Who Will Win Best Actress at the 2021 Oscars?

Will Frances McDormand leave with another statue?

By Esther Zuckerman

Published on 23/02/2021 at 08:28 PM

The 2020 Oscars were already more than a year ago, but the race for who will emerge victorious during the 2021 Oscars ceremony in April is just underway. Unlike last time around, when Renée Zellweger sailed breezily to a trophy for Judy, the Best Actress field is crowded. We’ll get more clarity as more precursor awards start to be announced, but for now, here’s who we think is in the running. (Our Best Actor predictions are this way.)

The frontrunner: Frances McDormand, Nomadland

Frances McDormand won her last Oscar in 2018 for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, so to get another one within four years would be quite a feat. And yet, she is currently the odds on favorite thanks to her work in Nomadland, Chloé Zhao’s film about Americans living on the margins. McDormand plays Fern, who makes her van her home after the death of her husband the dissolution of the mining town where they resided. It’s a quieter, more observational performance than Three Billboards, but nonetheless striking.

Likely nominees:

Viola Davis, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Davis, an Oscar winner for Fences, is in the running once again for a film based on the work of August Wilson. She’s the legendary blues singer in the title of George C. Wolfe’s adaptation, putting on prosthetics and heavy makeup while nonetheless oozing power and sex appeal.

Carey Mulligan, Promising Young Woman

When I saw Promising Young Woman back during Sundance 2020 (a million years ago), I would have thought that the divisive movie was too spiky to be an Oscar favorite, but Mulligan is definitely in the race as Cassie, a tormented avenger, a role that balks the period pieces for which the actress is best known.

Vanessa Kirby, Pieces of a Woman

You only have to watch the opening scene of Pieces of a Woman to know why Kirby is in contention. In an unbroken take, her character gives birth and Kirby embodies all the terror and pain of the experience. The rest of the movie, however, is not up to the same caliber, and the fact that her co-star, Shia LaBeouf, is being sued for domestic abuse won’t help.

The wildcards:

Who gets the last spot? Singer Andra Day received a Golden Globe nod in the drama category for her first major acting role as Billie Holiday in Lee Daniel’s The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Michelle Pfeiffer is also a Globe nominee for her icy, hilarious work in French Exit, but that was categorized as a comedy. Meanwhile, despite the film’s terrible reviews, Amy Adams got a SAG nomination for Hillbilly Elegy. You also may not want to discount a legend like Sophia Loren in Netflix’s The Life Ahead. And if Minari wins over voters, Yeri Han could also get the nod.

Our hopefuls:

The Oscars being the Oscars, some of our favorite performances of the year barely have a chance, like Sidney Flanigan in Never Rarely Sometimes Always, Julia Garner in The Assistant, and Haley Bennett in Swallow. But if there’s any year in film that it could happen for them, it’s gotta be this one.

Esther Zuckerman is a senior entertainment writer at Thrillist. Follow her on Twitter @ezwrites.

Entertainment

Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year 2023 in Australia

And what it means to be in the year of the Rabbit.

By Natasha Bazika

Published on 12/01/2023 at 12:59

where to celebrate lunar new year australia

Starting with the new moon on Sunday, January 22, this Lunar New Year ushers in the year of the Rabbit. We’ve put together a guide on celebrating the Lunar New Year in Australia.

What is special about the year of the Rabbit?

As you might know, each year has an animal sign in the Chinese Zodiac, which is based on the moon and has a 12-year cycle. This year, we celebrate the year of the rabbit, known to be the luckiest out of all twelve animals. It symbolises mercy, elegance, and beauty.

What celebrations are taking place and how can I get involved?

There are plenty of festivals happening all around the country which you can get involved with. Here they are per state.

New South Wales

Darling Harbour Fireworks
When: Every year, Sydney puts on a fireworks show, and this year, you can catch it on January 28 and February 4 at 9 pm in Darling Harbour.

Dragon Boat Races
When: Witness three days of dragon boat races and entertainment on Cockle Bay to usher in the Lunar New Year. The races will commence on January 27 and finish on January 29.

Lion Dances
When: Catch a traditional Lion Dance moving to the beat of a vigorous drum bringing good luck and fortune for the Lunar New Year. The dance performances will happen across Darling Harbour on Saturday, January 21, Sunday, January 22, and Sunday, February 4 and 5, around 6 pm and 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at Cirrus Dining
When: Barangaroo’s waterfront seafood restaurant, Cirrus, is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit with a special feast menu. Cirrus’ LNY menu is $128pp with optional wine pairing and is available from Saturday, January 21, to Sunday, February 5.

Auntie Philter
When: Hello Auntie’s owner and executive chef, Cuong Nguyen will be dishing out some of the most classic Vietnamese street foods with his mum, Linda. All of Philter’s favourites will be on offer, as well as Raspberry Pash Beer Slushies and other cocktails being served at the Philter Brewing rooftop bar on Sunday, January 22 and Sunday, January 29.

Victoria

Lunar New Year Festival
When: Ring in the Lunar New Year with food, music, arts, and more on Sunday, January 22, from 10 am to 9 pm.

Lunar New Year at the National Gallery of Victoria
When: Celebrate the year of the rabbit at the National Gallery of Victoria’s festival of art, food, and art-making activities for everyone from 10 am-5 pm.

Queensland

BriAsia Festival
When: From February 1-19, Brisbane will come alive with performances, including lion dances and martial arts displays. There will be street food, workshops, comedy and more.

South Australia

Chinatown Adelaide Street Party
When: Adelaide is set to hose a fun-filled day celebrating the Chinese New Year on Saturday, January 28, from 12 pm to 9 pm.

Western Australia

Crown Perth
When: Across January and February, Crown Perth hosts free live entertainment, including colourful lion dances, roving mascots, and drumming performances. The restaurants will also throw banquets and menus dedicated to the Lunar New Year.

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