his just rewards.

2. Cailee Spaeny

Notable roles – Civil War, Beef, Alien: Romulus

Everything about Cailee Spaeny’s early work makes one believe she is going to be one of the most prominent and powerful actresses working in Hollywood for the foreseeable future. Holding her own against alien scum in horror hit Alien: Romulus and standing out in A24 hit Civil War, Spaeny is an undeniable talent who’s acting gifts appear at this stage to be unlimited.

1.  David Jonsson

Notable roles – The Long Walk, Industry, Rye Lane

Gaining massive industry attention thanks to his turn in the well-received if not hugely well-known Rye Lane, David Jonsson has shown no signs of slowing down off the back of notable turns in Alien: Romulus and a role where he deserved awards recognition in sleeper hit The Long Walk. Still in his early 30’s, Jonsson’s career is shaping up nicely to become one of the most eclectic and diverse amongst his fellow peers.

Who are the actors you believe are headed for Oscar winning stardom? Let me know in the comments below!