Jake is a Football and Entertainment betting expert, with a Man City season ticket and a deep knowledge of reality TV betting angles
- Cynthia Erivo leads the 2026 Best Actress betting at 7/4 for Wicked: For Good
- Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Lange remain close contenders
- Jessie Buckley and Jodie Comer offer outside choices in a strong category
Cynthia Erivo Leads Best Actress Odds for 2026 Oscars
The 2026 Academy Awards may still be months away, but betting sites are already tipping Cynthia Erivo as the early frontrunner in the Best Actress race.
The Wicked star once again plays Elphaba in Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated second instalment of the hit musical adaptation, and has been priced at 7/4 to take home the Oscar.
With the film set to release later this year, Erivo’s portrayal is already being hailed as awards-worthy based on insider buzz and the performance’s demanding vocal and emotional range.
Erivo was nominated for the award at this year's Oscars but lost out to Mikey Madison for her performance in Anora.
Already a Tony and Grammy winner, Cynthia Erivo’s jump to Oscar glory has felt like a matter of when, not if.
| 98th Academy Awards - Best Actress | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Cynthia Erivo | 7/4 | 36.4% |
| Jennifer Lawrence | 9/4 | 30.8% |
| Jessica Lange | 4/1 | 20.0% |
| Jessie Buckley | 9/2 | 18.2% |
| Anne Hathaway | 10/1 | 9.1% |
What the expert says...
Lawrence and Lange Close Behind
Jennifer Lawrence, a past Oscar winner for Silver Linings Playbook, is right on Erivo’s heels at 9/4 thanks to early acclaim for her role in Die, My Love, an intense psychological drama adapted from Ariana Harwicz’s novel.
Meanwhile, legendary actress Jessica Lange remains a serious contender at 5/1 for her performance in Long Day’s Journey Into Night.
The Academy has always had a soft spot for veteran brilliance and Lange’s emotional turn could become an Oscar campaign staple.
Entertainment Betting Sites: Best Bookmakers Compared on Reality TV, Entertainment and Novelty Bets
Where to Bet on the Oscars 2026
Award season betting continues to rise in popularity, especially with early odds giving punters options before nominations are even announced.
From acting categories to Best Picture predictions, UK Betting Sites offer plenty of options.
To get started, check out the latest new betting offers ahead of the 98th Academy Awards.
