Teyana Taylor has solidified her position as the new frontrunner in the 2026 Oscar race, surpassing early favorite Ariana Grande in the Best Supporting Actress category. According to most tracking sites, including Gold Derby, the star of One Battle After Another (OBAA) is now the consensus pick for both a nomination and the eventual win, dominating the conversation this November.
Taylor’s performance as Perfidia Beverly Hills has been called “electrifying” and the film’s “catalyst,” despite her role only spanning about twenty minutes of screen time. Her sudden ascension past Grande, who stars in Wicked: For Good, is attributed to the powerful, memorable impact of her character and the overall strength of her Best Picture-contending film, OBAA.
Grande, playing Glinda in the highly anticipated musical, remains a strong contender but has dropped to the second or third spot in most pundit lists following mixed reviews for Wicked. Experts suggest Taylor’s commanding performance, which is felt throughout the movie even after her character exits, gives her the decisive narrative edge that Academy voters often favor.
The Teyana Taylor Supporting Actress Frontrunner status signals a major turning point in the season. With her film dominating the major categories, Taylor is well-positioned to benefit from the momentum, making her Oscar bid one of the most exciting and unexpected success stories of the 2026 awards cycle.
