Actor in a Leading Role – Joaquin Phoenix, Joker

This year’s best actor race is one of the most clear-cut choices in years. With respects to the rest of the nominations, this is Joaquin Phoenix’s award to lose as he is the front-runner, with no real competition. Adam Driver, Jonathan Pryce and Antonio Banderas are first-time nominees in this category while Leonardo DiCaprio now has his sixth nod, but the third time looks to be the charm for Phoenix as he is poised to win his first Oscar.