Oscars 2017: Dark Horse/Upset Predictions

Isabelle Huppert in Elle. Image via Sony Pictures Classics

BEST ACTRESS: Isabelle Huppert

Frontrunner: Emma Stone

Potential Upset: Isabelle Huppert

With La La Land poised to take home many of the big awards, it’s no surprise star Emma Stone is the favorite to win. She’s picked up the SAG, BAFTA and Golden Globe (for Comedy/Musical), and could be a tough one to beat.

Enter Isabelle Huppert.

Huppert is a beloved French actress who is often considered one of the best actresses working today. She is critically acclaimed, receiving the most César (French Oscar) nominations of anyone working, and beloved by many directors. She also turned in two incredible performances in 2016 in Elle and Things to Come. In Elle, Huppert is a successful woman dealing with the aftermath of her rape, and in Things to Come she is a teacher grieving after unexpected troubles in her life.

While she was only nominated for her work in Elle, the fact that she turned out two incredible performances this year could only help her. This was the case in 2014 when True Detective helped bump Matthew McCounaghey’s profile. This also could have been the case earlier this year at the Golden Globes, when Huppert picked up the Best Actress award for Drama.

She’s an iconic actress having one of the best years of her career for two critically acclaimed roles and has the European members of the Academy behind her. She just might win.